Nwa.com
E-Boarding Pass
Effective 5/28/08
Northwest Airlines now offers E-Boarding Passes in select markets. Customers using nwa.com check-in from a PC or mobile device can receive an electronic boarding pass on a mobile phone or PDA. Simply display the barcode at the security checkpoint and at the gate to board.
E-Boarding Pass is currently offered on Northwest operated non-stop flights from Indianapolis, IN, Detroit, MI, and Minneapolis, MN to cities within the U.S and is available on hundreds of devices.
How to use: When using nwa.com check-in from your PC or mobile device, select the E-Boarding Pass option from the drop down on the "Completing your Check-in" page. Simply provide your mobile information when prompted and your E-Boarding Pass will be sent to your mobile device after you complete check-in.
To provide the best quality bar code and E-Boarding Pass, the following information will be required:
  • Mobile service provider
  • Mobile handset make
  • Mobile handset model
This information can be saved on a computer for future use or will be automatically recognized when checking in on a mobile device.
View E-Boarding Pass
Frequently Asked Questions
At the airport:
  • Have the barcode image available on the screen of your device when approaching the security checkpoint or boarding gate. Note – if the scanner cannot read your E-Boarding Pass, a paper boarding pass will be required.
  • Ensure the entire barcode is visible on the screen of your device.
  • Make certain the backlight is on when the barcode is being scanned.
  • At the gate, hold your E-Boarding Pass on the scanner. The agent will advise when your E-Boarding Pass has been validated and you can board
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Where is E-Boarding Pass offered? 
E-Boarding Pass is currently offered on non-stop flights from Indianapolis, IN, Detroit, MI, and Minneapolis, MN during check-in on nwa.com. If you are departing from IND, DTW, or MSP you must be checking in as a single passenger on a Northwest operated non-stop flight within the United States.
2. What types of devices can receive an E-Boarding Pass? 
E-Boarding Pass can be used on hundreds of mobile phones and PDAs, and with the following service providers: AT&T US, Alltel US, Sprint US, T-Mobile US, and Verizon US.
3. Why is my mobile device not in the list of acceptable devices?  
Certain devices will not be available for E-Boarding Pass. This applies to devices where the screen is too small to correctly format the barcode.
4. What if I don't see my model but choose a similar model instead?  
If a different model is selected, the E-Boarding Pass will still be sent. However, it may not be optimized, and there is an increased chance that the barcode will not be correctly scanned.
5. How is the E-Boarding Pass sent and received?  
The E-Boarding Pass is sent to either an e-mail address or mobile phone number in the form of an e-mail, WAP push/link or MMS message.
6. How do I specify my device and service provider to receive an E-Boarding Pass? 
During check-in on nwa.com you will have the option to select an E-Boarding Pass, and at this time you will be prompted to input your service provider, handset make, and handset model.
7. When will I receive my E-Boarding Pass?  
Your E-Boarding Pass will be sent after you complete check-in.
8. I did not receive my E-Boarding Pass, can I request another one? 
Yes, if you do not receive your E-Boarding Pass, you can check in at nwa.com again and request another E-Boarding Pass be sent.
9. What will be required at the airport when using an E-Boarding Pass?  
You should have the barcode image available on the screen of your device when approaching the security checkpoint or boarding gate. Please ensure the entire barcode is visible on the screen of your device and make certain the backlight is on when the barcode is being scanned. You should also have a valid government issued photo ID available for inspection at the Security Checkpoint.
10. What if I am checking luggage?  
If you are using an E-Boarding pass and checking luggage simply use the Self-service Check-in Kiosk at the airport to check luggage.  Please have your valid government issued photo ID as well as the barcode image on the screen of your device available for the ticket agent to verify before proceeding to the security checkpoint with your E-Boarding Pass. A new E-Boarding Pass will not be sent.
11. What if I am standing by for First Class at the gate, what happens to my E-Boarding Pass? 
When you are cleared off the Passenger Processing List in First Class, your E-Boarding Pass in Coach will be exchanged for a paper boarding pass in First Class, and you will board using the paper boarding pass. If you are not cleared in First Class, you will board with your original E-Boarding Pass.