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Planning a Delta flight means understanding what you can bring and what it’ll cost. The Delta baggage allowance varies by cabin class, route, and ticket type, but the good news is that Delta offers generous carry-on allowances and clear fee structures. Whether you’re flying cross-country in Basic Economy or heading overseas in Delta One, knowing these rules helps you pack smart and avoid airport surprises.
Delta Airlines Carry On Size and Personal Items
Every Delta passenger gets one carry-on bag plus one personal item free of charge, regardless of fare class. This applies even to Basic Economy tickets, setting Delta apart from some competitors.
Your carry-on must not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. This bag goes in the overhead bin and typically holds enough for several days of travel.
The Delta personal item size should fit under the seat ahead of you. Common dimensions are around 17 x 13 x 9 inches (43 x 33 x 23 cm), perfect for purses, laptop bags, briefcases, or small backpacks. Keep essentials like electronics, snacks, and reading material here for easy access during the flight.
Delta Baggage Policy: Checked Bag Basics
Checked bags must not exceed 62 linear inches (158 cm) in total dimensions, that’s length plus width plus height combined. Weight limits depend on your cabin class: 50 lbs (23 kg) for Main Cabin and Basic Economy, or 70 lbs (32 kg) for premium cabins.
Delta Airlines Baggage Fees by Route
Domestic Flights (US, Canada, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands):
- First bag: $35 (prepaid online saves $5)
- Second bag: $45
- Third bag: $150
- Each additional bag: $200
International Routes: Fees vary significantly by destination. Basic Economy to Europe/North Africa: $60 first bag, $100 second bag. Many international Economy tickets include one free checked bag, making overseas travel more economical.
Always prepay bags online during booking; airport counter fees run higher and eat into your travel budget unnecessarily.
Delta Basic Economy Baggage Allowance Explained
The Delta basic economy baggage allowance includes full carry-on privileges but charges for all checked bags. On domestic routes, expect $35 for your first checked bag. International Basic Economy pricing varies by destination but typically starts at $60.
Basic Economy still beats ultra-budget carriers by including overhead bin access and seat assignments closer to departure.
Delta Main Basic Baggage Allowance
The Delta main basic baggage allowance (also called Main Cabin) provides more flexibility than Basic Economy. On domestic flights, you’ll pay standard checked bag fees. International Main Cabin tickets typically include one free checked bag up to 50 lbs, making this fare class appealing for overseas trips.
Delta Comfort Baggage Allowance Benefits
Delta comfort baggage allowance mirrors Main Cabin for domestic routes; you’ll pay for checked bags. The real value comes from extra legroom, priority boarding, and enhanced refreshments rather than baggage perks.
International Delta Comfort+ passengers usually receive one free checked bag, matching standard Economy international allowances.
Premium Cabin Baggage Allowances
Delta Premium Select Baggage Allowance
The Delta Premium Select baggage allowance provides generous benefits. Passengers receive two free checked bags weighing up to 50 lbs each on most routes. This premium economy product sits between Main Cabin and Business Class, offering enhanced comfort and baggage privileges.
Delta Business Class Baggage Allowance
Delta business class baggage allowance grants two free checked bags up to 70 lbs each. This weight increase over Economy proves valuable when packing for extended trips or bringing back purchases from abroad.
Delta First Class Baggage Allowance
The Delta first class baggage allowance matches Business Class with two complimentary checked bags at 70 lbs each. First Class passengers also enjoy priority baggage handling, meaning bags typically arrive first at baggage claim.
Delta One Baggage Allowance
It offers the same generous benefits as First Class: two bags at 70 lbs each, plus white-glove service throughout your journey. Delta One’s lie-flat seats and premium dining make long-haul international flights comfortable, and the baggage allowance supports extended travel.
Delta International Baggage Allowance
The Delta international baggage allowance typically exceeds domestic allowances. Most international Economy tickets include at least one free checked bag, while premium cabins receive two. Routes to the Middle East, Asia, and South America often feature the most generous allowances.
Basic Economy international tickets to certain regions may still charge for checked bags, so verify your specific route before booking.
Delta Domestic Baggage Allowance
Delta domestic baggage allowance charges most passengers for checked bags unless flying in premium cabins or holding elite status. The straightforward fee structure – $35 first bag, $45 second bag – remains consistent across domestic routes.
Medallion members and Delta SkyMiles American Express cardholders receive free checked bags even in Economy, making loyalty programs worthwhile for frequent travelers.
Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees
Exceeding standard limits triggers additional charges:
Overweight (51-70 lbs):
- Domestic/Canada: $100
- International: $100
- Over 70 lbs often prohibited or charged $200+
Oversized (63-80 linear inches):
- Domestic: $150
- International: Varies by route
Bags exceeding 100 lbs or 80 linear inches cannot be transported. Always weigh and measure bags at home before heading to the airport.
Special Items and Equipment
Delta accommodates special items with specific policies:
- Strollers and car seats travel free
- Wheelchairs and mobility devices don’t count against allowances
- Bikes incur a $150 fee
- Golf bags count as standard checked bags
- Musical instruments under 115 inches and 100 lbs can be checked
Sports equipment often qualifies as standard baggage if within size limits, though specialty items like surfboards may incur additional fees.
Tips for Maximizing Your Allowance
Join SkyMiles: Delta’s loyalty program offers status tiers with free checked bags. Even without elite status, using a Delta SkyMiles credit card grants first bag free.
Book Premium Strategically: When checking multiple bags, Delta Premium Select or Business Class sometimes costs less than Economy plus bag fees. Calculate total trip costs including baggage.
Pack Light When Possible: The generous carry-on allowance – one bag plus personal item – accommodates weekend trips and short business journeys without checked luggage expenses.
Weigh Before You Go: A simple luggage scale at home prevents overweight fees. Redistribute items between bags if one approaches limits.
Ship for Extended Trips: Long-term travel or relocations sometimes cost less through shipping services than multiple checked bags and overweight fees.
Exploring Cities Without Your Bags
Early arrivals and late departures often force travelers to wander with luggage, as hotels and attractions rarely offer storage, quickly ruining the trip experience. Radical Storage solves this by providing secure, insured luggage storage at a flat daily rate near airports, downtown areas, and major attractions across the United States and internationally.
Whether you are maximizing a layover in Atlanta or exploring Manhattan before a flight, booking online allows you to instantly drop your bags at a verified partner location and transform dead time into productive, hands-free exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, all passengers receive one carry-on plus one personal item free.
Varies by route, many Economy tickets include one free bag, while Basic Economy typically charges $60-$100.
Elite members receive free checked bags based on their tier. Silver gets one bag, Gold/Platinum/Diamond gets two.
Yes, through your online reservation for lower fees than airport counter rates.
$100 fee for 51-70 lbs on most routes; bags over 70 lbs often prohibited or charged $200+.
Conclusion
Understanding the Delta baggage allowance system helps you pack efficiently and budget accurately. With generous carry-on allowances for all passengers, clear fee structures, and premium cabin benefits, Delta provides transparency that eliminates airport surprises.
Whether flying Basic Economy domestically or Delta One internationally, knowing these policies keeps your journey smooth and your costs predictable.