Delta Baggage Policy: Carry-On, Checked Bags, Fees and Allowance

Delta's baggage rules cover carry-on bags, personal items, checked luggage, overweight and oversized baggage, as well as special items and restricted goods.

For Delta-operated flights, you can generally bring:

• One carry-on bag
• One small personal item
• Checked bags according to your fare, route and applicable baggage allowance

The exact number of free checked bags isn't the same for every passenger. Medallion status, eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card benefits, cabin, military status and itinerary can affect the allowance.

For many Delta-operated flights, you can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item without paying a separate carry-on fee.

You may also check additional bags if your ticket and itinerary permit them. Checked baggage fees and free-bag allowances depend on the journey and passenger eligibility.

If another airline operates part of your itinerary, its baggage rules may apply. Delta specifically notes that carry-on allowances and fees can differ on flights operated by carriers other than Delta.

Delta's standard carry-on size is generally:

• 22 x 14 x 9 inches

Your carry-on should fit in the aircraft's overhead storage area.

It's worth measuring your bag before leaving home, especially if you've purchased a new suitcase. A bag that looks small enough can still exceed the airline's published dimensions.

Delta also has restrictions concerning certain items carried onboard, so check the airline's current rules if you're traveling with unusual equipment, batteries, liquids or other restricted items.

Yes. Delta generally allows one small personal item in addition to your carry-on bag on Delta-operated flights.

A personal item could be a:

• Small backpack
• Purse
• Briefcase
• Laptop bag

The important point is that the item should be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.

If your backpack is too large to fit under the seat, it may need to be treated as your carry-on rather than your personal item.

For Delta Main and Delta Comfort customers traveling on qualifying domestic flights within the U.S., without applicable Medallion, Delta SkyMiles American Express Card or active military exceptions, Delta currently lists:

The standard checked bag must be under 50 lb (23 kg) and within 62 linear inches (157 cm).

These are common standard fees, not a universal price for every Delta itinerary. International routes, fare types, booking dates and eligible passenger benefits can produce different results.

For standard baggage, Delta generally applies these weight limits:

Delta states that weight restrictions can vary by product and that special exceptions may apply.

If your checked bag exceeds the applicable weight limit, an overweight baggage charge may apply.

The exact fee depends on your route and the amount of excess weight. Some routes and aircraft may also have restrictions on accepting particularly heavy bags.

Don't assume that paying an overweight fee means every bag will be accepted. Check Delta's current rules for your itinerary before traveling.

A standard checked bag should generally stay within 62 linear inches, calculated by adding its length, width and height.

For example:

• 30 + 20 + 12 = 62 linear inches

If your bag exceeds the standard dimensions, it may be subject to oversized baggage rules or route-specific restrictions.

If you're traveling with sporting equipment, musical instruments or another large item, check Delta's special-item requirements before arriving at the airport.

Yes, usually.

A small backpack can generally be used as a personal item if it fits under the seat in front of you.

If the backpack is large enough that it needs to go into the overhead bin, it may count as your carry-on bag instead.

This distinction is important because Delta generally allows one carry-on and one personal item rather than two full-size cabin bags.

Yes. A small laptop bag can generally be carried as a personal item when it fits under the seat.

If you're traveling with a laptop, remember that airport security has its own screening requirements. Delta recommends checking the applicable security and restricted-item rules before traveling.

Some passengers do qualify for free checked baggage.

Free checked-bag benefits can depend on factors such as:

• Medallion status
• Eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card
• Cabin or fare
• Active military status
• Route
• Other Delta exceptions

For example, Delta says eligible Medallion members and certain eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card members can receive free standard checked baggage on qualifying domestic Delta flights.

So, don't assume that the standard $45 first-bag fee applies to everyone.

Delta allows eligible customers to check in, select the number of bags and pay for applicable baggage during the 24-hour check-in window through Delta's website, the Fly Delta app or an airport kiosk at applicable locations.

Paying during check-in can make the airport process easier because you'll already know how many bags you're checking.

Yes.

International baggage rules can be different from standard domestic U.S. baggage fees.

The applicable baggage allowance can depend on your origin, destination, fare, cabin, ticket date and other factors. Delta's current baggage page also lists different rules and currency treatment for some international itineraries.

For this reason, don't use the standard 55 domestic fee as the expected price for an international trip.

If your itinerary includes a partner airline, check which carrier's baggage rules apply to the journey.

If your checked bag doesn't arrive with you, report the problem to Delta as soon as possible and use the airline's baggage tracking and support options.

Delta provides separate resources for delayed, lost or damaged bags, so passengers should follow the airline's current reporting process rather than simply waiting for the bag to appear.

Keep your baggage claim information and travel documents available when reporting the issue.

A few simple mistakes can lead to unnecessary fees or problems at the airport.

1. Assuming every passenger pays the same baggage fee

Delta baggage fees depend on several factors, including route and passenger benefits.

2. Forgetting to measure the suitcase

A checked bag can be charged differently if it exceeds the standard size or weight.

3. Treating a large backpack as a personal item

Your personal item needs to fit under the seat. A large backpack may need to be treated as a carry-on.

4. Ignoring partner-airline rules

If another airline operates part of your trip, its baggage rules may differ from Delta's.

5. Checking an old baggage-fee article

Airline fees change. Always verify the current rules for your reservation before traveling.

Delta's baggage policy isn't one fixed rule for every passenger. Your allowance and fees can depend on your itinerary, ticket, cabin, loyalty status, eligible card benefits and whether Delta or a partner airline operates the flight.

For standard qualifying domestic U.S. travel, Delta currently lists $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second, while one carry-on and one personal item are generally allowed at no charge.

Before your trip, check your reservation and Delta's latest baggage information. That is the safest way to confirm exactly how many bags you can take and what you'll pay.