Delta Air Lines Baggage Fees, Allowance, & Policy – How to Avoid the Expenses in 2024

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Baggage rules and fees can vary from one airline to another. If you’re planning to fly with Delta Air Lines soon, you want to make sure that you fully understand the baggage rules and fees, so you don’t have any surprises. This Delta Air Lines baggage fees guide will outline the must-know details before you begin packing your bags.

Delta Credit Cards Offering Free Bags

If you use the right credit card to pay for your Delta Air Lines tickets, you may be able to check a bag for free; It depends on which card you have. With these credit cards, you and up to eight companions on the same reservation will each get your first checked bag free (can’t be overweight or oversized) on Delta Air Lines flights. This saves you up to $60 per person round-trip!

• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

Those with Silver Medallion status who also hold a Delta American Express card can bring up to two free checked bags when traveling within the United States and Canada. Those with higher status can bring more.

Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Personal Items

You can bring one personal item when flying with Delta Air Lines, no matter what ticket type you purchase. Examples of acceptable personal bags include the following.

• briefcase
• purse
• laptop bag
• small bag

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

Delta doesn’t outline exact measurement restrictions for personal items like most other airlines. The one personal item you bring should be a similar size or smaller than the example items listed above.

Carry-on Baggage

All Delta Air Lines passengers can bring one carry-on bag without paying additional fees. Carry-on bags must meet the size requirements. 

Bag dimensions shouldn’t exceed 22 x 14 x 9, including handles and wheels. The combined L+W+H of your bag shouldn’t exceed 45 linear inches. These measurements don’t apply to small musical instruments that fit in the overhead bin or under-space seat.

For most flights, there is no maximum weight for carry-on bags. Some international destinations have weight restrictions. 

Note: In addition to the above, you can bring the following items onboard for free: 

• A jacket
• An umbrella
• Food and drink items purchased after security
• Duty-free merchandise 
• Special items like strollers, wheelchairs, child safety seats, or assistive devices like crutches

Checked Baggage

When flying with Delta Air Lines, you can bring checked bags. Checked bags shouldn’t exceed 62 inches (L+W+H).

Depending on your ticket type and destination, you may need to pay applicable fees to check a bag. Main Cabin passengers flying within the United States will need to pay $30 (each way) for their first checked bag and $40 (each way) for a second checked bag. Fees may vary for other routes and ticket classes.

Delta clearly shows checked bag prices before you complete the check-out process. Delta Air Lines also provides travelers with a baggage fee calculator to better estimate baggage fees. 

Here’s what the tool looks like:

You can use this tool before your next flight to figure out the fees you’ll need to pay. Another option is to log in to your account, go to the “My Trips” section of your account, and calculate the costs that way.

How Many Checked Bags Can You Bring?

You may be wondering how many checked bags you can bring when flying with Delta Air Lines. 

• When flying on Delta or Delta Shuttle flights, each passenger can check up to ten bags.

• When flying on Delta Connection carrier flights, each passenger can check up to four bags.

How to Prepay for Checked Bags

You can prepay for bags through the Delta website or app. Within 24 hours of your flight departure and during the online check-in process, you can make a note of checked bags and can also pay in advance. If you prefer, you can pay for your bags when you get to the airport.

Checked Baggage Weight and Size Restrictions

Baggage size and weight restrictions vary by destination. 

Baggage Weight Restrictions:

For all destinations, standard checked bags should not exceed 50 pounds. Otherwise, overweight bag fees will apply. All fees are charged each way. 

Below are the maximum weight restrictions for checked bags by destination:

Flights between the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands: Passengers cannot check bags that exceed 100 pounds. 

Flights between North/South/Central America and Europe/North Africa: Passengers cannot check bags exceeding 70 pounds. 

Flights between to/from/within Australia and New Zealand: Passengers cannot check bags exceeding 70 pounds. 

Flights to/from/within Europe, South Africa, or the United Arab Emirates: Passengers cannot check bags exceeding 70 pounds. 

Baggage Size Restrictions: 

Checked bags shouldn’t exceed 62 inches (L+W+H). Larger bags will be subject to oversized bag fees. No matter your destination, checked bags larger than 80 inches (L+W+H) are not permitted.

Oversized Bag Fees

Checked bags bigger than 62 inches will be subject to oversized bag fees. Fees vary by destination and are charged each way. These are the fees you can expect to pay (each way): 

Travel within the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico:

• When flying within the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, checked bags 63 inches to 80 inches will require an additional oversized bag fee of $200. 

Travel between the United States and Canada:

• When flying between the United States and Canada, checked bags 63 inches to 80 inches will require an additional oversized bag fee of $200. 

Travel from Asia/Middle East/Australia/India to any destination:

• When flying from Asia/Middle East/Australia/India to any destination, checked bags 63 inches to 80 inches will require an additional oversized bag fee of $175. 

Travel between North/South/Central America and Europe/North Africa:

• When flying between North/South/Central America and Europe/North Africa, checked bags 63 inches to 80 inches will require an additional oversized bag fee of $300. 

Travel from the United States and Canada to Mexico/Caribbean/Central America/South America:

• When flying from the United States and Canada to Mexico/Caribbean/Central America/South America, checked bags 63 inches to 80 inches will require an additional oversized bag fee of $150.

Travel between North America and Africa (excluding South Africa):

• When flying between North America and Africa (excluding South Africa), checked bags 63 inches to 80 inches will require an additional oversized bag fee of $175. 

Travel between Brazil and any destination:

• When flying between Brazil and any destination, checked bags 63 inches to 80 inches will require an additional oversized bag fee of $100.

Overweight Bag Fees

Overweight bag fees vary by destination and are charged each way. These are the fees you can expect to pay (each way): 

Travel within the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico:

• When flying within the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, checked bags weighing 51 to 70 pounds will require an additional overweight bag fee of $100. 

• When flying within the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, checked bags weighing 71 to 100 pounds will require an additional overweight bag fee of $200. 

Travel between the United States and Canada:

• When flying between the United States and Canada, checked bags weighing 51 to 70 pounds will require an additional overweight bag fee of $100. 

• When flying between the United States and Canada, checked bags weighing 71 to 100 pounds will require an additional overweight bag fee of $200. 

Travel from North/South/Central America and Europe/North Africa:

• When flying between North/South/Central America and Europe/North Africa checked bags weighing 51 to 70 pounds will require an additional overweight bag fee of $100. 

Travel from Mexico/Central America/South America/Caribbean to any destination:

• When flying from Mexico/Central America/South America/Caribbean to any destination, checked bags weighing 51 to 70 pounds will require an additional overweight bag fee of $100. 

• When flying from Mexico/Central America/South America/Caribbean to any destination, checked bags weighing 71 to 100 pounds will require an additional overweight bag fee of $200. 

Travel from North America to San Pedro Sula/Honduras (SAP) /San Salvador/El Salvador (SAL):    

• When flying from North America to San Pedro Sula/Honduras (SAP) /San Salvador/El Salvador (SAL), checked bags weighing 51 to 70 pounds will require an additional overweight bag fee of $150.  

Travel between Asia and any destination:

• When flying between Asia and any destination, checked bags weighing 51 to 70 pounds will require an additional overweight bag fee of $100. 

• When flying between Asia and any destination, checked bags weighing 71 to 100 pounds will require an additional overweight bag fee of $200. 

Travel between Australia/New Zealand and any destination:

• When flying between Australia/New Zealand and any destination, checked bags weighing 51 to 70 pounds will require an additional overweight bag fee of $150.  

All other international destinations:

• When flying to any other international destination, checked bags weighing 51 to 70 pounds will require an additional overweight bag fee of $100. 

• When flying to any other international destination, checked bags weighing 71 to 100 pounds will require an additional overweight bag fee of $200.

Important Baggage Rules 

When flying with Delta Air Lines, you may be able to bring certain special items. You may need to pay an additional fee to do so. You should plan to check with an agent at the airport to determine the exact fees and restrictions for special items. 

Your bag may be considered a special item if it has a unique shape, exceeds 50 pounds, contains items that require additional care, or if you’re bringing equipment for medical assistance, children’s items, musical instruments, or sporting equipment and gear.

You can check out the rules and restrictions for all eligible special items.

Damaged, Delayed, and Lost Baggage

Here is important information regarding damaged, delayed, and lost baggage.

Damaged Bags

f your bag has been damaged during a flight, you should bring it to the Delta Air Lines Baggage Office immediately after arrival. A staff member will evaluate the damage, and they may direct you to fill out a damaged bag form. You must report your claim within 24 hours for travel within the United States and seven days for international travel. You can start a damaged baggage claim form online.

Delayed Bags

If your bag is delayed, you should submit a claim. If your first or second paid checked bags have been delayed for more than 12 hours after being reported, you might be eligible for a bag fee rebate. You can fill out a delayed bag fee rebate form.   

Delta Air Lines will reimburse for reasonable expenses if you need to make purchases while waiting for your bag. Generally, Delta will cover costs of up to $50 per day for the first five days that your bag is delayed. Delta will deduct your reimbursements from the final claim settlement if your bag is not found. You must keep and present all receipts for these expenses.

Lost Bags

If your bag is lost, you may be eligible for reimbursement. For most domestic flights, Delta Air Lines is only responsible for a value of up to $3,800 per ticketed passenger or $640 per bag for most international flights.

If you declare a higher value, you may be eligible for higher reimbursement. However, you can’t declare a value higher than $5,000. Rules vary depending on when you purchased your ticket, so check the baggage value reimbursement rules.

Further Reading: What to Do if Your Airlines Loses, Damages, or Delays Your Bag

How to Get Free Bags

Here are ways to get free bags depending on your status level and seat.

First Class Passengers

Delta customers traveling on a First Class ticket can get up to two free checked bags for free. Additional bags may be available for free, depending on Delta SkyMiles® membership level.

Elite Status Members Get Free Bags

Delta SkyMiles® members can take advantage of additional perks and earn SkyMiles when flying with Delta. Elite SkyMiles Medallion members get free checked bag perks. 

Here’s a breakdown of the free bag perks by ticket type, destination, and SkyMiles Medallion tier level: 

Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Delta Comfort+

Within the United States and Canada 

• Silver: 1 free checked bag up to 70 pounds (each way) 
• Gold: 2 free checked bags up to 70 pounds (each way) 
• Platinum: 3 free checked bags up to 70 pounds (each way) 
• Diamond: 3 free checked bags up to 70 pounds (each way) 

To/from all other international destinations

• Silver: 1 additional free checked bag over standard bag allowance (each way)
• Gold: 1 additional free checked bag over standard bag allowance (each way)
• Platinum: 1 additional free checked bag over standard bag allowance (each way)
• Diamond: 1 additional free checked bag over standard bag allowance (each way)

Delta Premium Select

To/from all destinations

• Silver: 3 free checked bags up to 50 pounds (each way) 
• Gold: 3 free checked bags up to 50 pounds (each way) 
• Platinum: 3 free checked bags up to 50 pounds (each way) 
• Diamond: 3 free checked bags up to 50 pounds (each way) 

First Class, Delta One

To/from all destinations

• Silver: 3 free checked bags up to 70 pounds (each way) 
• Gold: 3 free checked bags up to 70 pounds (each way) 
• Platinum: 3 free checked bags up to 70 pounds (each way) 
• Diamond: 3 free checked bags up to 70 pounds (each way)

Free Bags with Eligible Delta Credit Cards

As previous detailed, certain Delta credit cards offer holders the option to bring free checked bags. With these credit cards, you and up to eight companions on the same reservation will each get your first checked bag free — up to $60 round-trip on Delta Air Lines flights. For a family of three, that is $180 savings on a round-trip flight itinerary ($30 savings each way per person).

• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: (see benefits)
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

Military Members

If you’re an active United States Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Navy, or Coast Guard member, you qualify for baggage benefits when flying with Delta Air Lines. 

Here’s a breakdown of the rules depending on travel type:

Traveling on Military Orders

Regardless of ticket type, active-duty members traveling on military orders can bring up to five free bags at 100 pounds each.

Personal Travel

When traveling for personal reasons, all active-duty members flying on a Basic Economy, Main Cabin, or Delta Comfort+ ticket can bring up to two free bags at 50 pounds each. 

All active-duty members flying on a Delta Premium Select ticket can bring up to three free bags at 50 pounds each when traveling for personal reasons. 

All active-duty members flying on First Class or Delta One ticket can bring up to three free bags at 70 pounds each when traveling for personal reasons.

The Vacationer’s Final Thoughts

Familiarize yourself with Delta Air Line’s baggage rules and fees before flying. Fees and restrictions vary by where you are traveling. Check your elite Delta elite status as well as any airline credit cards you may have for possible free bag perks.

Further Delta Air Lines Reading

• Delta SkyMiles loyalty program
• Best Ways to Earn Delta SkyMiles
• How to Cancel or Change a Delta Air Lines Flight

Further Baggage Information

• American Airlines Baggage Fees
• Spirit Airlines Baggage Fees
• United Airlines Baggage Fees

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.