DL · United States · Full-service

Delta Air Lines Baggage Policy

Carry-on, personal item, checked bag fees, overweight, special items, and basic economy rules for Delta Air Lines, with every figure cited to the airline's own policy page.

Quick answer

  • Carry-on: up to 22 x 14 x 9", free
  • Personal item: must fit under the seat (no published dimensions), free on every fare
  • Checked bag: $45 first, $55 second (domestic economy)

Carry-on baggage

Max dimensions (in)
22 x 14 x 9"
Max dimensions (cm)
56 x 35 x 23 cm
Weight limit
No published limit
Fee
Free
Gate-check risk
Low

No weight limit on most routes. One carry-on plus one personal item included on all fares.

Personal item

Max dimensions (in)
Not published
Max dimensions (cm)
Not published
Included
Yes, free on every fare

Must fit under the seat in front of you. No published dimensions, but purses, small backpacks, and laptop bags are accepted.

Does your bag count?

Bag typeTypical sizeFit
Standard backpack
Everyday daypack, laptop backpack
 18 x 13 x 8" Under-seat only
Tote bag
Canvas or leather tote
 15 x 14 x 5" Under-seat only
Laptop bag
Messenger or slim briefcase
 16 x 12 x 4" Under-seat only
Small duffel
Gym or weekender
 18 x 11 x 11" Under-seat only
Purse
Handbag or crossbody
 12 x 10 x 5" Under-seat only
Under-seat roller
Mini wheeled bag
 16 x 14 x 8" Under-seat only

Checked baggage fees

Compare fees across airlines →
Domestic economy
1st bag$45
2nd bag$55
Long-haul / international
1st bagNot published
Weight limit50 lb
Linear dim62 in
Overweight & oversize
51–70 lb$100
71–100 lb$200
63–80 in$200

Domestic Main Cabin fees are $45 first / $55 second bag. On transatlantic US-Europe routes, overweight 51-70 lb is $100 and oversize 63-80 in is $300. SkyMiles Medallion members and Delta SkyMiles cardholders receive the first bag free on eligible tickets.

Ways to skip the Delta Air Lines checked bag fee

  1. Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the Delta Air Lines carry-on size.
  2. Use a Delta Air Lines co-branded credit card. These typically waive the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions.
  3. Earn elite status. Mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction.
  4. Book a higher fare. Premium Economy, Business, and First usually include 1 to 2 checked bags.

Special items & sports equipment

Ski / snowboard
Not published
Golf clubs
Not published
Bicycle
Not published
Pet in cabin
$95
Pet as cargo
Not published

Musical instruments: Small instruments count as carry-on. Larger instruments can be checked within the standard allowance or purchased as an extra cabin seat.

Ski, snowboard, golf, and bike equipment count as one standard checked bag on Delta and incur only the standard checked bag fee if under 50 lb. Pet-in-cabin fee is $95 each way on most US/Canada routes.

Basic economy restrictions

Basic Economy Delta Air Lines's lowest fare tier
Carry-on allowed
Yes
Personal item allowed
Yes
Checked bag surcharge
$45
  • No seat selection until check-in
  • Last boarding group
  • No changes or refunds
  • No upgrades
  • Reduced Medallion Qualification Miles

Frequently asked questions

What is the Delta Air Lines carry-on size limit?

Delta Air Lines allows a carry-on bag up to 22 x 14 x 9" (56 x 35 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. There is no published weight limit, but you must be able to lift your bag into the overhead bin unassisted.

What is the Delta Air Lines personal item size?

Delta Air Lines does not publish strict personal item dimensions. Your bag must fit fully under the seat in front of you, which is typically about 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Must fit under the seat in front of you. No published dimensions, but purses, small backpacks, and laptop bags are accepted.

How much does a checked bag cost on Delta Air Lines?

The first checked bag on Delta Air Lines costs $45 on most domestic economy fares, and the second bag costs $55. Domestic Main Cabin fees are $45 first / $55 second bag. On transatlantic US-Europe routes, overweight 51-70 lb is $100 and oversize 63-80 in is $300. SkyMiles Medallion members and Delta SkyMiles cardholders receive the first bag free on eligible tickets.

What are the Delta Air Lines overweight and oversize bag fees?

Bags weighing 51 to 70 lb incur an overweight fee of $100. Bags 71 to 100 lb are charged $200. Oversize bags between 63 and 80 linear inches are $200. Fees are charged in addition to the standard checked bag fee.

Can I bring a carry-on on Delta Air Lines Basic Economy?

Yes. Delta Air Lines Basic Economy passengers can bring one carry-on bag plus one personal item. A checked bag on Basic Economy costs around $45.

How can I avoid Delta Air Lines checked bag fees?

Four common ways: (1) pack in a carry-on and personal item only (confirm your bag fits the Delta Air Lines carry-on size of 22 x 14 x 9"); (2) hold a Delta Air Lines co-branded credit card, which typically waives the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions on the same reservation; (3) reach elite status in the airline's frequent flyer program, where mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction; (4) book a higher fare class (Premium Economy, Business, First) where checked bags are included.

Will my bag be gate-checked on Delta Air Lines?

Delta Air Lines currently has a low gate-check risk based on our review of boarding policies and traveler reports. Overhead bin space is usually sufficient on full flights.

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Sources & verification

Airlines change baggage rules without notice. Always confirm with Delta Air Lines before flying.