I am no fan of NW. However with no status and no 3rd bag, you get 140 lbs. even on the cheapest bucket shop ticket (as you do with all US carriers). That being said, I have never had a problem with NW with a third bag, without having any status with KLM or NW at the time.

The 20 kilo thing is great when your limit is 20 kilos, but at the end of the day, that is only 88 lbs as opposed to 140 lbs that you get normally and 210 lbs in most normal circumstances.

Keep in mind one other thing ALL US airlines will come down on you if you have an oversized bag, or have a bag that is way over the weight limit.

I really do not see what all the problem/fuss is regarding this subject.