Your Guide to Delta’s Baggage Policy

Navigating airline baggage policies can often feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle. Hidden fees and confusing rules can quickly turn the excitement of travel into a stressful experience.

If you’re flying with Delta Air Lines, understanding their baggage allowance is key to a smooth journey.

What You Can Bring for Free: Carry On and Personal Items

Delta allows every passenger to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board at no extra charge. This is a great way to save money and keep your essentials close.

Carry-On Bag

Your carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin.

• Size Limit: The dimensions for a carry-on bag are 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels.
• Weight Limit: While there isn’t a strict weight limit for most flights, you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin without assistance.

Personal Item

Your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you.

Examples

This can be a purse, a laptop bag, a small backpack, or a similar-sized item.

Additional Items

On top of your carry-on and personal item, you can also bring a jacket, umbrella, food or drink purchased after security, and duty-free merchandise. 

Assistive devices like strollers, car seats, and wheelchairs do not count toward your allowance.

Delta’s Checked Baggage Policy

For bags that don’t fit in the cabin, you’ll need to check them.

The rules and fees for checked baggage depend on your destination, fare class, and loyalty status.

Standard Size and Weight Limits

For most passengers, checked bags must adhere to the following limits to avoid extra fees:

• Size: The total dimensions (length + width + height) of each bag cannot exceed 62 inches (158 cm).
• Weight: Each bag must weigh 50 lbs (23 kg) or less. Passengers in Delta One, First Class, and Business Class are typically allowed bags up to 70 lbs (32 kg).

Checked Baggage Fees for Domestic Flights

For travel within the United States, fees for checked baggage are standard for passengers in Main Cabin and Delta Comfort+.

• First Standard Bag: $35
• Second Standard Bag: $45

These fees apply each way. You can pay for your bags during online check-in, through the Fly Delta app, or at the airport.

Bag Type	Price (USD)	Details
Carry-On Bag	Free	One personal item and one carry-on bag are included.
1st Checked Bag	$35	For domestic flights within the U.S.
2nd Checked Bag	$45	For domestic flights within the U.S.
Overweight Bag	$100 – $200	For bags weighing 51-100 lbs (23-45 kg).
Oversized Bag	$200	For bags exceeding 62 inches (158 cm) in total length, width, and height.

Checked Baggage on International Flights

The policy for international flights varies significantly by route. For many international itineraries, including those from the U.S. to Europe or Asia, passengers in Main Cabin receive their first checked bag for free. 

However, Basic Economy fares usually do not include a free checked bag, even on international routes.

Because these rules can be complex, it’s always best to use Delta’s official baggage calculator on their website to determine the exact fees for your specific trip.

How to Avoid Baggage Fees

Want to save money on checked bags? Delta offers several ways to get your bags checked for free.

Elite Status

Medallion Members (Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond) receive a complimentary checked bag allowance that increases with their status tier.

Delta SkyMiles Credit Cards

Many co-branded American Express cards offer the first checked bag free for the cardholder and up to eight other passengers on the same reservation.

Premium Cabins

Flying in Delta One, First Class, or Delta Premium Select typically includes at least two free checked bags.

Military Personnel

Active-duty U.S. military members receive special baggage allowances depending on whether they are traveling for personal reasons or on official orders.

Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees

If your bags exceed the standard limits, be prepared for additional charges. These fees are applied in addition to any standard checked bag fees.

Overweight Bags (51-70 lbs)

Bags weighing between 51 and 70 lbs (23-32 kg) will incur a fee, typically starting at $100 per bag on domestic routes.

Overweight Bags (71-100 lbs)

Bags in this weight range will cost even more, often $200 per bag. Bags weighing over 100 lbs are not accepted as checked baggage.

Oversized Bags (63-80 inches)

Bags that exceed the 62-inch dimensional limit will also be charged an extra fee, usually starting at $200.

These fees can vary by route, so checking Delta’s website for your specific itinerary is crucial if you plan to travel with large or heavy items.

Traveling with Special Items

Delta has specific policies for items like sporting equipment, musical instruments, and firearms.

Sporting Equipment

Items like skis, golf bags, and surfboards are generally accepted as standard checked baggage, as long as they meet weight requirements. Some larger items may incur special handling fees.

Musical Instruments

Small instruments can be brought on board as your carry-on item if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. For larger instruments, you may need to purchase a seat for it or check it.

Pets

Small dogs, cats, and household birds may be permitted to travel in the cabin for a fee, provided they are in an approved carrier that fits under the seat.

Pack Smarter for Your Next Delta Flight

Understanding Delta’s baggage policy is the first step toward a stress-free travel day.

 By knowing the rules for carry-on and checked luggage, you can pack efficiently and avoid unexpected costs.

Before you fly, always double-check the specifics for your route and fare class on the Delta website.

Using their baggage calculator and paying for your bags in advance can save you time and money, leaving you free to focus on the exciting journey ahead.