Flying Delta is always a great choice. If you’re looking for domestic flights within the United States or looking to travel between different countries on an international flight, Delta is a great option because of their baggage allowances and credit card programs. But sometimes, the rules surrounding luggage allowances can be a bit complicated. Delta does what they can to keep things simple and Business Class Experts has put together a handy guide to help make sense of the luggage allowances and restrictions for your next Delta flight. We’ll cover their baggage policy, baggage fees, weight restrictions, and more.

When booking your Delta flight through Business Class Experts you’ll be supplied with everything you need to know about the baggage policy well in advance of travel. The friendly staff at BCE will make sure you understand all the important details and will help you to feel prepared and relaxed in anticipation of your journey. Give them a call now and let them help you organize your next journey with Delta.

Our Experts Will Find You The Best Business Flight Deals

Delta Carry-on Luggage Rules

Each passenger can bring aboard with them one piece of carry-on luggage plus one personal item. Your personal item could be a briefcase, purse, or a similar-sized item. There is a size limit for your carry-on luggage, but the great news is there’s no weight limit for this item. Baggage allowances for other bags follow.

Free Carry-on Baggage Allowance for Children, Young Adults, and Adults

Every passenger, including those in basic economy, is allowed any one carry-on bag from the approved list, plus one personal item with no bag fees.

Approved Carry-on Luggage Items

  • Purse
  • Briefcase
  • Small backpack
  • Camera bag 
  • Diaper bag
  • Laptop bag (computers cannot be checked unless directed to by security)
  • Items of a similar or smaller size to those listed above

Approved Extra Personal Items 

(These items do not count as your personal carry-on item.)

  • Jacket/coat
  • Duty-free merchandise
  • Food or drink purchased beyond the security checkpoint
  • Umbrella
  • Special items like 
    • Stroller 
    • Wheelchair 
    • Child safety seat
    • Assistive devices (like crutches)
    • Medically necessary equipment (such as CPAP/VPAP machines)

Delta Size and Weight Restrictions

Your carry-on bag must fit into the Delta baggage size limits. You can use the available scales to measure the size and weight of your carry-on bag before or after check-in.

  • Combined length, width, height of baggage must not exceed a total of 45 linear inches (114 cm). 
  • Individual length, width, and height measurements must not exceed 22 in x 14 in x 9 in (56 cm x 35 cm x 23 cm) respectively. 
  • These measurements include handles and wheels but don’t apply to small musical instruments that fit in the under-seat space or overhead luggage bins.

Note: No maximum weight applies to carry-on baggage for Delta flights, except in the following locations:

  • Singapore, Singapore – Changi International Airport (SIN) carry-on should not exceed 15 lbs. (7 kg).
  • Beijing, China – Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) requires that domestic hand-carry bags should not exceed 10 kg. Individual carrier rules apply for international flights.
  • Shanghai, China – Pudong International Airport (PVG) carry-on should not exceed 22 lbs (10 kg).

If, when you get to the airport on the day of your international or domestic flight, your luggage doesn’t fit within these restrictions, your bag can be checked at the gate (for an extra checked bag fee). Ask your gate agent or flight attendant for help if this occurs. You can check a second bag if needed as well. To avoid any delays or confusion, you can measure the size and weight of your baggage before check-in.

If you’re traveling on Delta Connection flights, you may have to check your hand luggage. Due to limited overhead space on Delta connection flights, specifically including flights with 50 seats or less, you are only permitted to carry personal items on the aircraft. Your personal items must fit underneath the seat of the passenger in front of you or in one of the overhead bins. If a flight is overcrowded, some carry-on bags may be checked at the date during the boarding process. If this is required, it will likely be free of charge and you can claim your free checked bag when you land. Because your bag had to be checked due to too many travel companions, you may be able to avoid the normal fees. Just be sure to retrieve any important items (such as your wallet, credit card, cell phone, etc.) if you packed them in a bag that will have to be checked.

Delta gate staff and flight attendants will be available to help if you need it and to ensure that a pink Gate Claim/Planeside tag is attached to your carry-on item. Assistive devices, however, are not subject to this restriction.

For travelers who prefer to pack light and avoid the baggage carousel, Delta offers a lower fare on specific routes that don’t have checked luggage. If you travel between destinations that aren’t very far from each other or know you won’t be traveling for very long, you can consider this option. Hand luggage allowance, however, remains the same: one personal item and one carry-on bag.

Our Fares Are So Good They Can’t Be Published

Delta Air Lines Baggage Fees/Checked Baggage Fees

For Main Cabin, Basic Economy, and Delta Comfort+ ticket holders on a flight within the United States, bag fees are:

  • $30 USD for the first checked bag under 50 lbs (23 kg), each way + 1 free carry-on bag and 1 personal item.
  • $40 USD for the second checked bag under 50 lbs (23 kg), each way.

Bag Fee Exceptions: 

  • Main Cabin passengers who book with a Delta SkyMiles® American Express Card – For passengers using this credit card, the first checked bag is free (50 lb maximum weight).
  • Medallion Status Travelers – A Medallion Member traveling in Comfort+, Main Cabin, or Basic Economy between the U.S./Canada and any international destination can get a free checked bag up to 50 lbs. Medallion Members flying Delta One or First Class can check up to 3 free bags at 70 lbs per bag and 3 free bags at 50 lbs per bag when flying Delta Premium Select.
  • Active Military Personnel – Active military personnel deployed on a mission may check up to 5 bags free and each bag can weigh up to 100 lbs. If military personnel are traveling for personal reasons in basic economy, main cabin, or Delta Comfort +, they are allowed 2 free bags with a max weight of 50 lbs each. Business-class or first-class for military personnel are allowed 3 free bags weighing 70 lbs each.

First Class, Delta Premium Select, and Delta One Passengers may check one bag weighing up to 70 lbs for free. These ticket holders also have complimentary options for SkyPriority expedited baggage handling and security and concierge access bag delivery.

Delta Checked Baggage Allowance

Each checked bag can be up to 35.5 in x 29.5 in x 16 in (90 cm x 75 cm x 43cm), including anything that sticks out (handle, pockets, and wheels). The maximum weight for any bag is 70 lbs.

  • Adults and young adults (from 12 years) – 1 bag (max. 70 lb/32 kg per bag)
  • Children (ages 2-11) – 1 bag (max. 70 lb/32 kg per bag)
  • Infants (under 2 years old) – 1 bag up to 22 in x 18 in x 10in  (56 cm x 45 cm x 25cm), (max. 51 lb/23kg)

If children are traveling for free, they don’t have a baggage allowance. Any baggage for the child counts as part of the adult’s baggage allowance.

Delta Overweight/Oversize Baggage Allowance

Check the luggage size restrictions carefully. For every restriction a bag exceeds, there are separate fees. This can include fees for exceeding the including weight, size, or quantity limits. If you’re unsure about your luggage meeting the restrictions, talk to a Delta gate agent when you get to the airport and they’ll be able to help you sort it out. They’ll let you know if your luggage requires extra measures, including any extra fees.

If you’re off on a sporting holiday, you’ll likely be taking sporting equipment like skis or a snowboard. These wouldn’t fit within the usual size parameters and would be considered a special item. 

Special items include:

Want Up To 70% Off Business Class Flights? Let’s Chat!

Tips to Avoid Baggage Fees

1. Choose Your Personal Item Carefully

Technically, you have two carry-ons. Delta isn’t picky about the size of your purse or laptop bag. You could, for example, use a backpack instead of a laptop bag and stuff it with your laptop. You can even add plenty of clothing items. 

2. Wear or Carry Your Bulkiest Items

Rather than taking up your entire carry-on with heavy items, wear a sweater and carry your coat onto the plane. Then you can take them off once you get onto the plane. If there’s nowhere else to put them, you can always sit on them. If you won’t need a coat, try lightweight layering: leggings under jeans, a tank top under a shirt with a button-down over them both. With good planning, you can carry a whole extra outfit and still be comfortable.

3. Fly Delta Business Class and Delta Credit Cards

Book your Delta Business Class flight with your Delta SkyMiles American Express Card and your first bag is checked for free, as long as it fits the baggage criteria. Depending on which Delta credit card you have (Blue, Gold, or Platinum credit card), you’ll be able to enjoy Priority Boarding, exclusive lounge entry, and more. Whether you’re planning a trip to Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, Central America, or just looking for domestic flights in the United States, call Business Class Experts and they’ll make sure you get the best deal for your next Business class flight.

Delta Airlines Resources

Delta SkyMiles

Delta Baggage & Travel Fees

Delta SkyMiles American Express (Blue, Gold, Platinum)

Delta Business Class International

Last Minute Business Class Deals

Delta’s First Class

Delta’s Business Class

Delta’s Business Class Dress Code