Delta Airlines Baggage Policy | Carry-On, Checked Bags & Fees

Delta Baggage Policy

Ready to take your next flight with Delta Airlines but have doubts about the baggage rules? Do not worry! You are not the only one. The Delta baggage policy is fairly traveler-friendly. Yet, if one is unaware of the rules, one might have to pay extra charges or remove the items from the luggage at the airport. However, understanding the baggage policy in advance can avoid confusion and make you pack your bag right. Whether you are in search of insights on size, checked luggage, or finding the list of restricted items, we have got you covered. Continue to read this blog until the end and get every detail on size, weight, allowance, restrictions, and more of Delta baggage. 

What is Delta Airlines carry-on baggage policy? 

The Delta carry on size, weight, and items have their own restrictions. Not even all flights of Delta allow a complimentary personal item and carry-on luggage. This confusion can lead to unexpected charges at the airport. Therefore, understand the carry-on luggage policy before you make your booking and travel smooth. 

Delta Carry-on Baggage Allowance

As per the Delta baggage policy, the passengers who have a booking directly with Delta Airlines flights are allowed to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag for free. However, if your booking is scheduled with Delta Connection, then the allowance is restricted only to the personal item. Additionally, one of the carry-on items must be small enough to fit easily underneath the seat in front of you. 

Accepted Free Personal Items

  • Briefcase
  • Small backpack
  • Belt bag
  • Funny pack 
  • Camera bag
  • Diaper bag
  • Laptop bag
  • Purse

Note: The passenger can bring items that are smaller than Delta carry on size list above. 

Accepted Free Carry on Items

  • A coat
  • An umbrella
  • A jacket 
  • Crutches 
  • Walking canes
  • Duty-free merchandise
  • Strollers
  • Wheelchairs
  • Child safety seats
  • Meals and beverages bought past security checkpoints

Delta Carry On Size Restriction

Make sure you follow the Delta Carry On Size restriction to ensure your bag can easily pass through the gate and fit in the overhead bin. Delta imposes the size restriction as they have limited space on the flight. If the bag is too big, the passenger might struggle to keep it under the seat or overhead bin. 

The points below will help you understand the details about the carry on luggage size on Delta: 

  • The combined Delta Airline carry on size (length + width + height) must not exceed a total of 45 linear inches. 
  • The measurement of the luggage includes the handle and wheels also. However, it does not apply to the musical instrument, which can be easily fitted in the overhead bin. 
  • The Delta Airlines carry on size also meets the individual requirement of length, width, and height, which is 22 x 14 x 9 (56 cm x 35 cm x 23 cm), respectively.
  • The Delta Connection flights have limited space, due to which the passenger will not be allowed to bring the carry-on luggage. The passengers can only bring one personal item for free.
  • The carry on luggage size Delta does fit the specified requirement; a gate agent might assist you in checking your bag at the gate. 
  • The dimensions of the seat underneath on most Delta flights are 20 X 15 X 11 (55 cm X 38 cm X 28 cm). To make sure, you place your personal item easily underneath the seat, bringing the item with dimensions of 17 X 13 X 9 (43 cm X 33 cm X 23 cm) or smaller.  

Delta Carry-On Weight Restrictions

Delta Airlines does not impose weight restrictions on major routes. However, it does not mean that a passenger can bring any Delta carry on bag size with heavier weight. According to the policy, the bag must be light enough for a person to easily lift it up and easily put it in the overhead bin. However, there are certain airports where airlines impose the weight restriction on the carry-on bags. The airports with carry-on bag weight restrictions are as follows: 

  • Beijing Capital International Airport: The maximum weight of the carry-on bag can be 22 lbs (10 kg).
  • Shanghai Pudong International Airport: The carry-on baggage weight must not exceed a total weight of 22 lbs (10 kg).
  • Singapore Changi International Airport: The bags above 15 lbs (7 kg) are not eligible for the cabin.

What is the Delta baggage policy for checked baggage? 

The Delta baggage policy highly accommodates the passengers traveling with multiple bags. However, there are certain limitations on the checked baggage, and if you are not aware of these rules, it might put an extra burden of charges to carry luggage on a Delta flight. 

Delta Airlines Checked Baggage Allowance

  • Each passenger is allowed to bring two checked bags with standard charges on a Delta flight. 
  • The basic economy, Delta Comfort+ & Delta Premium Select, can bring two checked bags weighing no more than 50 lbs (23 kg) each.
  • The weight allowance for First Class and Delta One fare types is 70 lbs (32 kg) each. 
  • The total Delta checked baggage size must not exceed 62 inches (157 cm), including the length + width + height. 

Delta Excess & Overweight Baggage Guidelines

  • The passengers who are traveling on a flight operated directly by Delta Airlines or Delta Shuttle can bring a total of 10 pieces of luggage. 
  • If the passenger is flying with Delta connections, the passengers can bring a maximum of 4 pieces of luggage. 
  • If the bags exceed the specified limit imposed by Delta Airlines, the passenger will have to pay the additional charges. 
  • The Delta Connection carriers assign the space based on the availability of the space on the flight. In case they are unable to create space for luggage on the same aircraft on which you are traveling, they will transport the luggage through the next available flight. 
  • The bags weighing more than 100 lbs or 80 inches (203 cm) in total will not be permitted on a Delta flight. 

How Much Is Delta Airlines Checked Baggage Fees?

Delta Airlines applies chargers for different types of luggage. Only the carry-on bags and the personal items are free to bring on the flight. The table below is a detailed breakdown of Delta checked in baggage fee, which will help you to understand the applicable charges on luggage. 

Bag TypesFee
Personal Item & Carry-on BagFree
First Checked Bag$45
Second Checked Bag$55
Third Checked Baggage $200
Baggage from 4 to 10$200 (each bag)
Overweight Bag$100 (51-70 lbs) & $200 (71-100 lbs) 
Oversized Bag$200 (63-80 inches) 

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What is the Delta baggage policy for special items? 

Special items are those which cannot be reshaped to match the dimension requirement of the Delta baggage policy. These items are not treated under the regular size bracket. The airline provides an additional size extension.  

Sporting Equipment

The passenger can bring the sporting equipment on after paying the standard cost of checked baggage on Delta. The overweight charges apply to the luggage that exceeds the 23 kg weight limit. But, the oversized fees are waived, yet the total size of the luggage cannot be more than 292 cm. Additionally, if the item exceeds 292 cm and 100 lbs (45 kg), it will not be accepted. Here are a few sporting items listed below:

  1. Archery Equipment
  2. Bicycles
  3. Boogie/Skim Boards
  4. Fishing Equipment
  5. Golf Equipment
  6. Hockey & Lacrosse Equipment
  7. Javelins
  8. Scuba Equipment
  9. Shooting Equipment
  10. Skateboards
  11. Ski/Snowboard
  12. Surfboards

Musical Instrument

Smaller instruments such as guitars and flutes will be accepted as carry-on luggage. And passengers can easily put this in the overhead bin. However, the airline will treat the larger musical instruments as checked baggage. Only when weighing no more than 165 lbs (75 kg) and having a total linear dimension (length + width + height) of 150 inches (381 cm) or less. Additionally, if you feel your musical instrument is too fragile and needs extra care. Then, you can book a full fare ticket for the instrument. However, there are certain requirements that must be met: 

  • The instrument must not weigh more than 165 lbs (65 kg).
  • Pack your instruments properly to avoid accidents.
  • Instruments cannot restrict the view of other passengers.
  • Instruments need to be in the cabin where the passenger has booked their own seat.

Medical Supplies & Wheelchairs

The Delta Airlines baggage policy allows the passengers to bring the medical supplies and assistive equipment without paying any additional charges. Fragile items such as hearing devices, prescriptions, or small devices should be kept in the carry-on bag. If you have to bring a wheelchair, you must inform the airline at least 48 hours before the flight departure.  

What items are restricted on a Delta flight? 

The federal law and safety regulations restrict certain items on the flight. Delta strictly follows the law and is not ready to compromise with the safety standards. Therefore, the airline has restricted certain items on the flight. Here is a list of restricted items: 

  • Battery or Fuel-Powered
  • Food or Alcohol Transportation
  • Personal Care
  • Medical Items
  • Torch 
  • Fuels 
  • Paints, 
  • Stains 
  • Lubricant
  • Aerosol products 
  • Bleach, drain cleaners or pesticides
  • Machine
  • Fireworks or explosives
  • Meals Ready to Eat (MREs)
  • Explosives or Firearms
  • Ammunition
  • Automotive
  • Personal Electronic Items
  • Robotic
  • Tobacco
  • E-Cigarettes
  • Marijuana

Read Also: – How to Track Delta Flight Status in Real Time

Conclusion 

Understanding the Delta baggage policy is essential for a smooth and stress-free journey. Delta has its own set of rules for carry-on, checked bags, restrictions, and special items. By understanding these rules, you can ensure you pack your bag smartly to avoid any unexpected charges at the check-in counter. Make sure you read this blog and make notes and pack your bag correctly to avoid surprises later at the airport.

FAQs

How many bags does Delta allow for free?


Each passenger can bring two bags for free; it includes one personal item and a carry-on bag. Delta free checked bags depend on the fare type, route, and loyalty status. 

What is the 20 minute bag rule for Delta?

The Delta 20 minute baggage rules says that your bag will arrive at the carousels within 20 minutes of the landing. Otherwise, passengers can claim 2,500 SkyMiles points, given that the claim must be made within two hours of flight arrival.

What is the new Delta rule for checked bags?

Delta checked baggage must be drop-off at least 45 minutes and 60 minutes before domestic and international flights, respectively. The fee for the first bag would be $45 and for the second bag $55. Also, the passenger must claim within two hours of landing to enjoy the benefits of 20-minute bag guarntee.

Can I pack a cell phone in checked luggage?

Yes, Delta Airlines has made no restriction over carrying a cell phone in the checked baggage. However, the passenger will have to turn off and cover with a hard-shell case or padded clothes to prevent harm or unintentional activation.

How strict is Delta with carry-on size?

Delta has a lenient approach on carry-on size. The official maximum is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, but rarely measures until the bag looks obviously oversized. Additionally, there are no weight restrictions but the passenger must be able to put it inside the overhead bin alone.

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