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EAGAN, Minn. -- Northwest Airlines is reminding its customers of a new requirement from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration affecting all airline passengers and providing its customers with suggestions on how to navigate new security processes.

Liquids must be in checked luggage

Effective today, the TSA has informed Northwest that travelers are not allowed to transport any liquids, gels, lotions or similar items in their carry-on luggage. This includes items such as beverages, hairspray, toothpaste and shampoo. These types of items can only be carried in checked luggage. The TSA will remove these items from customers’ carry-on luggage at airport security checkpoints, and they will need to be placed in checked luggage or they will be discarded.

Check luggage instead of carrying it on

As a result of the new TSA requirements, the airline is suggesting that customers consider checking all of their luggage, in an effort to minimize delays at airport security checkpoints.

Allow additional time

Northwest is also encouraging customers to allow additional time before their flight. Customers traveling domestically are encouraged to arrive two hours prior to departure, while those flying to international destinations are encouraged to arrive three hours prior to departure.

No connecting unaccompanied minors, pets

The airline will not accommodate unaccompanied minors or pets connecting through its Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul or Memphis hubs on flights scheduled today.

Check-in, check flight status online at www.nwa.com

As always, Northwest customers have the option of checking in and obtaining their boarding pass for any Northwest flight over the Internet at www.nwa.com. Northwest’s nwa.com Check-In service allows customers to check-in up to 24 hours prior to departure for their outbound and return flight. The airline also urges its customers to check the status of their flight at www.nwa.com or through the airline's automated flight information telephone line at 1-800-441-1818, before departing for the airport.

Additional updates

Northwest thanks its customers for their extraordinary patience. As additional information on this new TSA security requirement becomes available, it will be posted on the TSA’s Web site at www.tsa.gov, and Northwest will post information to its Web site at www.nwa.com. Northwest Airlines is the world’s fifth largest airline with hubs at Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, Tokyo and Amsterdam, and approximately 1,200 daily departures. Northwest is a member of SkyTeam, an airline alliance that offers customers one of the world’s most extensive global networks. Northwest and its travel partners serve more than 900 cities in excess of 160 countries on six continents. ###

For more information pertaining to Northwest, media inquiries can be directed to Northwest Media Relations at (612) 726-2331 or to Northwest’s Web site at www.nwa.com.