What is the Delta Airlines baggage policy?
Delta Air Lines sets clear rules for carry-on and checked baggage, including size, weight, and item-type limits. The policy covers standard luggage, oversized items, and special equipment so passengers can plan before arriving at the airport.
- Carry-on and personal item size limits are enforced at the gate.
- Checked bag fees depend on route, fare type, and loyalty status.
- Special items such as sports gear, instruments, and wheelchairs have their own handling rules.
Carry-on and checked bag basics
Carry-on allowance
Each ticketed passenger is generally permitted one carry-on bag plus one personal item. Items must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Checked bag basics
Standard checked bags have set size and weight limits. Bags exceeding these thresholds move into the oversized or overweight fee structure.
- ✓One carry-on bag and one personal item per ticketed passenger.
- ✓Checked bag weight and size limits apply on every route.
- ✓Bags exceeding limits are charged at the oversized or overweight rate.
- ✓Children and infants follow separate allowance rules listed below.
Does Delta charge for a checked bag?
Yes. Delta charges checked bag fees on most domestic and international routes. The exact amount varies by route, fare class, and Medallion or SkyMiles status. The figures shown in the table below reflect common published fee bands; current pricing is confirmed at booking.
| Bag | Where it applies | Standard fee band |
|---|---|---|
| 1st checked bag | Domestic (U.S., Canada, Caribbean) | Standard 1st-bag fee per direction |
| 2nd checked bag | Domestic and select international | Standard 2nd-bag fee per direction |
| 3rd and additional | All routes | Per-bag fee that rises with each extra piece |
| Overweight (50–70 lb / 23–32 kg) | All routes | Additional overweight surcharge |
| Overweight (71–100 lb / 32–45 kg) | All routes | Higher overweight surcharge |
| Oversized (over 62 linear in / 158 cm) | All routes | Oversized surcharge per piece |
For live pricing, confirm with Delta directly or call our support line at +1-888-503-5072.
Details about oversized, overweight, and extra baggage
Oversized bags
Bags measuring more than 62 linear inches (158 cm) — height + width + length — are classified as oversized and incur a separate surcharge in addition to standard checked bag fees.
Overweight bags
Delta uses weight bands rather than a single threshold. Bags between 50 and 70 lb (23–32 kg) pay a lower overweight fee, while bags between 71 and 100 lb (32–45 kg) pay a higher fee. Bags over 100 lb are generally not accepted.
Extra baggage
Each piece beyond the standard allowance counts as an extra bag and is charged at the published extra-bag rate, which rises for the third, fourth, and fifth pieces on most routes.
- Oversized: surcharge added per piece beyond 62 linear inches.
- Overweight (50–70 lb): lower surcharge band.
- Overweight (71–100 lb): higher surcharge band.
- Extra pieces: per-bag fee that increases with the third, fourth, and fifth checked item.
Children, infants, and special treatment
Children and infants
Lap infants not occupying a seat are entitled to a checked-bag allowance that mirrors the accompanying adult's standard allowance on most domestic routes. A separate checked bag is permitted for child fare passengers, and strollers and car seats can usually be checked at no charge.
Wheelchair and mobility devices
Wheelchairs, mobility aids, and assistive devices are accepted at no charge and do not count toward the standard checked-bag allowance. Passengers should arrive early and request assistance at the ticket counter or gate.
Other special items
- Sports equipment, surfboards, and bicycles follow per-item rules and fees.
- Musical instruments can be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin or purchased seat.
- Medical devices and prescription medications are allowed in addition to standard baggage.