IndustrialPatent

This thread is a work in progress. Much of the information was originally developed in an older thread created to get NW added to SeatGuru. Well, that goal was accomplished but I still saw a place for developing the breadth of the information and presenting it in a thread that was more accessible. Again, comments, corrections and suggestions are most appreciated!

The FlyerTalk Guide to NWA’s Equipment, including the Best and Worst Seats

HOT TIP: Some of the recommended seats below are reserved until the day of departure -- they can easily be reserved by using NWA.com check-in 36-hours out.


McDonnell Douglas DC-9
Although NW’s oldest DC-9 was manufactured in 1967, the fleet type didn’t join NW’s fleet until twenty years later, when NW acquired Republic Airlines. In the mid- to late-1990s, each DC-9 was rebuilt and received a new, B717-like interior. Today, NW operates more than 160 of the fleet type including four different variations from the classic “baby” -10 to the newer, stretched -50. NW’s DC-9 fleet is modern-looking, reliable and mostly comfortable (especially considering it flies routes NW’s competition serves mostly with cramped regional jets); it deserves recognition as the workhorse of the fleet – a title it will retain for many more years. The DC-9 is not equipped with audio or video.

McDonnell Douglas DC-9-10
The DC-9-10 will be phased out from NW’s fleet within a couple years.
FIRST CLASS[*]1AB is a roomy bulkhead; be aware there’s no overhead storage![*]be aware that because only a curtain separates First from Economy, row 4 can be exposed to noise that seeps from the main cabin
ECONOMY CLASS[*]row 5 (a curtain, not a bulkhead, is in front of it) has lots of legroom, plenty of under seat storage but immoveable in-arm tables; many FlyerTalkers (myself included) claim the legroom exceeds that of First Class[*]6D is an aisle seat with no seat in front of it[*]row 9 is a roomy exit row[*]avoid rows 8, 16 & 17 as they have limited recline

McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30
please also see SeatGuru’s suggestions
FIRST CLASS[*]row 1 is a roomy bulkhead; be aware there’s no overhead storage for 1AB![*]be aware that because only a curtain separates First from Economy, row 4 can be exposed to noise that seeps from the main cabin
ECONOMY CLASS[*]row 5 (a curtain, not a bulkhead, is in front of it) has lots of legroom, plenty of under seat storage but immoveable in-arm tables; many FlyerTalkers (myself included) claim the legroom exceeds that of First Class[*]6D is an aisle seat with no seat in front of it[*]rows 11 & 12 are roomy exit rows; note that row 11 has limited recline[*]avoid rows 10, 20 & 21 as they have limited recline

McDonnell Douglas DC-9-40
please also see SeatGuru’s suggestions
FIRST CLASS[*]row 1 is a roomy bulkhead; be aware there’s no overhead storage for 1AB![*]be aware that because only a curtain separates First from Economy, row 4 can be exposed to noise that seeps from the main cabin
ECONOMY CLASS[*]row 5 (a curtain, not a bulkhead, is in front of it) has lots of legroom, plenty of under seat storage but immoveable in-arm tables; many FlyerTalkers (myself included) claim the legroom exceeds that of First Class[*]6D is an aisle seat with no seat in front of it[*]rows 12 & 13 are roomy exit rows; note that row 12 has limited recline[*]avoid rows 11, 22 & 23 as they have limited recline

McDonnell Douglas DC-9-50
please also see SeatGuru’s suggestions
FIRST CLASS[*]row 1 is a roomy bulkhead; be aware there’s no overhead storage for 1AB![*]be aware that because only a curtain separates First from Economy, row 4 can be exposed to noise that seeps from the main cabin
ECONOMY CLASS[*]row 5 (a curtain, not a bulkhead, is in front of it) has lots of legroom, plenty of under seat storage but immoveable in-arm tables; many FlyerTalkers (myself included) claim the legroom exceeds that of First Class[*]6D is an aisle seat with no seat in front of it[*]rows 14 & 15 are roomy exit rows; note that row 14 has limited recline[*]avoid rows 13, 25 & 26 as they have limited recline


Airbus A319/A320
NW became the North American launch consumer for the A320 when it took its first delivery in 1989. The initial order of 100 was meant to replace the B727; however, financial difficulties forced the airline to cancel its order after 50 deliveries and keep the B727 for an extra decade. In the late 1990s, NW resumed delivery of the A320 and began delivery of its shrunken sister, the A319. Today, NW is the second-largest operator of A320-family aircraft worldwide, and will overtake UA as the largest operator sometime next year. The A319/A320 is extremely comfortable (seats are wider than its B737 counterpart) and will undoubtedly become the workhouse of the fleet in the near future.

Airbus A319
please also see SeatGuru’s suggestions
FIRST CLASS[*]row 1 is a roomy bulkhead[*]be aware that because only a curtain separates First from Economy, row 4 can be exposed to noise that seeps from the main cabin
ECONOMY CLASS[*]row 5 (a curtain, not a bulkhead, is in front of it) has lots of legroom, plenty of under seat storage but immoveable in-arm tables; many FlyerTalkers (myself included) claim the legroom exceeds that of First Class[*]row 9 is roomy exit row[*]avoid rows 8A/8F and 22 as they have eith no or limited recline
Airbus A320
please also see SeatGuru’s suggestions
FIRST CLASS[*]row 1 is a roomy bulkhead[*]be aware that because only a curtain separates First from Economy, row 4 can be exposed to noise that seeps from the main cabin
ECONOMY CLASS[*]row 5 (a curtain, not a bulkhead, is in front of it) has lots of legroom, plenty of under seat storage but immoveable in-arm tables; many FlyerTalkers (myself included) claim the legroom exceeds that of First Class[*]rows 10 & 11 are roomy exit row[*]avoid seats A/F in rows 9 and 10, as well as all of row 26, as they have either no or limited recline


Boeing 757-200/300
The B757 joined then-Northwest Orient’s fleet in 1985. Initially, each aircraft had a name (e.g. The City of Los Angeles), but they were dropped as the aircraft were painted into the “bowling shoe” livery. In late 2002, the stretched -300 joined the fleet, replacing the aging DC-10-40 which had flown for the company for almost 30 years. The older B752, ships 5501 through 5534, are designated “755” and have a different configuration than the newer ships (5644 through 5657), designated “B756.” You can check and see which configuration you’re scheduled on by reviewing your reservation online. The B757 are equipped with audio and video systems; however, they’re currently utilized only on flights within Asia.

Boeing 757-200 (5500 series)
please also see SeatGuru’s suggestions
FIRST CLASS[*]row 1AB is a roomy bulkhead but doesn’t have any foot cutouts or baggage space; also, it’s hard to see the video screen.[*]row 2CD is a roomy bulkhead with a foot cutout; some FlyerTalkers consider these seats the best in the fleet.
ECONOMY CLASS[*]row 14 is a roomy bulkhead[*]rows 15 have extra legroom and are in a two-abreast configuration[*]rows 16 & 33 are roomy exit rows; avoid A/F as the slide takes up too much space[*]seats A/F in row 19 are missing windows![*]avoid rows 32, 40DEF & 41, as well as all of row 26, as they have either no or limited recline
Boeing 757-200 (5600 series)
please also see SeatGuru’s suggestions
The ships based within Asia are in the same configuration as those based within the USA, except they have one less First Class row for added legroom.
FIRST CLASS[*]row 1AB is a roomy bulkhead but doesn’t have any foot cutouts or baggage space; also, it’s hard to see the video screen.[*]row 2CD is a roomy bulkhead with a foot cutout; some FlyerTalkers consider these seats the best in the fleet.
ECONOMY CLASS[*]rows 16, 23 & 24 are roomy exit rows; avoid 16A/F as the slide takes up too much space[*]seats A/F in row 19 are missing windows![*]avoid row 22 as it has either no or limited recline
Boeing 757-300
please also see SeatGuru’s suggestions
FIRST CLASS[*]row 1 is a roomy bulkhead; AB have foot cutouts but CD don’t
ECONOMY CLASS[*]row 14 is an exit row in a two-abreast configuration; the slide takes up too much space in 14A.[*]15C has plenty of extra legroom, due to the lack of a seat in front of it[*]rows 26, 27 & 40 are roomy exit rows; be aware that row 26 has limited recline[*]avoid rows 25, 39 & 48 as they have either no or limited recline


McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30
The DC-10-30 were acquired secondhand throughout the 1990s to replace the DC-10-40, which proved to be too unreliable for NW. The planes fly transoceanic and Honolulu flights exclusively, they are configured with World Business Class up front. The interiors are relatively new, but unfortunately due to the design of the aircraft, passenger amenities are sub par (the air-conditioning vents, lights, etc. don’t match up to each passenger). Audio and video (PTV in WBC, movie projectors/overheard TVs in Economy) are available in both classes. The DC-10-30 will likely be phased out of the fleet within several years, and therefore the aircraft will not receive the new WBC (although some may likely receive a temporary high-density configuration up front; e.g. no leg rests and a couple extra rows).

McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30
please also see SeatGuru’s suggestions
WORLD BUSINESS CLASS[*]row 1AB is a roomy bulkhead that feels more private than the other seats[*]row 1CG have plenty of legroom but too much traffic in front (people going to the bathroom, FA moving service carts, etc.)[*]row 2CG & 3CG have are desirable because either person can get up without hassling the other; G is better than C because you can get to the bathroom without walking in front of row 1 or the gallery[*][/b]avoid 5AB, 4CG & 4HJ[/b] as they’re in the way of traffic and noise coming from the gallery
ECONOMY CLASS[*]row 10 is a roomy bulkhead; be aware that bassinets may intrude your space in C/G; the tray table is in the armrest making them immoveable; this row is poor for viewing the video screen[*]19AB/20AB are excellent seats reserved for crew rests on flights longer than eight hours, but available on shorter flights[*]20C/G are desirable because there’s no seats behind them[*]row 22 is a roomy exit room and has the most legroom; be aware that the windows (A/J) have limited legroom due to the slide and some consider them the worst seats on the plane; 22C (the aisle) is considered the best seat overall, especially if you’re interested in the video screen


Airbus A330-200/300
It’s taken nearly fifteen years for the A330 to join NW since it was first ordered, but the wait proved to be well worth it. A new, modern WBC reigns up front. The first half of Economy features 34” of legroom and laptop power ports whereas the second half has a standard 32” (and no laptop power ports). Audio and personal video screens with AVOD (audio and video on demand) are at every seat. A new, more appealing interior reigns in the aircraft.

Airbus A330-300
Coming Soon


Boeing 747-200
The B742 is perhaps the last remaining relic of when NW was a luxury transpacific carrier. Although the oldest B742 have been retired, a tremendous amount of history remains within the surviving fleet. For example, one aircraft made regular visits to Honolulu while operating for Braniff. Unfortunately, the days of NW’s Royal Imperial Service and ultra luxurious cabin service are no more... and even more unfortunate, the days of NW’s B742 flying are coming to and end; the entire fleet type should be phased out of passenger service by the end of next year.

NW operates the B742 in two configurations: standard and “beach market.” The latter is identical to the standard version, except that it has less WBC and more Economy seats in the lower deck. New interiors were installed within each aircraft in the late 1990s. Audio and video (PTV in WBC, movie projectors/overheard TVs in Economy) are available in both classes.

Boeing 747-200
WORLD BUSINESS CLASS[*]rows 85-87 (the upper deck) are the former First Class seats – they’re wider than the other WBC seats, feature 70”+ pitch and seats that lay flat; windows are more desirable as there are cabinets along the windows in lieu of overhead bins and a passenger in the aisle has to reach over the person in the window to get his carryon; these seats are preassigned to elites only.[*]row 85 is a bulkhead; nobody in front of you reclines[*]row 1 has significantly more legroom[/b][*]avoid row 4 & 16-18 as they’re 6 abreast
ECONOMY CLASS[*]row 21 is a bulkhead with lots of legroom[*]row 35 is a room exit row; be aware that the slide takes up most of A/K[*]row 51 is a roomy exit row; be aware that it’s next to the gallery so it may be noisy
Boeing 747-200 Beach Market
WORLD BUSINESS CLASS[*]rows 85-87 (the upper deck) are the former First Class seats – they’re wider than the other WBC seats, feature 70”+ pitch and seats that lay flat; windows are more desirable as there are cabinets along the windows in lieu of overhead bins and a passenger in the aisle has to reach over the person in the window to get his carryon; these seats are preassigned to elites only.[*]row 85 is a bulkhead; nobody in front of you reclines[*]row 1 has significantly more legroom[/b][*]avoid row 4 as it’s 6 abreast
ECONOMY CLASS[*]row 9 is a roomy bulkhead[*]row 21 is a bulkhead with lots of legroom[*]row 35 is a room exit row; be aware that the slide takes up most of A/K[*]row 51 is a roomy exit row; be aware that it’s next to the gallery so it may be noisy


Boeing 747-400
NW was the worldwide launch consumer of the B744, an updated version of the B747 – which has served as the flagship of NW’s fleet for more than 30 years - in 1989. The Queen of the Skies will likely serve for NW for many years to come, but exclusively across the Pacific where NW has reigned as a dominate carrier for more than 50 years. The aircraft are currently receiving the updated WBC seating – the process will likely take up to a year, and the aircraft will not be deployed on specific routes so it will be a hit-or-miss.

Boeing 747-400
please also see SeatGuru’s suggestions

WORLD BUSINESS CLASS[*]rows 1-4 are the former First Class seats – they’re wider than the other WBC seats, feature 70” pitch and seats that lay flatter; row 4 is the least desirable as it’s four abreast; these seats are preassigned to elites only.[*]row 73AB is a bulkhead; nobody in front of you reclines[*]row 9 & 10AB have significantly more legroom[/b][*]avoid row 72JK as they’re directly behind the noisy bathroom[*]row 77 is a roomy exit row, but it’s hard to see out the window
ECONOMY CLASS[*]row 21 has lots of legroom[*]row 23DEFG have extra legroom[*]row 35 is a room exit row; be aware that the slide takes up most of A/K[*]row 51 is a roomy exit row; be aware that it’s next to the gallery so it may be noisy[*]row 63B/J have extra space next to them due to the curvature of the plane

- - -

Saab 340 – SF3
Saab 340 – SFA
The best seat… is no substitute for earplugs! - eastwest
There are two versions of the Saab 340: the SF3 (with 11 rows) and SFA (10 rows). You can determine the model by looking at the number on the little door that hides the front landing gear; if there’s an “A” in the number, there isn’t a row 11!
- row 1 has extra legroom; if it’s a SF3, there will be a wall in front (but not in the SFA). A – the FA’s seat is right in front of you, the door padding sticks out some and you’re prone to outside weather conditions (e.g. rain) when the door’s open. C/D are better choices.
- the “window” seats in row 2 (A/D) don’t have windows!
- row 11 has the most legroom, but doesn’t recline
- rows 7-11 have slightly more legroom than rows 1-6
- row 5 doesn’t recline
- row 6 is an exit but it does not have extra legroom and A/D don’t have outer arm rests

Canadair Regional Jet 200
Canadair Regional Jet 440

Avro RJ85
FIRST CLASS
- if you’re choosing a window seat for the view, sit in rows 1A-3A as 4A is obstructed by the wing
COACH CLASS
- row 5 (the first row in coach; there’s no bulkhead, just a curtain) has lots of legroom
- row 6D is an aisle seat with no seat in front
- row 15D is an aisle seat with no seat in front