Planning to fly with Delta Air Lines? Understanding the Delta Airlines baggage allowance before you travel can help you avoid unexpected fees at the airport.
Delta's baggage rules can vary depending on your route, ticket type, cabin, Medallion status, eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card benefits, and other exceptions. The information below provides a practical overview of the main baggage rules, but travelers should always check Delta's current baggage information for their specific itinerary before departure.
Last updated: September 2026
Delta Baggage Allowance at a Glance
For most Delta flights, passengers can bring:
- 1 carry-on bag
- 1 personal item
- Checked baggage depending on the itinerary, fare, cabin and applicable benefits
The exact number of free checked bags is not the same for every Delta passenger.
Delta Carry-On Baggage Allowance
Delta generally allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item at no additional charge, provided they meet the applicable requirements.
Delta's current baggage FAQ lists the maximum standard carry-on size as:
22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 cm).
Your carry-on should fit in the overhead storage compartment.
A personal item should fit underneath the seat in front of you. Examples include a small backpack, purse, laptop bag or briefcase.
Some Delta Connection flights with smaller aircraft can have additional carry-on restrictions. In those situations, a larger carry-on may be gate-checked and returned after landing.
Delta Checked Baggage Allowance
Checked baggage rules depend on your route and ticket.
For standard checked baggage, Delta currently lists a maximum size of:
62 linear inches (157 cm)
Linear inches are calculated by adding:
Length + Width + Height
For example:
30" + 20" + 12" = 62 linear inches
Standard Checked-Bag Weight
For many standard fares:
- Delta Main: up to 50 lb (23 kg) per standard checked bag
- Delta Comfort: up to 50 lb (23 kg)
- Delta Premium Select: up to 50 lb (23 kg)
- Delta One: up to 70 lb (32 kg)
- Delta First: up to 70 lb (32 kg)
These are general limits and certain routes, fares and special circumstances can have different rules.
How Much Does Delta Charge for Checked Bags?
Delta's current published standard domestic U.S. example lists:
Checked bagCurrent example feeFirst standard checked bag$45 USD each waySecond standard checked bag$55 USD each way
These amounts apply to qualifying Delta Main and Delta Comfort customers traveling on domestic flights within the U.S. who do not have applicable Delta SkyMiles American Express Card, Medallion Status or active military exceptions.
They should therefore not be treated as a universal Delta baggage price.
Fees can vary depending on your itinerary, ticket, purchase date and applicable benefits.
Who May Get Free Checked Bags?
Some Delta customers may qualify for free checked baggage.
Examples include:
- Eligible Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members
- Eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card Members
- Active U.S. military personnel
- Passengers whose fare or itinerary includes checked baggage
- Certain premium-cabin travelers
The number of free bags and the applicable weight limit can vary.
If you have an eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card, check the current card-specific terms before relying on a free-bag benefit.
Delta Baggage Rules for International Flights
International baggage allowances can be different from domestic U.S. baggage rules.
Your allowance may depend on:
- Destination
- Origin
- Fare type
- Cabin
- Ticketing date
- Operating airline
- Frequent-flyer status
- Eligible credit-card benefits
For international travel, don't assume that the domestic $45/$55 checked-bag example applies to your trip.
Check your Delta reservation or Delta's official baggage information for the allowance associated with your itinerary.
What Happens If My Bag Is Overweight?
If a checked bag exceeds the applicable weight limit, additional charges or restrictions can apply.
The permitted weight depends on your cabin and itinerary.
For example, Delta currently lists a standard 50-lb limit for Delta Main, Delta Comfort and Delta Premium Select, while Delta One and Delta First generally have a 70-lb limit per piece.
Some destinations also have additional baggage restrictions or embargoes.
What Happens If My Bag Is Oversized?
A standard checked bag should generally not exceed:
62 linear inches (157 cm)
Remember to calculate:
Length + Width + Height
Oversized baggage can be subject to additional charges or may not be accepted on certain routes.
Destination-specific restrictions can also apply.
Can I Take a Carry-On With Delta Basic Economy?
Delta's baggage FAQ states that passengers may generally bring one carry-on item and one personal item, subject to applicable requirements and exceptions.
However, smaller Delta Connection aircraft can have different onboard storage limitations.
Always check the baggage information associated with your particular reservation if you're unsure.
How to Check Your Delta Baggage Allowance
The easiest way to confirm your actual baggage allowance is to check your reservation before traveling.
Delta provides baggage information through:
- Your Delta reservation
- Delta.com
- The Fly Delta app
- Delta's baggage information pages
- Airport check-in facilities
Your reservation is particularly important because baggage allowances can vary by itinerary and ticket.
Delta Baggage Tips for Travelers
Before leaving for the airport:
- Weigh your checked bag at home.
- Measure the bag if it is close to the size limit.
- Check whether your ticket includes checked baggage.
- Check whether you qualify for a baggage benefit.
- Keep valuables, medication and important documents in your carry-on.
- Check your itinerary for destination-specific restrictions.
- Recheck Delta's current baggage rules before departure.
Important: Check Delta Before You Fly
Airline baggage rules can change, and special restrictions can apply to particular destinations or tickets.
For the most current information, check Delta's official baggage policy and the baggage allowance shown for your reservation before traveling.
Official Delta source: Delta Air Lines — Baggage Policy and Fees.