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Northwest has over 100 various DC-9s in its fleet, with an average age of about 35 years, making the Northwest fleet the oldest amongst the world's top 60 airlines. This DC-9 fleet was extensively refurbished in 1995, with new interiors and other upgrades, to extend their service life to 2010. The DC-9-30 is the most numerous variant and makes up about 60% of the NW DC-9s.

While using 20-30% more fuel than newer more efficient planes, these DC-9s were fully paid for long ago, which allows Northwest to offer mainline service to many cities that other carriers fly even smaller regional jets.

With two engines mounted next to the fuselage by the tail, the back of the plane is quite loud, but the front is very quiet due to the distance away from the engines.

There is no in-flight entertainment on any Northwest domestic flight. In Coach, the two-seat side of the plane is preferred, since there is no middle seat. With 16 First Class seats, your chance of an upgrade is quite good, although First Class on this plane has a cozy 34 inches of pitch, only about four inches more than coach.