How is northwest airlines. Any opinions on them.

I took them AMS-SEA and nothing terrible happened. The seats and plane were equally uncomfortable as any other airline.

I prefer them for international travel. I like the A330 seat configuration, movie selection is decent, food is pretty good in coach. For domestic they are pretty comparable to any of the legacy guys.

On the A330s, I think they are the best of the major trans-Atlantic airlines, including the European ones. AVOD, free booze, as much legroom as anybody else, the best hubs, good enough food. I struggle to think of anyone who is as good. In business class, they are probably upper-middle. Better than Alitalia, Swiss, KLM, and about the same or slightly better than the other US-based airlines.

A few caveats:

1) My understanding is that the 747s are not as comfortable.
2) Domestically, they are not great.
3) And internationally, be careful that the flights are not actually on KLM, as they are not a good airline.

I flew KLM the other way (YVR-AMS) on the same trip that I flew NW, and I'd say the KLM plane looked a little sharper, although possible a little less spacious. I also flew KLM on two flights within Europe, and in my opinion, it was a bit above average for this type of flight. So based on my experience of KLM and NW, I wouldn't say KLM is worse.

I've flown NWA internationally, and KLM once over there and found both of them at or slightly above average.

My comments about KLM are about the international experience, not the intra-European one. Within Europe, they are fine in coach. About the same as you will find in the US. Intra-European "Biz" is an even bigger joke than the other European airlines, and that is saying something - don't even think about wasting your money.

For international flights, the KLM 747s are pretty bleak. Old, shabby planes, with tight (31" pitch) and uncomfortable coach seating and behind-the-times business class. The 777s feature equally tight seating, even if they are more modern. The A330s finally rise to the 32" seat pitch level, but this only puts them at the level of plenty of others. That they fly MD-11s shouldn't require further discussion. And prepare to pay €50 each way for any seat that is halfway decent. I don't think they could be called anything but average or below.

But, I don't want this to be about KLM, my point was just to be careful. As I said, NW (on an A330) is my preferred airline for international travel. I will go out of my way to fly them and will even pay a slight premium. But, given the joint venture, you can buy what looks like a NW flight, that is really on KLM metal (JFK, Dulles, Atlanta, Chicago, and San Francisco come to mind as KLM-serviced destinations).

Given that I think KLM is, at best, average, I don't give KLM the same weight as I do Northwest and wanted to temper my enthusiasm, so that the OP didn't read my "best" comments and come back after an average KLM flight wondering what I was smoking.

I've flown Northwest alot, and while they're not my first pick (use other airlines with more areas of service) - they are certainly not an airline I would shy away from. Have flown them within the US - and to Asia. They're fine...

The big plus for NWA internationally is that they use Amsterdam as a hub. Amsterdam is one of the best airports in Europe for transfers (much better than Paris CDG or London Heathrow).

I am assuming you are flying domestic?
I fly them often, and though the planes are a bit outdated, the flight attendants and pilots are pleasant (more than I can say for US Airways). Like said by Debi, i wouldn't shy away from them.

What are the best seats on Northwest airlines 747 going to Osaka out of DTW. what amenities are still available to the economy class?

I don't know, but seatguru.com can probably help you with that.

Northwest is still using a few 747-200's. I would avoid these. But as mentioned, their Airbus A330 with 2x4x2 seating is great!

NW has retired the 742 for scheduled revenue service. It's all 744. The passenger 742s are only for charter service.

Thanks. I also believe this will be a 744. I went to seat guru and chose the seat 63K. According to some, this seat is good because it has more room, although its in the very back. I would love to hear from someone who has sat in a seat similar to this one. I believe 63 - 65 A/C & H/K are recommended with seat guru. Also, hows the food on these Norhtwest flights, and what charges are there for alcoholic beverages?
Thanks in advance for anyone's help
Kip

Have flown Coach on NWA and KLM in 12/07 and 06/07 and it was a good experience. The food was good and the alcohol was free (these were European trips)

Free alcoholic drinks only on trans-Atlantic flights to match KL's service policy. Not sure about exact cost, but most likely $5 a drink on trans-Pacific in coach.

Those 2-by-2 seats in the back on the 744 are best if two of you traveling together, for apparent reasons. But sitting in the back means getting food last and getting off last. There's a very large gap between the window seat and the window to put stuff.

I don't use NW all that much, but it's more a matter of schedule and convenience.

I've taken a couple international flights - ICN, TPE - with no adverse opinions at all.

Domestically, they're about the same as the others, just not as convenient for me flying out of CLE or PIT.

I ususally fly Delta, but they dont go to Kansai, NW does. I am going with NW because i can get the MQM's and get a jump on the year for maintaining platinum status.
Anyway, thanks to all for comments and suggestions. I am new to the board, but will be using it alot more for info regarding my travels.

I'm confused...

We are looking at DFW to AMS on NW Flight 8670 operated by KLM

Coming back NW Flight 8669 - again operated by KLM.

Is this the "good" NW planes as noted by travelgourmet?