Delta is one of America’s top airlines, with over 5,400 flights every day to domestic and international destinations. Delta is a full-service carrier and an excellent choice for your next vacation. Before you select your seats, it’s a good idea to read up on Delta’s baggage policy to avoid any hiccups at the airport and help your vacation go smoothly.
Aboard a Delta flight, passengers are allowed one free carry-on and one free checked bag, although they have to meet the baggage size requirements. A carry-on bag can be a maximum of 45 linear inches (114 cm), including wheels and handles, with no maximum weight restrictions, except to specific destinations. Checked bags can be a maximum of 62 linear inches (158 cm) when combining length, width, and height and can weigh no more than 50 lbs. (23 kg).
Note that you get linear inches by adding length+height+width.
In this article, we will outline Delta’s baggage policy in detail to make sure your next vacation goes off without a hitch.
Personal Items
Every person traveling aboard a Delta flight is allowed a personal item and a carry-on for free. This can be a purse, laptop bag, briefcase, or small backpack. Personal items are usually stored under the seat in front of you or in the baggage compartment if space allows.
Carry-On Bags
A carry-on bag is also allowed aboard a Delta flight to any destination free of charge. Your carry-on bag can be a duffel bag, a large backpack, a suitcase with wheels, or any bag larger than your personal item.
Your carry-on can be up to 45 linear inches (114 cm) when combining length, width, and height, including wheels and handles. There are no maximum weight restrictions for most destinations.
Country-Specific Carry-On Restrictions
Certain countries and destinations require carry-on bags to meet weight requirements in addition to size requirements.
- Singapore: Changi International Airport (SIN) has a max of 15 lbs. (7 kg)
- China: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) has a maximum of 22 lbs (10 kg).
- China: Pudong International Airport (PVG) carry-on should not exceed 22 lbs (10 kg).
Traveling With Pets
When traveling with your pet aboard Delta, you can bring them in a soft-sided, ventilated kennel that can fit in the seat in front of you. This kennel will count as your carry-on item, so all of your personal belongings must fit in your personal item or checked bag. There is a small fee associated with pet travel that is charged at the check-in desk.
Pets That Can Travel:
- Small dogs
- Cats
- Birds
Pet Restrictions Aboard Delta:
- Pet has to be 10 weeks old for domestic travel
- Pet has to be 16 weeks old for international travel and 15 weeks for the EU
- Pet has to fit comfortably in the kennel
- Pet must remain in the kennel for the duration of the trip
Kennel Restrictions Aboard Delta:
- Soft-sided kennels recommended
- Max dimensions of 18 x 11 x 11 inches
- Must be leakproof
Countries With Pet Restrictions:
- Australia
- Barbados
- Brazil/Colombia
- Dubai
- Hawaii
- Hong Kong
- Iceland
- Jamaica
- New Zealand
- Ireland
- South Africa
- United Kingdom
- United Arab Emirates
Checked Bags
Every passenger is allowed a checked bag aboard their Delta flight for a fee of $30 USD for the first bag; every bag after that (with a max of 10) is $40 USD. The baggage fee can vary depending on the route and fare class. This bag can have a maximum weight of 50 lbs. (23 kg) and can be no larger than 62 linear inches (158 cm) in total when combining length, width, and height.
If you are a member of Delta SkyMiles Medallion or a Delta SkyMiles® American Express Card Member, you may qualify to get your first bag checked for free.
Overweight or Oversized Bags
An overweight or oversized bag refers to all baggage that doesn’t meet the initial size and weight restrictions. Most overweight bags that are flying within the US cost $100 USD if the bag is under 70 lbs. Bags over 70 lbs would be $200 USD extra. Oversized bags are $200 USD
International overweight bags can be between $150-$200 USD depending on the flight origin and destination. Bags over 80 linear inches (203cm) or 100 lbs (45.3kg) are not permitted.
Special Items
Special Items like sporting equipment, mobility devices, musical instruments, and fragile items are all allowed aboard your Delta flight with an oversized baggage fee that applies to your items based on where you are traveling.
A bag classifies as a special item if it exceeds 50 lbs. (23 kg) or 62 linear inches (157 cm). Bags that are awkward in shape, like instrument cases or fragile items like medical equipment or wheelchairs, would also apply.
If you are traveling with your favorite golf clubs, learn everything you need to know about how to get them to your destination safe and sound on a Delta flight here: Delta Airlines golf clubs policy.
For other sports related items, here’s their policy on sports equipment.
Traveling with Children
If you are flying with an infant, you can bring a diaper bag and any amount of infant formula, breast milk, or toddler puree pouches, and a breast pump or equipment with you in the cabin in addition to your own carry-on bag for free.
If you purchased a seat for your child, you are allowed to bring an FAA-approved car seat or booster seat for the child. You are also allowed to bring a carry-on bag for the child. Read more about Delta’s car seat policy to ensure your car seat is ready to fly!
Whether you purchased a seat for your child or not, you can also bring a small umbrella stroller to the gate free of charge. A Delta employee will gate-check your stroller after you are ready to board, and it will be waiting for you when you disembark. Learn more about the Delta stroller policy so that you’re prepared to fly.
