Northwest Airlines launches Internet check-in, expanded kiosk deployment

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL, Minn. - Starting today, Northwest Airlines (Nasdaq:

If a customer holds a boarding pass that they've printed out themselves through Internet check-in, they can bypass all lines and go directly to their gate for boarding. Passengers can print their own boarding pass from their home or office computer; change a flight and select a seat assignment.

All customers who use Internet check-in will receive 1,000 WorldPerks Bonus Miles through Dec. 31. The service is now available in Minneapolis/St. Paul and Memphis, and will be available to all customers flying domestically by the end of 2000. Service is available less than 24-hours and more than 90 minutes prior to departure.

In addition to its Internet check-in service, more Northwest self-service check-in kiosks are planned, the company announced. Nearly 250 units will be installed at domestic by the close of 2000.