Delta Air Lines Baggage Policy (2026) — Fees, Limits & Rules
Delta Air Lines allows 1 carry-on and 1 personal item for free on all fares, including Basic Economy. Checked bags start at $35 for the first bag on domestic flights, but are often free on international routes.
Baggage Allowance Summary
| Airline | Delta Air Lines (DL) |
|---|---|
| Carry-On | 22x14x9 inches (56x35x23 cm), no weight limit |
| Personal Item | 1 personal item: must fit under the seat in front of you (approx. 17x13x9 inches). Includes purse, laptop bag, or small backpack. |
| Checked Bag Allowance | Basic Economy: 0 bags. Main Cabin: 0 bags domestic, 1 bag (23 kg) international. Premium Select: 2 bags (23 kg each). Delta One/First: 2 bags (32 kg each). |
| First Bag Fee | $35 domestic, $75 to Europe |
| Second Bag Fee | $45 domestic, $100 international |
| Overweight Fee | $100 for bags 51-70 lbs (23-32 kg), $200 for bags 71-100 lbs (32-45 kg) |
| Oversized Fee | $150 domestic, $200 international for bags 63-80 linear inches |
| Max Weight | 23 kg |
| Max Dimensions | 158 cm linear (L+W+H) |
| Free Bag in Economy | No |
Special Items
Sports Equipment
Standard checked bag fees apply to most sports equipment under 50 lbs and 115 linear inches. Bicycles, golf bags, and skis/snowboards count as standard checked bags. Surfboards over 115 inches are not accepted.
Musical Instruments
Small instruments (violins, flutes, guitars) allowed as free carry-on. Large instruments under 150 linear inches and 165 lbs can be checked. Fragile instruments can be placed in a purchased seat.
International Rules
Main Cabin includes 1 free checked bag (23 kg) on most international routes. Basic Economy charges $75 for the first bag to Europe.
Tips to Avoid Fees
1. Get a Delta SkyMiles American Express Card for a free first checked bag. 2. Earn Medallion Elite Status for complimentary checked bags. 3. Active-duty military get 2-5 free checked bags depending on travel type. 4. Check your bag at the gate if overhead bins are full (free).
Unique Nuances
Delta offers a 20-minute bag-to-claim guarantee on domestic flights; if your bag takes longer, you can claim 2,500 bonus SkyMiles. Active military on official orders can check up to 5 bags up to 100 lbs each for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does Delta Air Lines charge for checked bags?
- Delta Air Lines charges $35 domestic, $75 to Europe for the first checked bag and $45 domestic, $100 international for the second bag.
- What is Delta Air Lines's carry-on bag size limit?
- Delta Air Lines carry-on allowance: 22x14x9 inches (56x35x23 cm), no weight limit. 1 personal item: must fit under the seat in front of you (approx. 17x13x9 inches). Includes purse, laptop bag, or small backpack.
- Does Delta Air Lines include free checked bags in economy?
- No, Delta Air Lines does not include free checked bags in basic economy. Basic Economy: 0 bags. Main Cabin: 0 bags domestic, 1 bag (23 kg) international. Premium Select: 2 bags (23 kg each). Delta One/First: 2 bags (32 kg each).
- What is Delta Air Lines's overweight baggage fee?
- $100 for bags 51-70 lbs (23-32 kg), $200 for bags 71-100 lbs (32-45 kg)
- Can I bring sports equipment on Delta Air Lines?
- Standard checked bag fees apply to most sports equipment under 50 lbs and 115 linear inches. Bicycles, golf bags, and skis/snowboards count as standard checked bags. Surfboards over 115 inches are not accepted.
- What are Delta Air Lines baggage fees?
- Delta Air Lines baggage fees are $35 domestic, $75 to Europe for the first checked bag and $45 domestic, $100 international for the second. Overweight bags (over 50 lbs) incur an additional fee of $100 for bags 51-70 lbs (23-32 kg), $200 for bags 71-100 lbs (32-45 kg). Main Cabin includes 1 free checked bag (23 kg) on most international routes. Basic Economy charges $75 for the first bag to Europe.