Delta Air Lines Baggage Fees 2023: What To Expect
With headquarters in Atlanta, Delta Air Lines is one of the largest and most popular airlines in the United States and worldwide, offering flights to more than 300 destinations across the globe. No matter where you’re traveling, there’s a good chance you can find a Delta flight at a reasonable price.
When flying with Delta or any airline, however, it’s important to understand their baggage policies and fees so you can plan for your trip accordingly. Compared to most major airlines, Delta’s baggage requirements and costs are pretty standard—but there are still a few things worth keeping in mind as you prepare.
Delta Air Lines Checked and Carry-On Allowances
Before your trip, it’s a good idea to find out how many checked suitcases you’ll be entitled to and how many carry-ons you’ll be allowed to bring on your flight. One of the nice things about flying with Delta Air Lines is that they include 1-2 checked bags with most of their available fares.
Checked Bag Allowances and Fees
The specific number of checked bags included with your fare will vary depending on the type of fare you book. However, you can generally expect to enjoy two free checked bags on all Delta One, First, and Business Class fares. Economy fares are the exception here, where you will likely need to pay for all your checked bags.
Exact baggage fees for Economy passengers will vary based on your route. For flights within the United States, for example, you can expect to pay $30 for your first bag and $40 for your second bag. Some longer routes, like those from the United States to Europe, include 1-2 free checked bags even for Economy class passengers.
Because costs and allowances can vary so much based on your destination, the best way to find out exactly how much your checked baggage will cost you (especially if you’ve booked an Economy fare) is to check with Delta directly before your flight.
Carry-On Allowances and Fees
When flying on Delta Air Lines, all passengers are allowed to bring one personal item and one standard carry-on item free of charge. The size restrictions for personal items are not specifically outlined, but in general, this item will be something small (such as a purse or laptop bag) that can be easily stowed underneath the seat in front of you as needed. There will also be other regulations on bringing tobacco (e.g. dip on a plane) and prescription items.
As for your standard-sized carry-on, it should measure no greater than 22″ x 14″ x 9″. When measuring your bag, be sure to include any wheels or accessories for accuracy. If your bag is larger than the allowed size, you will be asked to check it at the gate and pay any applicable fees. You can check the airline carry-on size guide if you have questions.
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What About Infants, Strollers, and Baby Gear?
If you’ll be traveling with a child under the age of 2 on your flight, he or she may ride in your lap at no additional charge. However, you will not receive an additional baggage allowance for these children when flying with Delta. If you’ll be bringing along a stroller, you can check it for free at the ticket counter, curbside at the airport, or directly at the gate.
Charges For Additional Bags and Overweight Luggage
Delta Air Lines requires that all checked bags weigh no greater than 50 pounds for Economy fares; One, First, and Business fares have a slightly greater weight allowance of up to 70 pounds per bag. Regardless of fare, checked bags may measure no greater than 62 linear inches similar to Alitalia checked baggage.
Overweight baggage fees can vary depending on how much over the weight limit your bag is and your specific route. For example, if you have an Economy ticket and your bag weighs between 51 and 70 pounds, you can expect an overweight bag fee of $100 for most routes. Bags weighing more than 70 pounds may be subjected to larger fees (usually around $200), but these heavier bags may not be allowed on some routes.
Oversize bag fees can also vary by route. For example, when flying within the United States and Canada, an oversized bag may result in a $200 fee, but that can increase to $300 for flights to Europe or North Africa. If you want to avoid these fees, you may want to consider buying luggage for international travel.
Most fares with Delta Air Lines include two free checked bags, but additional bags (up to 10 on most flights) can be purchased as needed. You can generally expect to pay about $150 for your third bag and $200 for all additional bags after that.
Saving On Delta Air Lines Baggage Fees (Or Avoiding Them Altogether)
Who wants to pay more than they need to for baggage fees when traveling? We’ve got some specific tips that can help you save on these fees when flying with Delta or even avoid baggage costs altogether.
Seek Reimbursement From Your Credit Card
Some credit card companies offer travel rewards cards that include reimbursement perks for baggage fees and other related travel costs. American Express specifically offers a Delta Air Lines travel card that provides free checked bags for you and others on your itinerary. Check with your credit card company to see if baggage fee reimbursement is a perk offered and, if so, what steps you’ll need to take to receive an account credit for these expenses.
Become a SkyMiles or SkyTeam Member
Delta’s SkyMiles loyalty program can also allow you to earn free checked bags, depending on the tier for which you qualify. If you do a lot of flying with Delta, you might consider enrolling in this program to begin earning free baggage and other perks. Delta is also one of many airlines that recognizes SkyTeam memberships, so you may also be able to earn free checked bags if you’re already a SkyTeam member.
Take Advantage of Free Baggage for Active Military
Delta is also one of many airlines that allows free checked bags for active United States military members. Specific allowances can vary based on whether you’re traveling on military orders or for personal travel, as well as the specific fare booked. You can generally expect to receive anywhere from 2-5 free checked bags, however.
Limit Your Luggage to Included Checked Bags
If you’ve purchased a fare that includes free checked bags, you can avoid baggage costs by simply limiting what you pack to your included baggage. Even if you’ve booked an Economy fare that doesn’t include any checked suitcases, you may be able to avoid baggage fees by limiting your luggage to your carry-ons. Doing so will also save you from having to wait at baggage claim after your flight.
Delta Air Lines Baggage Policies: Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about baggage fees and policies when flying with Delta Air Lines.
What are the size and weight limits for checked bags on Delta Air Lines?
Weight limits for checked bags can vary by fare. Economy fares have a baggage weight limit of 50 pounds per bag, whereas all other fares are permitted bags weighing up to 70 pounds. No checked bags on Delta can measure more than 62 linear inches, which includes all luggage wheels, handles, and other accessories on the bag such as the luggage tag.
Oversize and overweight bag fees can be quite hefty, so it’s a good idea to measure and weigh your bags using a luggage scale before leaving for the airport. If your bag is overweight, you may be able to move some of your items over to your carry-on bag, if possible, to avoid overweight bag fees.
Is it possible to pre-pay for baggage?
Yes, you can pay for your luggage online with Delta when you check in, which can be done up to 24 hours before your flight. Simply log into your Delta account to add and pay for baggage. Pre-paying for your luggage won’t save you money, but it will save you time and hassle.
Does Delta Air Lines allow any free carry-ons?
Yes, Delta Air Lines allows both a free personal item and a free standard carry-on item. Personal items should be small enough to fit underneath the seat in front of you or in an overhead bin, if needed. Common examples of personal items include small backpacks, purses, and briefcases. Standard carry-ons may be a bit larger, with measurements not exceeding 22″ x 14″ x 9″. If you bring a bag larger than these measurements, you will be asked to check the bag at the gate and pay any applicable luggage set or checked baggage fees.
