Delta Airlines is one of the best US-based airlines, operating thousands of daily flights. When flying Delta, being aware of their baggage policies and allowances is key to avoiding surprise fees.
This article provides updated information on Delta Airlines carry-on bag size restrictions and standard baggage allowances. We also list applicable fees under different circ*mstances.
Delta Carry-on Baggage Policy: An Overview
Delta Airlines allows all ticketed passengers to bring one bag and one personal item for free.
The maximum permitted Delta Airlines carry-on size is 56 x 35 x 23cm / 22 x 14 x 9, including handles and wheels. This Delta Airlines carry-on size dimension is quite standard across most major airlines nowadays.
In addition to one carry-on bag, Delta also permits one personal item that can fit under the seat in front, such as a small backpack or purse.
When it comes to checked baggage, Delta has a standard allowance of one free checked bag on most domestic flights, with additional bags incurring a fee. The specifics depend on the ticket type purchased. Delta also charges various fees for overweight/oversized checked bags, sporting equipment, pets, etc.
Note: Check the latest policy via delta.com.
What Are The Current Delta Carry-On Rules?
Let's first understand what you can carry on and check-in without fees on Delta.
Delta Airlines Carry On Restrictions
Delta allows 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item per passenger. The maximum Delta Airlines carry-on size dimensions are 56 x 35 x 23cm / 22 x 14 x 9, including handles and wheels. This restriction is in line with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations on the standard carry-on size.
Most Delta flights do not impose weight restrictions on carry-on bags. That said, you should try to pack as reasonably as you can. Bulky luggage may hurt you, other passengers, and the staff, and thus will need to be checked. Some exceptions include:
- Maximum 15 lbs (7 kg) bag if you fly to Singapore Changin Airport (SIN).
- Maximum 22 lbs (10 kg) bag if you fly to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Pudong International Airport (PVG).
What counts as a personal item on Delta? You can bring a compact camera, a book, or a backpack as your personal item, provided it can be stowed neatly beneath the seat in front of you.
Note: On Delta Connection flights with 50 seats or fewer, passengers are restricted to carrying only personal items while travelling.
But that’s not all; the following items don’t count toward your carry-on luggage allowance. It means you can bring them on board at no additional fees!
- A jacket and/or umbrella
- Food or drink purchased after the security check
- Duty-free items
- Strollers and child safety seats
- Special assistive items or devices like wheelchairs or crutches.
Are You Allowed A Carry-On With Delta Basic?
Yes, Delta allows passengers one free carry-on bag and one personal item at no additional charge even on the lowest basic economy ticket. This policy is different from other airlines, some of which allow only one small hand luggage only on the basic fare.
Does A Backpack Count As A Personal Item?
It depends on the airline's policies. In general, personal items are smaller items that can be easily stowed under the seat in front of you, while carry-on baggage typically refers to larger items that are stored in the overhead compartment.
The backpack is roomy and super lightweight.
To avoid the hassles of gate-checking, opting for a compact carry-on that fits Delta's size limits is wise. Check out our CabinZero 28L Classic Backpack is perfectly sized at 39 x 29,5 x 20 cm / 15.4 x 11.6 x 7.9 and gives ample space while meeting airline policies. The sleek, lightweight design and laptop sleeve also make it ideal for air travel.
Delta Checked Baggage Allowances And Fees
You will need to pay for checked bag fees when flying with Delta. Photo via delta.com
Do You Get 1 Free Checked Bag With Delta?
Delta Air Lines offers a first checked bag-free benefit for certain passengers. This benefit is also available to those who have a Delta SkyMiles credit card. For example, passengers hold the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card and Delta Medallion members.
- Basic Economy doesn't get any free checked bags, and there's a charge for each bag you check.
- Main Cabin, Delta Comfort+, and Delta Premium Select get two free checked bags within the US and Canada. On international flights, you get one free checked bag in addition to the standard allowance.
That said, certain routes may have different baggage allowances, or Delta may offer promotions that include free checked bags. Always check the baggage information for your specific flight on Delta's website.
The Size And Weight Limit For Delta Checked Baggage
- In short, the checked bag dimensions must not exceed 62 inches (158 cm) in total.
- In terms of weight, every bag is limited to 50 lbs (23 kg). This regulation applies to Basic Economy, Main Cabin, and Delta Comfort+ tickets.
- For First Class and Delta One, bags weighing up to 70 lbs can be checked.
When choosing Delta or Delta Shuttle flights, passengers can check up to 10 bags, whereas the limit decreases to 4 for Delta Connection flights.
Delta Checked Bag Fees
Delta applies a $30 fee for the initial checked bag and a $40 fee for the second checked bag per direction on domestic tickets.
So, if you check 2 bags on a round-trip ticket, you'll pay $140 in checked bag fees ($30 + $40 each way).
The fee for additional bags beyond the second bag increases substantially to $200 per piece. On international itineraries, the first two bags are free in Main Cabin and then $200 for additional bags.
Members with Delta Medallion status and holders of the Delta SkyMiles American Express card are eligible to enjoy a free first-checked bag.
Delta Excess Bag Fees
If your checked bag exceeds either the standard size or weight threshold, you will incur excess baggage fees. Here are some key oversize, overweight and speciality baggage fees to keep in mind for Delta flights:
- Overweight bags: $100 for 51 - 100 lbs (23 - 45.36 kg)
- Oversized bags: $200 for 63 - 80 inches (161 - 203 cm)
Knowing Delta's checked baggage size and weight limits is key to packing wisely and budgeting for your trip. Some valuable tips that you can follow include:
- Weigh your bags at home first before arriving at the airport
- Use a tape measure to confirm your bag's dimensions
- Split contents across multiple lighter bags if needed
These simple steps can help avoid hundreds of surprise checked baggage fees.
Booking Tickets and Check-in With Delta: A Detailed Process
Now you have learned Delta Airlines carry on size and baggage allowances, let’s jump to the booking and check in process. Therefore, you can do it yourself without spending time asking for help.
How To Book Flights With Delta?
Wondering how to book your next Delta flight? It's actually a very straightforward process whether you're taking a domestic or international trip. All you need is internet access on your computer or mobile device.
Simply go to their website and:
- Enter your desired origin and destination airports along with travel dates
- Select from available flight options that fit your schedule
- Choose your seat assignments if desired
- Enter passenger information for all travellers
- Provide payment information to purchase tickets.
Once your purchase is complete, you will receive a confirmation email with your itinerary, record locator number, and eTicket receipt. Be sure to save this for future reference.
CabinZero’s tip: You can compare fares with online travel agencies like Orbitz or Expedia.
How To Check In For Your Flight With Delta
Delta offers several convenient ways to check in before your flight:
Online Check-In
Starting 24 hours before departure, you can check in online via Delta's website or mobile app. This allows you to:
- Print boarding passes or use mobile passes
- Choose new seat assignments if available
- Add checked bags to your reservation
The online check-in service concludes one hour before the scheduled departure time. The process is so simple and you can do it all by yourself, so you can get through the security faster.
Airport Check-In
If you have bags to check in or prefer in-person assistance, proceed to the Delta check-in counters at the airport. Bring your confirmation number and ID. Check-in cut-off times vary by airport but generally close 30 minutes before domestic flights and 60 minutes before international flights.
Curbside Check-In
For quicker bag drop-off, find the Delta curbside check-in area at designated drop-off zones in the US. Sky Priority passengers can use the designated priority lane. Curbside check-in closes 45 minutes prior to departure.
What Is The Cheapest Day To Book Flights On Delta?
The cheapest days to book Delta flights are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, which are mid-week travel days. The weekends and Mondays tend to be more expensive. Delta themselves also say that fares in the evening are in lower demand.
How Do I Call Delta To Book A Flight?
Based on the search results, to call Delta Airlines to book a flight, you can call their reservations sales number at 800-221-1212. Other ways to get to talk to Delta include interacting with the Contact Us section on their app or website.
FAQs
1. What Is Carry-On Size For Delta Airlines?
Delta Airlines permits carry-on bags up to 56 x 35 x 23cm / 22 x 14 x 9in, including handles and wheels. This Delta Airlines carry-on size limit ensures carry-on luggage fits in overhead bins.
2. What Items Count As Personal Items On Delta Flights?
Small purses, laptop bags, backpacks, camera bags, diaper bags, and similar smaller items are permissible as personal belongings beneath the seat in front of you. They do not have specific dimension restrictions.
3. What Is Delta's Checked Baggage Size And Weight Restriction?
Delta permits checked bags to have dimensions of up to 62 linear inches (158 cm) and a weight of 50 pounds (23 kg), while passengers with First Class and Delta One tickets enjoy higher limits of 70 pounds. Oversized and overweight bags will result in additional fees.
4. Can I Pool Checked Baggage Allowances With Someone On The Same Reservation?
No, you cannot pool baggage allowances on the same Delta reservation. Each passenger is limited to 50 lbs per checked bag, regardless of how light or heavy the other passenger's bags are.
5. How Strict Are Delta Airlines About Carry On Size?
There's no guarantee you'll encounter strict enforcement at the gate. However, during peak travel times or when overhead bin space is limited, they might be more vigilant. Thus, it’s wise to measure your bag before you fly.
Delta Airlines ‘s maximum permitted dimensions for carry-on are 56 x 35 x 23cm / 22 x 14 x 9, including handles and wheels. Luggage surpassing those dimensions risks needing gate-checking, particularly on small regional planes.
Final Thoughts
We hope this guide has helped explain Delta Airlines carry on size and checked baggage allowances. Just be sure to measure your bags carefully before packing for your next Delta Airlines trip. Therefore, you can have a hassle-free trip without any costly applicable fees.
If you have any further questions, please let us know by leaving a comment. Moreover, we would appreciate it if you shared this article with your fellow friends. Thank you for reading!
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