Few things are more frustrating than arriving at the airport only to be hit with unexpected baggage fees. 

Delta Air Lines, like most major carriers, has a detailed baggage policy that can leave travelers with more questions than answers.

From carry-on restrictions to checked bag costs and overweight surcharges, the Delta rules can feel overwhelming – especially for international trips or families traveling together. 

What is included for free? 

When do fees apply? 

And how can you avoid paying more than necessary?

The good news is that once you understand how the Delta Air Lines baggage policy works, you can avoid surprises and even save money. 

Some fares include free checked bags, others charge for every item, and special rules apply to oversized luggage, sporting equipment, and military travelers.

This guide breaks everything down step by step. 

You will learn exactly what you can bring for free, how much checked bags cost on different routes, and proven strategies to reduce or eliminate baggage fees. 

By the end, you will be able to pack with confidence and keep more money in your pocket for the trip itself.

Quick Reference: Delta Air Lines Baggage Allowance And Fees

If you only have a few minutes, here is a quick breakdown of the most important baggage rules and fees for Delta Air Lines.

TPA Pro Tip: You can also redeem 3,000 Delta SkyMiles for a first checked bag fee. This is not the best redemption value, but it can be useful if you are short on cash and have miles to spare.

Delta Air Lines Carry-On Allowance And Personal Items

Delta Air Lines allows every passenger to bring 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item free of charge, regardless of fare type. This includes Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Premium Select, First Class, and Delta One.

Carry-On Bag

• Maximum size: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 cm)
• Must fit in the overhead bin
• No official weight limit (except in some international airports), but you must be able to lift the bag into the bin yourself

Personal Item

• Delta does not publish official size limits for personal items, but examples include:
  • Laptop bag
  • Purse
  • Small backpack
  • Camera bag
  • Diaper bag

Special Allowances

• Lap Infants and Children: Parents may bring a diaper bag, breast pump, bassinet, or cooler for milk in addition to their own allowance.
• Strollers and Car Seats: Can be checked free of charge at the ticket counter, curbside, or gate. These do not count toward your standard baggage allowance.
• Medical Devices: Wheelchairs, crutches, and other assistive devices always fly free and never count against your carry-on limit.
• Musical instruments: May be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. Larger instruments may require a checked bag fee or the purchase of a seat.

TPA Pro Tip: As long as your personal item fits under the seat in front of you, Delta will accept it. A small backpack often works best since it maximizes storage without counting as a second carry-on.

Delta Air Lines Checked Baggage Allowance

Delta Air Lines checked baggage rules are more complex than its carry-on policy, with fees that vary by route, ticket class, and fare type. 

In general, passengers flying in Main Cabin or Basic Economy must pay for all checked bags on domestic routes, while many international tickets include at least one complimentary bag. Travelers in Premium Select, First Class, or Delta One receive higher allowances with heavier weight limits.

Checked Baggage Size And Weight Limits

Before looking at fees, it is important to understand the Delta Air Lines baggage policy size and weight rules. These apply across routes, although there are exceptions for certain destinations.

• Maximum Size: 62 linear inches (158 cm)
• Weight Limits:
  • Basic Economy, Main Cabin, and Premium Select: 50 pounds (23 kg) per bag
  • Delta One and First Class: 70 pounds (32 kg) per bag
• Bags over 100 pounds (45 kg) are not accepted on any Delta-operated flight

Standard Checked Baggage Fees

The cost of a checked bag depends on where you are flying and which fare you purchased. Domestic flights almost always require a fee, while international routes may include one or more free bags.

U.S. Domestic (including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands):

• First bag: $35
• Second bag: $45
• Third bag: $150
• Fourth bag or more: $200

Mexico, Canada, Caribbean, and Central America:

• First bag: $35
• Second bag: $45
• Third bag: $150 – $200

South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia-Pacific:

• First bag: Free (except Basic Economy, where fees range from $60 – $100)
• Second bag: $60 – $100
• Third bag: $200 – $285

Seasonal And Route-Based Restrictions

Delta also has unique route restrictions that travelers should know:

• Passengers traveling to or from Key West, Florida are limited to one checked bag per person.
• Some South America, Caribbean, and Central America routes have stricter limits during peak travel seasons.
• Always check the Delta Air Lines online baggage calculator for the most accurate information for your itinerary.

Excess, Oversize, And Overweight Baggage Fees

Travelers often run into additional costs when their bags exceed standard limits. Delta charges some of the highest fees among U.S. carriers, so it pays to pack carefully.

Overweight Bags

If your luggage is heavier than the standard allowance, you will be charged an additional fee based on how much it exceeds the limit. These charges apply on top of the regular checked bag fee.

• 51 – 70 pounds (23 – 32 kg): $100 – $200 depending on route
• 71 – 100 pounds (32 – 45 kg): $200 (not accepted on all routes)
• Over 100 pounds: Not accepted

Oversize Bags

Bags that exceed the maximum linear dimensions for Delta Air Lines will also incur fees. Linear dimension is the total measurement when adding together length, width, and height.

• 63 – 80 inches (160 – 203 cm): $100 – $300 depending on route
• Over 80 inches (203 cm): Not accepted

Excess Bags

Travelers who bring more than the standard allowable checked bags must pay extra for each additional piece. The price is based on the route and typically increases sharply after the second bag.

• Second bag: $45 depending on destination
• Third bag: $150 – $285 depending on destination
• Fourth bag or more: $200 – $285 each

Special Items: Sports Equipment And Musical Instruments

Delta Air Lines accepts most sporting equipment and musical instruments, but rules depend on size and weight.

Sports Equipment: Golf clubs, skis, snowboards, fishing gear, and surfboards are generally accepted as part of your checked baggage allowance. Oversize or overweight fees may still apply.

Special Handling Fees: Large items like windsurfing boards, scuba tanks, or bicycles may incur extra fees based on size and handling needs.

Musical Instruments:

• Small instruments (violins, guitars) may be carried on if they fit overhead.
• Larger instruments can be checked if they meet the Delta Air Lines size / weight limits.
• Travelers may also purchase a separate seat for oversized but fragile instruments.

TPA Pro Tip: Always pack sports equipment and instruments in hard-sided protective cases. Delta accepts these items but does not cover damage caused by poor packaging.

Delta Air Lines Baggage Allowance By Ticket Class

The Delta Air Lines baggage policy varies depending on the fare class you purchase. Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Premium Select, First Class, and Delta One passengers all receive different benefits, especially when it comes to checked luggage.

Knowing what is included with your fare can help you select the right ticket and avoid unnecessary baggage fees.

Basic Economy

Basic Economy offers the lowest Delta fares but also comes with the most restrictions. Passengers still receive one free carry-on bag and one personal item, but no complimentary checked bags are included on most routes.

• Domestic Flights (including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands): No free checked bags. First bag costs $35, second bag $45.
• International Flights: The first checked bag is not included and fees usually range from $60 to $100 one-way, depending on the destination.

TPA Pro Tip: If you plan to check a bag, upgrading from Basic Economy to Main Cabin often costs less than paying baggage fees separately – and it comes with added flexibility.

Main Cabin (Economy)

Main Cabin provides more flexibility than Basic Economy, and certain international routes include at least one free checked bag.

• Domestic Flights: No free checked bags. Fees start at $35 for the first bag, $45 for the second.
• International Flights: On most transatlantic, transpacific, and long-haul international routes, Main Cabin fares include one free checked bag. Additional bags cost $100 or more each.
• Weight Limit: 50 pounds (23 kilograms) per checked bag.

Premium Select

Premium Select is the Delta Premium Economy cabin and offers double the allowance of Main Cabin.

• Allowance: Includes two free checked bags, each weighing up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms).
• Applicability: Benefits apply on most long-haul international routes.
• Value: Designed for international travelers who need both extra comfort and more baggage flexibility.

First Class

First Class travelers enjoy one of the most generous baggage benefits on Delta, making this a strong choice for domestic or shorter international trips with heavier luggage.

• Allowance: Includes two free checked bags weighing up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms) each.
• Applicability: Benefits apply on both domestic and international First Class routes.

Delta One (Business Class)

Delta One is the flagship Delta Air Lines Business Class product, available on premium long-haul and select transcontinental routes.

• Allowance: Includes two free checked bags weighing up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms) each.
• Applicability: Benefits apply worldwide, providing consistency across all international routes.

Flying in a premium cabin on Delta not only provides more space and comfort in the air, but it also significantly reduces baggage costs. 

If you are traveling with multiple or heavy bags, it may be worth considering a fare upgrade, award ticket, or points redemption to take advantage of these included baggage benefits.

Delta Air Lines Free Baggage Allowances

While many Delta passengers pay for checked bags, there are several ways to receive free baggage benefits. 

Delta offers generous baggage allowances for premium cabin travelers, Medallion elite members, SkyTeam alliance partner elites, and U.S. military personnel. Certain Delta co-branded credit cards also unlock free checked bags for the cardholder and travel companions.

Premium Cabins

Travelers booked in premium cabins automatically receive more generous baggage allowances.

• Premium Select: 2 free checked bags at 50 pounds (23 kg) each
• First Class: 2 free checked bags at 70 pounds (32 kg) each
• Delta One: 2 free checked bags at 70 pounds (32 kg) each

These allowances apply across both domestic and international flights, making premium cabins an attractive option for those who regularly travel with heavy or multiple bags.

Delta SkyMiles Medallion Elite Status

The Delta SkyMiles loyalty program offers additional baggage benefits based on elite status level.

• Silver Medallion: 1 free checked bag (70 lbs)
• Gold Medallion: 2 free checked bags (70 lbs each)
• Platinum Medallion: 3 free checked bags (70 lbs each)
• Diamond Medallion: 3 free checked bags (70 lbs each)

These benefits apply not only to the elite member but also to up to 8 travel companions on the same reservation for Delta-operated flights.

SkyTeam Alliance Elite Benefits

Delta Air Lines is part of the SkyTeam alliance, which provides additional baggage benefits for elite travelers flying on partner airlines.

• SkyTeam Elite: 1 extra free checked bag (50 lbs)
• SkyTeam Elite Plus: 1 extra free checked bag (50 lbs), plus priority baggage handling

This can be especially helpful when connecting between Delta Air Lines and international partners like Air France, KLM, Korean Air, or Virgin Atlantic.

Delta SkyMiles Co-Branded Amex Credit Cards

Delta offers several American Express co-branded credit cards that provide a free checked bag benefit.

• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: First checked bag free for cardholder + up to 8 companions
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: Same benefit, plus additional elite-qualifying perks
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Same benefit, plus Sky Club access and upgrade priority

TPA Pro Tip: If you often travel as a family, the Delta SkyMiles American Express credit card checked bag benefit can save hundreds of dollars per trip. For example, a family of four flying roundtrip domestically would save $280 on baggage fees with just one cardholder.

Military Travelers

Delta offers one of the most generous baggage policies for active-duty U.S. military personnel.

• On Official Orders: Up to 5 free checked bags, each weighing up to 100 pounds (45 kg) and measuring up to 80 linear inches
• Personal Travel:
  • Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Delta Comfort+: 2 free checked bags (50 lbs each)
  • Premium Select: 3 free checked bags (50 lbs each)
  • First Class and Delta One: 3 free checked bags (70 lbs each)

Dependents traveling on orders receive the same benefits as the military service member.

Prepaying For Delta Air Lines Baggage

Delta allows passengers to prepay for checked baggage online or through the Fly Delta app. This can make the airport experience faster and less stressful, since you avoid waiting in long check-in lines just to pay baggage fees.

How To Prepay For Bags On Delta

You can prepay for your luggage up to 24 hours before departure when checking in for your flight:

• Delta Website: Log into “My Trips,” check in, and add your bags.
• Fly Delta App: Check in from your phone and pay for bags directly in the app.
• Airport Kiosks: You can also pay at a self-service kiosk if you forget ahead of time.

Advantages of Prepaying

• Time Savings: Skip the counter and head straight to bag drop.
• Less Stress: Your boarding pass will already show prepaid baggage.
• Occasional Savings: On some routes, Delta Air Lines has offered discounts for prepaying versus paying at the airport.

TPA Pro Tip: Always prepay if you are flying during peak travel seasons (summer, holidays). Bag drop lines move much faster than full-service check-in counters.

Important Things To Know

• You can prepay for up to 2 checked bags per passenger online. Additional bags must be purchased at the airport.
• If your plans change and you check fewer bags than prepaid, Delta does not refund the difference.
• Overweight or oversized baggage fees cannot be prepaid. Those are always assessed at the airport.

Delta Air Lines Lost, Delayed, And Damaged Baggage Policy

Even with advanced tracking systems, baggage delays and mishandling can still occur. Delta Air Lines follows the U.S. Department of Transportation’s rules for compensation but also has its own procedures for reporting and resolving baggage issues.

Lost Or Delayed Baggage

If your bag does not arrive at your destination, Delta Air Lines requires you to file a claim immediately at the airport before leaving the baggage area. You can also track and file claims online through the Delta Air Lines baggage service center.

• Initial Compensation: Delta will reimburse you for “reasonable expenses” (like clothing and toiletries) while your bag is delayed. Keep all receipts.
• Time Frame: Most delayed bags are returned within 24 – 48 hours. Delta will update you through text or email if you provided contact information.
• Maximum Liability: For domestic U.S. flights, the liability of Delta is capped at $3,800 per passenger. For international flights, coverage follows the Montreal Convention, which limits compensation to about 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (SDR), or roughly $1,700 USD, subject to currency fluctuations.
• EU261 Protection: If your flight is departing from the European Union, you may have additional rights under EU261. This regulation can provide extra compensation or reimbursement for delayed, lost, or damaged baggage, on top of what is offered through Delta Air Lines.

TPA Pro Tip: Place an AirTag, Tile, or similar tracker inside your checked bag. You will often know where your luggage is before the airline does.

Damaged Baggage

If your bag is damaged during travel, you must report it to Delta Air Lines within 24 hours of arrival for domestic flights or 7 days for international flights. Delta will repair or replace damaged luggage at its discretion.

Important exclusions:

• Normal wear and tear (scuffs, scratches, broken zippers from overpacking) is not covered.
• Pre-existing damage is not covered.
• Poorly packed fragile items are excluded.

Missing Or Damaged Items Inside Luggage

If items are missing or broken inside your bag, you must file a claim within 24 hours (domestic) or 7 days (international).

Proof of value (receipts, photos) strengthens your claim.

How To File A Baggage Claim With Delta Air Lines

• Report at the airport baggage service desk.
• Get a File Reference Number for tracking.
• File online at the Delta Baggage Service Center if additional documentation is needed.
• Keep copies of all receipts and communication until the claim is settled.

The Delta Air Lines 20-Minute Baggage Guarantee

Delta offers one of the most customer-friendly baggage policies among U.S. airlines: if your checked bag does not reach the carousel within 20 minutes of arrival, you may be eligible to earn bonus Delta SkyMiles.

How It Works:

• If your bag takes longer than 20 minutes to arrive, Delta will award you 2,500 bonus SkyMiles.
• This applies on domestic Delta Air Lines flights within the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
• You must be a Delta SkyMiles member at the time of travel to claim the benefit.

How to Claim the Miles:

• Log in to your Delta SkyMiles account.
• Go to the Delta Baggage Service Guarantee page.
• Submit a claim within 3 days of your flight’s arrival.
• Bonus miles will usually post to your account within 2 weeks.

Real-Life Traveler Scenarios

Understanding baggage fees on paper is one thing, but seeing how they work in real-life situations makes the value clearer. 

Here are a few examples of how the Delta Air Lines baggage policy impacts different types of travelers – and how to save money.

Family Of Four On A Domestic Trip

A family of four flying roundtrip within the U.S. wants to check one bag each.

• Without Perks: $35 per bag each way x 4 passengers x 2 flights = $280 in baggage fees.
• With One Delta SkyMiles Co-Branded Amex Credit Card: First checked bag is free for the cardholder + up to 8 companions.
• Savings: $280 on a single trip – nearly double the annual fee of the card.
• Key Takeaway: Families should strongly consider carrying a Delta SkyMiles co-branded Amex credit card to avoid baggage costs.

Business Traveler Flying To London

A business traveler books a Premium Select ticket from New York City (JFK) to London (LHR).

• Allowance: 2 free checked bags up to 50 lbs each.
• Value: Enough space for both professional attire and personal items without paying extra.
• Upgrade Scenario: If booked in Delta One, the allowance increases to 2 x 70 lb bags – ideal for heavy items like samples or presentation materials.
• Key Takeaway: Premium cabins not only provide comfort but also eliminate most baggage fees.

Basic Economy Passenger To Tokyo

A solo traveler books Basic Economy to Tokyo.

• Fees: First checked bag costs $75 – $100 each way, second bag is $100 more.
• Roundtrip Total: As much as $350 in baggage fees for two checked bags.
• Alternative: Upgrading to Main Cabin often costs less than paying for bags separately – and offers seat selection and flexibility.
• Key Takeaway: Always compare baggage fees against fare upgrade costs.

Military Traveler On Orders

An active-duty U.S. military member travels from Atlanta to San Diego while on official orders.

• Allowance: Up to 5 free checked bags, each weighing up to 100 lbs and 80 linear inches.
• Value: At standard domestic pricing, this equals $1,000+ in potential savings.
• Personal Travel: Still receives 2 – 3 free bags depending on cabin class.
• Key Takeaway: Delta Air Lines is one of the most generous U.S. airlines for military travelers.

Final Thoughts

The Delta Air Lines baggage policy can seem complicated, but with a little preparation it is easy to manage. 

Carry-on bags are always free, while checked bag costs vary by route and ticket class. Domestic travelers in Main Cabin usually pay for every checked bag, but many international routes include at least one free allowance. 

Premium cabins consistently provide two bags at higher weight limits, making them especially valuable for longer trips.

The best way to save is by planning ahead. 

Use the Delta Air Lines baggage calculator, weigh and measure bags at home, and consider holding a Delta SkyMiles American Express credit card or Medallion status, both of which provide free checked bags for companions as well. 

Military travelers benefit from some of the most generous allowances in the industry, and the Delta Air Lines 20-minute baggage guarantee even rewards you with bonus miles if luggage arrives late to the carousel.

By understanding the rules and making use of available perks, you can turn baggage from a hidden expense into an area of real savings – leaving more room in your budget for the parts of travel that matter most.

Kevin Zanes