Learn the Delta Airlines baggage policy, including carry-on and checked baggage rules, size and weight limits, fees, and tips to avoid extra charges.
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+1-855-546-5012If you’re at the airport and travelling, it’s better if you have knowledge about the delta airline’s baggage policies. Delta Airlines has varying allowances for bags being brought on flights based on fare type, route, cabin class and membership status. Knowing the baggage policy beforehand helps to avoid last minute surprises like fee announcements, saves time at check-in and pack the handbag with confidence.
Your carry-on must fit safely in an overhead bin. Other than your carry-on bag, you are allowed to check in one personal bag.
You can put in your personal item such as:
The way in which a pack can be carried is:
| Item | Policy |
|---|---|
| Free Carry-On Allowance | 1 carry-on bag + 1 personal item (free) |
| Carry-On Size Limit | Maximum 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 cm), including wheels and handles |
| Personal Item Examples | Purse, laptop bag, backpack, briefcase, diaper bag |
| Personal Item Requirement | Must fit completely under the seat in front of you |
| Carry-On Weight Limit | No standard weight limit on most Delta-operated flights (some international partners may apply limits) |
| Regional Jet Policy | On some Delta Connection flights, larger carry-ons may be gate-checked due to limited overhead space. |
However, depending upon the specific security regulations in place at an airport, some security exceptions may apply.
Passengers commonly carry:
That depends on the type of tickets you have.
These include:
If not booked on the air ticket, you can generally buy checked luggages at the airport or on the spot.
| Category | Standard Policy |
|---|---|
| Standard Checked Bag Size | Maximum 62 linear inches (Length + Width + Height) |
| Standard Weight Limit | Up to 50 lbs (23 kg) for Main Cabin, Comfort+, and Premium Select |
| Delta One & First Class | Up to 70 lbs (32 kg) per checked bag |
| Oversized Bag | More than 62 linear inches – additional charges apply |
| Overweight Bag | More than 50 lbs (or 70 lbs for premium cabins) – overweight fees apply |
| Maximum Accepted Weight | Generally up to 100 lbs (45 kg) on eligible routes (route restrictions may apply). |
Most travellers are able to get additional checked baggage when they need them.
Prior to carrying multiple bags, one should look into:
All checked bags must be within Delta's weight limit.
It will vary depending on:
If you don't wish to incur additional fees:
By packing efficiently, you will be able to fit within the limits.
| Category | Standard Policy |
|---|---|
| Standard Checked Bag Size | Maximum 62 linear inches (Length + Width + Height) |
| Standard Weight Limit | Up to 50 lbs (23 kg) for Main Cabin, Comfort+, and Premium Select |
| Delta One & First Class | Up to 70 lbs (32 kg) per checked bag |
| Oversized Bag | More than 62 linear inches – additional charges apply |
| Overweight Bag | More than 50 lbs (or 70 lbs for premium cabins) – overweight fees apply |
| Maximum Accepted Weight | Generally up to 100 lbs (45 kg) on eligible routes (route restrictions may apply). |
Besides weight, each suitcase to be checked should be measured for maximum size.
The most usual way to measure bag size is:
Large luggage may require special handling and may be subject to additional fees.
There are a number of factors to consider before travelling that may contribute to the variation of checked baggage fees.
These include:
The top-class-holders and elite members may get free checking service of their luggage.
Note that the fees may also fluctuate, so passengers should double check the current fee policy before their trip.
| Bag | Fee |
|---|---|
| First Checked Bag | $45 |
| Second Checked Bag | $55 |
| Third Checked Bag | Additional fee (varies by route; domestic standard shown by Delta) |
| Carry-On Bag | Free |
| Personal Item | Free |
| Passenger Type | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Delta One Passengers | Free checked bags |
| First Class Passengers | Free checked bags |
| Delta Premium Select | Free checked bags (fare rules apply) |
| Active U.S. Military | Additional baggage allowance |
| Eligible SkyMiles Medallion Members | Complimentary checked bags |
| Eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card Members | First checked bag free on eligible Delta-operated flights. |
Yes. Many times, the passenger can pay for the bag prior to arrival at the airport with Delta.
Early payment has several benefits including:
Sometimes there are times when over-packing occurs for a variety of reasons. When it comes to weight for your suitcase, if it goes over Delta's allowances then it could be counted as overweight baggage.
In this case, you might want to do the following:
| Bag Weight | Status |
|---|---|
| Up to 50 lbs (23 kg) | Standard allowance |
| 51–70 lbs (23–32 kg) | Overweight fee may apply (unless included by cabin/status) |
| 71–100 lbs (32–45 kg) | Higher overweight fee may apply on eligible routes |
| Over 100 lbs | Generally not accepted as checked baggage. |
The suitcase and other big pieces of luggage for packing by Delta have the following restrictions regarding their sizes.
Over-sized packing can contain:
An extra handling fee will be required subject to the length of travel and the size of the item ship.
| Bag Size | Policy |
|---|---|
| Up to 62 linear inches | Standard baggage |
| 63–80 linear inches | Oversize fee may apply |
| Over 80 linear inches | May require shipment as cargo or be subject to restrictions. |
Yes. Delta will accept a variety of sports equipment as long as it complies with the airline's packing specifications.
Examples of generally accepted sports items are:
It is quite common for travellers to carry musical instruments to perform, compete or even for personal travel.
The size of the instrument can make it:
If passengers are traveling with certain medical equipment, they are allowed to carry it on board.
Examples include:
Many types of special baggage can be brought on Delta Airlines. Each of these items, however, has to be securely packed and comply with the airline's baggage specifications.
The things you can bring in the bus are:
There are some things that are necessary while traveling along with your kids. There are a few child travel items which Delta accepts.
Some of the most common things available around the baby are:
Medical equipment that is approved by passengers can be carried with them on their journey.
Examples include:
For smoother traveling:
Yes. Delta assists passengers travelling with mobility equipment.
Passengers can bring:
Airport staff are available in general to help passengers getting on board, handling luggage etc., if needed, before they depart the airport.
In case you are intending to travel with the Pet who qualifies, kindly go through the guidelines for pet travel of Delta before you make your booking.
Things that you should know are:
By planning early, travel disruption is avoided.
Cell phones, devices, etc. are generally permitted in the vehicle. Batteries should, however, never be operated in violation of battery safety rules.
Here are some of the most often used items with flights:
Before packing electronics:
If you do want to take expensive electronics, normally the safest choice is to keep them within your carry-on bag.
However, power banks are helpful when traveling for extended periods of time, especially when it comes to packed them in line with the air and airport safety rules and regulations.
When travelling:
Before departing, check the most current battery restrictions.
Breath take luggage allowances might be different for those who pass via reasonable or foreign routes.
There are many factors why not all allowances are alike.
These include:
There may be free checked suitcases for some international tickets or charges for checked suitcases may be applicable to other international tickets.
Before you go, go and read your trip schedule so you know the content of your ticket.
Yes. It is subject to change in terms of delta's baggage policy and depends on the class you select.
For example:
Yes. Eligible SkyMiles Medallion members may receive extra baggage benefits.
They may provide such benefits as:
Different membership packages offer different benefits and different itineraries offer different benefits.
You may be able to add baggage through:
Yes. In most instances, Delta Airlines also permits the passengers to hire additional baggage.
Here's some things to think about before piling more equipment onto the flamethrower:
While most bags are found safe at their destination, sometimes things do not go to plan.
Should your bag not reach you:
The earlier you report the disappearance of your bag, the sooner the airline can put to work finding it.
Helpful information includes:
Having this information readily available can help accelerate the recovery.
Check bags before heading out of the airport.
If you see damage:
Helpful tips include:
Smart packing can help ensure you don't exceed your airfare's weight and dimensional restrictions, but can also make your travel easier and more convenient.
Use the following tips:
With a bit of planning, you can avoid a lot of stress, and save a little time—plus make your trip a lot more fun.
| Type of Baggage | Number Allowed | Size Restrictions | Weight Restrictions | Where to Store | Fees Charged |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on Bag | 1 Bag | 22 × 14 × 9 inches (56 × 35 × 23 cm) including wheels and handles | The overhead should be high enough for the bag to be easily lifted to by passengers without needing to use both hands. | Overhead compartment | Free |
| Personal Item | 1 Item | It must fit under the seat in front of you. | No Weight limits | Underseat Storage | Free |
| Feature | Rule |
|---|---|
| Weight Limit | Not more than 50 lb (23 kg) per checked bag in most Economy fares. |
| Weight Restriction on Premium Cabin Tickets | Moreover, 70 lb (32 kg) for many premium cabin tickets. |
| Size Constraint | 62 inches (157 cm) (Length + Width + Height) |
| Additional Luggage | With extra charges for additional luggage (charges vary depending on distance). |
| Baggage Allowance | Please check airline policy and destination policies. |
| Item | Policy |
|---|---|
| Sports Equipment | Accepted with applicable size and fee rules |
| Musical Instruments | May be carried on or checked if size requirements are met |
| Medical Equipment | Permitted with special accommodations |
| Mobility Devices | Wheelchairs and assistive devices accepted without standard baggage charges |
| Infant Items | Strollers and child safety seats accepted under Delta's family travel rules. |
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Prohibited Items | Explosives, flammable liquids, fireworks, hazardous chemicals |
| Restricted Items | Lithium batteries, aerosols, sharp objects (subject to TSA and airline rules) |
| Liquids in Carry-On | Must comply with TSA liquid restrictions |
| All Bags | Subject to airport security inspection. |
| Flight Type | Recommended Arrival | Bag Check Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Flights | At least 2 hours before departure | At least 45 minutes before departure |
| International Flights | At least 3 hours before departure | Varies by airport (typically 60 minutes or more before departure). |
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Carry-On Bags | 1 free carry-on + 1 free personal item |
| Carry-On Size | 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 35 × 23 cm) |
| Checked Bag Size | Up to 62 linear inches |
| Standard Weight | 50 lbs (23 kg) |
| Premium Cabin Weight | 70 lbs (32 kg) |
| First Checked Bag Fee (Domestic) | $45 |
| Second Checked Bag Fee (Domestic) | $55 |
| Free Checked Bags | Available for eligible premium cabins, Medallion members, military, and qualifying cardholders |
| Special Items | Sports equipment, musical instruments, medical devices, and infant gear accepted under applicable rules. |
May I bring a personal item on Delta?
Yes. One piece of carry-on luggage and one "personal" item are permitted for each individual traveler. A personal item is defined as a handbag, laptop bag, small backpack, camera bag or briefcase. It must be able to fit in quietly underneath the seat and should not be blocking the aisle or the movement of passengers.
How many bags will be checked with Delta airlines?
How many pieces of luggage you are able to carry varies based on the kind of ticket, destination, class in cabin, and the ticket holder's frequent flyer status. If your carriage charge is based on the ticket, but not on checked bags, you can add more bags prior to the flight or when boarding the plane—-up to the airline's baggage allowances.
What is done if my bag is too big?
Heavy luggage may be accommodated but extra handling fees may be charged. Very large suitcases, sports bags or bulky travel cases should be evaluated prior to travel. Following the packing guidelines set by the airline can help prevent unanticipated airport charges.
Can I add checked baggage after booking my flight?
Yes. Generally passengers can add a checked bag after booking in delta. While it is possible to handle your baggage through the airline's website, mobile application or even during airport check-in, depending on your itinerary, it may seem simple enough that you never need to ponder the matter.
Can I prepay for my luggage fee?
Yes. Prepayment of baggage charges is common among many passengers. There will be less airport waiting time, and prebuy luggage will accelerate the airport process. You can even review your travel costs ahead of your trip.
Are sports equipment allowed on Delta Airlines?
Yes. Just about any Sport goods item: golf clubs, skis, snow boards, fishing goods, and other sporting goods, are accepted at Delta. Luggage must be packed safely and will satisfy the airline’s baggage conditions. Some larger items could be subject to extra charges.
May the musicians have their instruments on the bus?
Yes. Small musical instruments which meet carry-on size requirements may be brought into the cabin. Larger instruments may require a seat separate from the instrument to check or transport the instrument. A waterproof case of adequate protection lessens the chance of damage.
May I bring medication with me in my luggage?
Yes. Prescribed medicines or vital medical items are generally okay. To be safe, keep medications in your carry-on bag where they will be easy to access all the way. Bring supporting documents for travel abroad, if necessary.
In case of loss of my luggage, what can I do if it happens at Delta?
If your bags stop at another city than where you had intended them to stop, you need to inform the baggage office of the airline before leaving the airport. Have your boarding pass, bags receipts and identification easily accessible for staff to use in finding your bags quicker.
What if my checked baggage is damaged?
Check your bags right after taking delivery. Any damage must be reported to the authorities before you leave the airport. Photograph the damage, and retain all travel papers – credit cards, drivers license etc. – they may be required at the baggage claim procedure.
How to avoid Delta baggage fees?
Yes. Minimize and eliminate luggage charges by packing within the limits or packing only a carryon bag, taking advantage of eligible travel benefits, or choosing a fare that includes luggage.
Before Leaving Home:
Bring excess clothing and personal belongings to the airport in case you need to buy anything while on the trip.
At the Airport:
After Arrival:
If you have any kind of extra stuff that you wish to bring along on your trip to travel via Delta Airlines, you should find out what kind of policy the airline has for suitcases. If you are only going with a baggage pack for your trip, or are checking your luggage, you will want to make your packing as efficient as possible and avoid the panic of finding you are charged for luggage upon arrival.
The desirable baggage allowance, maximum weights and dimensions may differ depending on the fare category, destination and travel class.
Read Also: What is Delta Airlines Cancellation Policy?
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