DELTA AIRLINES BAGGAGE POLICY

• Matthew Baron
• Published Date: Jul 08, 2023
• Updated Date: Sep 02, 2026

Delta Airlines Baggage Policy

That extra pair of coats that you thought would be okay to pack in your suitcase will make you pay extra at the airport scale. If you don’t want to face repacking or an overweight-bag charge, understanding Delta Airlines Baggage Policy is important to save yourself from unexpected charges at the airport. Your one wrong assumption about the baggage size, free allowances, dimensions, or checked-bag fees can cost you more than your budget.

The baggage policy of Delta flights varies depending on your cabin, route, ticket, or loyalty benefits. For penalty-free and cost-effective travel, it's essential that you learn about the detailed baggage allowances and guidelines applicable on Delta Airlines flights. Read the full blog to discover the detailed baggage fee structure applicable to Delta carry-on and checked baggage, restrictions, special item rules, and more.

Does your suitcase weigh more or larger than the standard Delta baggage limit? Don't wait until airport check-in to discover an unexpected charge. Call +1-866-673-8391 to speak with our travel experts to understand the baggage rules and your itinerary-specific practical solutions.

Understanding Delta Airlines Baggage Policy

Delta Airlines baggage rules cover allowances and restrictions for cabin, standard checked baggage, and special/excess baggage. Your baggage rules and what your booking is eligible for depend heavily on your destination, fare type, and loyalty status. Read the blog further to learn about the baggage policy imposed by Delta Airlines:

• On small aircraft with 50 or fewer seats and limited space, only one personal item is allowed for free.
• Carry-on bags must strictly fit within the maximum dimension limit of 22' x 14' x 9' inches.
• Elite/Medallion member passengers and some eligible Delta credit card holders receive a free checked bag allowance of up to 3 bags, a maximum of 70 lbs each.
• If your carry-on bag is larger than the overhead bin space or when the overhead bin is full, it will be checked at the gate and charged $75–$100.
• On several international long-haul routes (like Asia), Delta permits 2 free bags, including for economy fares as well.
• Allows one personal item for free that can entirely fit under the seat, like backpacks and larger purses, which are scrutinized if they exceed the under-seat capacity.
• Delta Basic Economy fares for international routes permit limited or no free checked baggage based on different routes.
• Checked baggage shouldn't exceed 62 linear inches (L + W + H), while additional fees apply depending on the route and fare type of the passengers.

What Are Delta Airlines Baggage Restrictions?

Delta Airlines carry-on baggage restrictions and items prohibited from packing in your checked baggage are mentioned in detail below to ensure you refrain from bringing them on the flight:

Medical Items	Personal oxygen cylinders are restricted by Delta, but FAA-approved POCs are permitted after prior approval.
Lithium Batteries	Spare electronic batteries can only be carried as carry-on, while large lithium batteries more than 160 watts are prohibited.
Sharp Items	Pointed or sharp items such as swords, box cutters, hiking poles, or knives are prohibited as carry-on but can be checked.
Personal Transport	Airboards, Hoverboards, Lithium-powered self-balancing devices.
Agricultural Items	Several plants, fruits, or vegetables are not permitted on Delta by Border Protection and US Customs.
Hazardous Material	Fireworks, flares, explosives, ammunition, and blasting caps.
Liquids/Gels	Can be carried in your carry-on bag with a limit of 100 ml per container.
Flammable Items	Gasoline, torch/blue flame lighters, lighter refills, paints, and strike-anywhere matches.
Other Items	Tear gas, Aerosol spray paints, Bear spray, and hazardous chemicals.

Understanding Delta Airlines Baggage Allowances

Delta Airlines baggage allowance permits its customers to bring a carry-on and personal item for free with the standard flight booking. The fees for adding a first bag cost travellers $45, and $55 for the second bag. You can learn about the baggage allowances- carry-on and checked baggage allowed for Delta passengers from the table given below:

Cabin Bag Allowance

Item Type	Max Dimensions Inches (L x W x H)	Max Weight	Storage Location
Carry-on	22’ x 14’ x 9’	Not Defined	Overhead Bin
Personal Bag	18’ x 14’ x 8’	Not Defined	Under front row seat

Checked Baggage Allowance

Attributes	Domestic	International
Carry-on	1 Bag + 1 Personal Item (No weight limit applies)	1 Bag + 1 Personal Item (Weight limit applies to some regions)
1st Checked Bag	$45	Free (for most long-haul routes)
2nd Checked Bag	$55	Free (Or Lower Prices)
3rd Checked Bag	$150+	$200+ (varies by route)
Weight Limit	Economy: 50 lbs Premium: 70 lbs	Economy: 50 lbs Premium: 70 lbs
Size Limit	62 in	62 in
Medallion	First 3 bags free (depending on status)	Free (higher weight limit allowed)

Note: Booked your Delta flight and now you are confused about the unexpected baggage fees? Dial +1-866-673-8391 to speak with our travel team, who can review your itinerary and suggest the potential costs to make your trip easier.

You May Also Read: Delta Airlines International Baggage Fees

How Much Does Delta Airlines Charge For Baggage?

Delta Airlines first-class baggage allowance may charge travellers $45 for the first and $55 for the second checked bag on domestic flights and short-haul international destinations. Baggage fees vary depending on your destination, ticket type, and frequent flyer status. Here is a quick look at the baggage fees charged by Delta Airlines for different fare types, routes, and number of bags:

Fare Class/Cabin	First Checked Bag	Second Checked Bag
Basic Economy	$45	$55
Delta Comfort+	$45	$55
Delta First Class	Free	Free
Main Cabin	$45	$55
Delta Premium Select	Free	Free
Delta One	Free	Free

International Bag Fees

Flight Route	First Bag	Second Bag
US to/from Caribbean	$35	$45
US to/from South America	Free (0-$70 on Basic Economy)	$60 - $100
US to/from Europe	$Free (0-$75 on Basic Economy)	$100
US to/from Asia	Free	Free ($75+ for extra)
US to/from Africa	Free	Free ($100 on Basic Economy)
US to/from Central America	$45	$55

How Much Is Excess Baggage On Delta Airlines?

Delta Airlines checked baggage fees apply to excess baggage carried by the traveller depending on the quantity of additional bags, weight, and dimensions. Standard domestic checked baggage may cost you $45 for the first bag weighing under 50 pounds and 62 linear inches, and the second bag may cost you $55. When checking more than two standard pieces of baggage on Delta, the airline charges flat fees for additional bags depending on the route. Here are the quick excess baggage fees that Delta imposes on its customers for additional bags beyond the free allowance on fare type:

Baggage Quantity	Short-Haul Routes	Transatlantic US To Europe/North Africa
First Checked Bag	$45	$0
Second Checked Bag	$55	$100
Third Checked Bag	$200	$285
Fourth – Tenth Bag	$200	$285

Overweight And Oversized Baggage Fees

Delta Airlines baggage weight limit for standard checked bags is 50 lbs (23 kg) and maximum dimension 62 linear inches (L + W + H). Baggage that exceeds the standard limits is subject to extra charges, as given in the table below:

Baggage Type	Weight/Size Range	Fees
Overweight	23 – 32 kg	$100
Overweight	32 – 45 kg	$200
Overweight	More than 45 kg	Not Accepted
Oversized	161 – 203 cm	$200
Oversized	More than 203 cm	Not Accepted

What Is Delta Special Baggage Allowances Rule?

Delta special baggage allowance rules apply to specific items; size limits and fees apply to unique items like musical instruments, sporting equipment, medical devices, and infant gear. Delta permits its customers to travel with various special baggage items, but individual rules apply for each. In general, each fragile or special item is counted as one checked bag. Standard baggage allowance and fees apply based on your route and cabin class. Read the blog further to understand the special baggage allowed to Delta Airlines passengers and its rules:

• Military Allowances: Delta Airlines military baggage permits the active US military members to bring free checked bags that might vary depending on the travel reason whether its personal or official.
• Media Bags: Specialized media equipment used by television or film crews is allowed as checked baggage with Delta's special allowances. Special rates apply for media bags of $70-$75 with approved weight quantity.
• Sports Equipment: Items such as bicycles, golf bags, skis, snowboards, or surfboards can be checked as Delta international baggage. But overweight sports equipment over 50 lbs incurs fees.
• Musical Instruments: Small musical items are allowed in the cabin as carry-on that fit in an overhead bin, like violins, keyboards, or guitars. At the same time, fragile musical instruments must be packed well and brought in a separate seat.
• Fragile Items: Special artwork or antique items that are valuable require proper packing to be carried on Delta international flight.
• Mobility Aids: Delta allows walkers, prosthetic devices, crutches, and mobility aids carried by passengers on the international route. Mobility equipment such as wheelchairs and walkers, and medical equipment like CPAP machines are accepted to be carried on Delta for free.
• Medical Equipment: Items like wheelchairs, assistive devices, or CPAP machines are permitted on board as additional baggage for no extra cost.
• Infant Items: In addition to the standard baggage, several children/infant items like strollers, car seats, and bassinets are allowed for free on Delta international flights.

Note: Travelling with Delta for a military trip without knowing your baggage allowance? If you don’t want to risk paying extra for your baggage or know what baggage allowances you are entitled to for free, call +1-866-673-8391 to speak with our travel experts. Plan your journey for the respective itinerary and travel with confidence.

What Is The Baggage Drop-Off Deadline On Delta Airlines?

For Delta Airlines domestic baggage allowance, the standard baggage drop-off deadline accepted is 45 minutes before the scheduled flight departure time. On international Delta flight routes, the standard bag drop deadline set by the airline is 60 minutes prior to the scheduled flight take off time.

Flight Route	Bag Drop-Off Limit	Check-In Limit
Domestic	45 minutes	30 minutes
International	60 minutes	60 minutes

How To Add Check In Baggage In Delta Airlines?

You can add your checked bag to your Delta Airlines booking using the online option for a cheaper rate during the 24-hour window prior to scheduled departure using Delta My Trips website or the Fly Delta app. Follow the step-by-step process below to prepay for your baggage:

Using Website

Open App/Website	Visit online for an official website option or open Fly Delta App.
Locate Trip	Find ‘My Trips’ section, input passenger details, booking confirmation number, credit card number, or SkyMiles number.
Add Bags	Click on the ‘Check-in’ option from your trip booking and then click on ‘Add Bags’ to indicate the quantity of bags you are carrying.
Pay Fees	Make payment of the applied baggage fees online in advance for lower prices.
Receive Boarding Pass	Download the boarding pass for a digital pass or get its printout to show at the airport.

At the Airport

To add Delta Airlines check in baggage at the airport, you can use the self-service Delta Airport Kiosk, the curbside check-in, or go directly to the ticket counter to speak with the agent in person and follow the steps given below to add your bags:

Locate The Kiosk	At Delta airport, look for the self check-in kiosk located in the departures area.
Identify Booking	Pick a suitable check-in method either by scanning passport/boarding pass or using SkyMiles/confirmation number to access your reservation.
Select ‘Check Bags’	Follow as the on-screen prompts and add the number of bags you wish to check.
Pay Fees	Make baggage fees payment with a credit card at the kiosk.
Print And Attach Tags	The kiosk will now proceed to print your baggage tags that you can attach to the bags.
Drop Bags	Pick your tagged bags and drop them off the designated Delta baggage drop area.

Expert Advice: Need to add another bag to your Delta booking but not sure what to pay? Call us at +1-866-673-8391 for personalized travel assistance before purchasing the extra baggage to understand your baggage options and plan your trip smoothly.

Delta Airlines Baggage Policy - Lost, Delayed And Damaged

Delta Airlines lost baggage, delayed, or damaged baggage rules and compensation amounts are imposed by the Contract of Carriage member of the airline and (DOT) and the Montreal Convention agents for international routes. Here is a breakdown of Delta Airlines Baggage policies for delayed, lost, or damaged bags, their reporting time, and compensation rules in tabular format:

Baggage Issues	Domestic Reporting Window	International Reporting Window	Maximum Compensation
Missing Item	24 hours post-arrival	7 days post-arrival	Up to liability limits
Delayed Bag	Report before leaving airport	Report before leaving airport	Up to $4,700 for expenses
Damaged Bag	6 hours post-arrival	7 hours post-arrival	Cost of repair/replacement
Lost (21+ Days)	File within liability rules	File within 2 years	$4,700 per passenger

How To Track Your Baggage On Delta Airlines?

For baggage tracking and Delta Airlines baggage claim, you can follow the steps given below for quick help:

Report	Before leaving Delta airport, report about your damaged bag within 4 hours of receiving to obtain a reference number
Access Claim Form	Go to Delta website to locate the Damaged, Delayed, or Lost Baggage page.
Fill The Form	Input your itinerary details, fill out the baggage claim reference number, and specify the baggage details and damage caused.
Upload Documentation	Submit photos of the damaged bag, bag tags, and receipts of bag purchase as proof.
Submit And Track	Submit the form within 7 days of bag damage and wait for a response from the airline.

Pro Tip To Travel With Delta Airlines Without Any Baggage Issues

Follow the smart strategy below from our experts to keep Delta Airlines baggage weight and size within limits to travel without baggage issues:

• Select a soft-sided, flexible piece of baggage to avoid being flagged at the gate check-in by the AI scanners.
• Remove bag tags or old barcode stickers to prevent baggage scanning errors and avoid misdirected baggage.
• Check in your baggage using the Fly Delta app to save time and receive a digital boarding pass with a queue-free check-in option.
• Reach Delta airport 3 hours earlier for international route flights and 2 hours prior for domestic route flights, and keep the documents handy.
• Ensure your baggage has a visible tag with your name and phone number displayed on it from the outside, and place your personal information inside too.

As the blog comes to a close, we hope you now can travel without any baggage issues using Delta Airlines checked baggage weight limit and understand the baggage rules and dimensions accepted for different fares. Read the full blog to learn the special baggage rules, baggage restrictions, lost baggage claim steps, and more that can really help you travel with ease. You can claim compensation or track delayed baggage by using the step-by-step guide given in this blog. Are you dealing with a missing suitcase at Delta Airlines airport? Reach out to our highly qualified travel guides at +1-866-673-8391 for personalized guidance and learn what possible right steps you can take in such a situation.

Note: When checking baggage limits, also review Delta Airlines check-in policy to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.