Delta Baggage Fees and Policy

In this post we are going to examine Delta Air Lines checked baggage policy. We will examine the rules and fees you should expect for domestic and international travel. We will also look at rules for checking in special items such as musical instruments and sports equipment. The post will conclude with what to do if your checked bags are damaged during transit or don’t arrive at your destination when you do.

Carry-On Baggage Allowance

All Delta Air Lines fares include one personal item and one carry-on bag.

Personal Item Size Limit

Delta Air Lines doesn’t specify a size limit for your personal item. However, it must be able to fit under the seat in front of you.

Airlines that do specify a size limit for personal items often have a maximum size of 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 centimeters). You can use this as a guide when traveling on Delta.

Examples of typical personal items include:

• Handbag
• Laptop bag
• Small backpack
• Briefcase

Carry-on Bag Size Limit

The size of your carry-on bag should not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 centimeters).

When measuring your bag, include all protruding parts such as wheels, handles, and pockets. If your bag is soft-sided, it’s recommended to measure it after packing as its shape may change.

The bag must fit either in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

Examples of typical carry-on bags include:

• Small suitcase
• Backpack
• Duffel bag
• Garment bag

Carry-on Bag Weight Limit

For domestic flights, Delta doesn’t impose a weight limit for your carry-on bag. The case is the same for international flights except when departing from a few airports. The following table shows which airports have carry-on baggage weight limits:

You should be able to lift your carry-on bag in the overhead bin without needing help.

Free Extra Carry-on Items

In addition to the carry-on bag and personal item, you can also bring the following items on board without an additional fee:

• Jacket or umbrella
• Food or drink purchased after clearing security
• Duty-free shopping purchases
• Assistive devices (e.g., wheelchair, crutches)
• Child restraint seat
• Stroller (gate checked)

Carry-On Baggage Fees

It’s important to note that if your carry-on bag or personal item is too large or heavy, it may be checked at the gate, and fees may apply.

Carry-On Restrictions

Delta has restrictions on the amount of liquids, gels, and aerosols that you can bring on board. These items must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and fit in a single, clear, plastic, quart-sized bag. You are allowed one bag of liquids, gels, and aerosols.

Checked Baggage Allowance

Checked Bag Size Limit

Your checked bag can be up to 62 linear inches (158 centimeters) in size. To determine the size of your bag, measure its outside length, width, and height, then add these measurements together. Be sure to include any protruding wheels, handles, or straps in your measurements.

Checked Bag Weight Limit

The weight limit for your checked bag depends on the cabin class that you’re traveling in:

Baggage Fees

There are no surprises here. Delta’s checked bag fees are in line with other legacy carriers (American, United).

You can check up to 10 bags with Delta. Limits may be enforced for some itineraries to ensure that all passengers will have the choice to check in at least 2 bags. If you are traveling to or from Key West International Airport, Florida (EYW), all passengers are limited to one checked bag, without exception.

Standard Baggage Fees

Lower checked bag fees may apply depending on your date of purchase.

Delta will not accept baggage larger than 80 linear inches.

You will not be able to check baggage weighing more than 100 pounds.

Select international destinations have seasonal or year-round baggage embargoes which may limit the number of checked bags that you can bring with you on your flight.

Baggage Fees for International Travel

Flights within and between U.S./Canada

Flights between U.S./Canada and Caribbean, Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala

Flights between U.S./Canada/Mexico and Central America

• Central America (except San Pedro Sula, Honduras (SAP)/San Salvador, El Salvador (SAL)/ Guatemala City, Guatemala (GUA)):
  • Bag 3: $150
  • Bags 4 to 10: $200 each

Flights between Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean

Flights between South America and U.S., Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, and Central America

Flights between North America/Central America/South America and Europe / North Africa

Flights to/from Asia

Flights between U.S./Canada/Mexico and Tahiti

Flights to/from Brazil

All Other International Destinations

Oversized Baggage Fees for International Flights

Flights between U.S./Canada and:

• U.S./Canada:
  • 63” to 80” (161 cm to 203 cm): $200
  • Bags larger than 80” (203 cm) will not be accepted
• Mexico:
  • 63” to 80” (161 cm to 203 cm): $150
  • Bags larger than 80” (203 cm) will not be accepted
• Caribbean:
  • 63” to 80” (161 cm to 203 cm): $150
  • Bags larger than 80” (203 cm) will not be accepted
• Central America:
  • 63” to 80” (161 cm to 203 cm): $150
  • Bags larger than 80” (203 cm) will not be accepted
• South America:
  • 63” to 80” (161 cm to 203 cm): $150
  • Bags larger than 80” (203 cm) will not be accepted

Flights between Asia/Middle East/Australia/India and:

• All destinations:
  • 63” to 80” (161 cm to 203 cm): $175
  • Bags larger than 80” (203 cm) will not be accepted

Flights between North America/South America/Central America and:

• Europe:
  • 63” to 80” (161 cm to 203 cm): $300
  • Bags larger than 80” (203 cm) will not be accepted
• North Africa:
  • 63” to 80” (161 cm to 203 cm): $300
  • Bags larger than 80” (203 cm) will not be accepted

Flights between North America and:

• Africa (except North Africa):
  • 63” to 80” (161 cm to 203 cm): $175
  • Bags larger than 80” (203 cm) will not be accepted

Flights to/from Brazil

• All destinations:
  • 63” to 80” (161 cm to 203 cm): $100
  • Bags larger than 80” (203 cm) will not be accepted

Overweight Baggage Limits for International Flights

Flights within and between U.S./U.S. Virgin Islands/Puerto Rico/Canada:

• Checked bags can weigh up to 100 pounds (45.36 kilograms)
• Bags weighing more than 100 pounds (45.36 kilograms) will not be accepted.

Flights between North America/South America/Central America and:

• Europe:
  • Checked bags can weigh up to 70 pounds (31.75 kilograms)
  • Bags weighing more than 70 pounds (31.75 kilograms) will not be accepted.
• Africa:
  • Checked bags can weigh up to 70 pounds (31.75 kilograms)
  • Bags weighing more than 70 pounds (31.75 kilograms) will not be accepted.

Flights to/from or within Australia/New Zealand:

• Checked bags can weigh up to 70 pounds (31.75 kilograms)
• Bags weighing more than 70 pounds (31.75 kilograms) will not be accepted.

Flights to/from or through Europe/South Africa/United Arab Emirates:

• Checked bags can weigh up to 70 pounds (31.75 kilograms)
• Bags weighing more than 70 pounds (31.75 kilograms) will not be accepted.

Overweight Baggage Fees for International Flights

Flights between U.S./Canada:

• 51 to 70 pounds (23 to 31.75 kilograms): $100
• 71 to 100 pounds (32.21 to 45.36 kilograms): $200
• Bags weighing more than 100 pounds (45.36 kilograms) will not be accepted.

Flights between North America/South America/Central America and:

• Europe:
  • 51 to 70 pounds (23 to 31.75 kilograms): $100
  • Bags weighing more than 70 pounds (31.75 kilograms) will not be accepted.
• North Africa:
  • 51 to 70 pounds (23 to 31.75 kilograms): $100
  • Bags weighing more than 70 pounds (31.75 kilograms) will not be accepted.

Flights between Mexico/Central America/South America/Caribbean and:

• All other destinations not already mentioned:
  • 51 to 70 pounds (23 to 31.75 kilograms): $100
  • 71 to 100 pounds (32.21 to 45.36 kilograms): $200
  • Bags weighing more than 100 pounds (45.36 kilograms) will not be accepted.

Flights between North America and:

• San Pedro Sula, Honduras (SAP):
  • 51 to 70 pounds (23 to 31.75 kilograms): $100
  • Bags weighing more than 70 pounds (31.75 kilograms) will not be accepted.
• San Salvador, El Salvador (SAL):
  • 51 to 70 pounds (23 to 31.75 kilograms): $100
  • Bags weighing more than 70 pounds (31.75 kilograms) will not be accepted.

Flights between Asia and:

• All destinations:
  • 51 to 70 pounds (23 to 31.75 kilograms): $100
  • 71 to 100 pounds (32.21 to 45.36 kilograms): $200
  • Bags weighing more than 100 pounds (45.36 kilograms) will not be accepted.

Flights between Australia/New Zealand and:

• All destinations:
  • 51 to 70 pounds (23 to 31.75 kilograms): $100
  • Bags weighing more than 70 pounds (31.75 kilograms) will not be accepted.

Flights between all other international destinations:

• 51 to 70 pounds (23 to 31.75 kilograms): $100
  • 71 to 100 pounds (32.21 to 45.36 kilograms): $200
  • Bags weighing more than 100 pounds (45.36 kilograms) will not be accepted.

Special Baggage

Musical Instruments

Delta Air Lines will accept musical instruments as checked baggage, but they need to be within the following limits:

• Maximum size of 150 linear inches (381 centimeters)
  • For travel to or from Narita International Airport, Japan (NRT): if you are traveling on a 767-300 plane, your musical instrument’s length can be no longer than 78.74 inches (200 centimeters)
• Maximum weight of 165 pounds (75 kilograms)

Your instrument should be packed in a protective case to prevent it from being damaged.

Sports Equipment

Delta Air Lines accepts most types of sports equipment. You will be subject to standard checked bag fees outlined earlier in this post, including oversized and overweight fees. Sports equipment needs to be packed in a protective container. Sports equipment is measured and weighed after it is packed in its case or bag. Sports equipment can be no larger than 115 linear inches (292 centimeters) or heavier than 100 pounds (45 kilograms).

Sports Equipment Allowed on Delta Flights

• Antlers
• Archery equipment
• Bicycles
  • Only non-motorized and single-seat bicycles are accepted.
• Boogieboards and skim boards
• Fishing equipment
• Golf equipment
• Hockey equipment
  • An equipment bag and 2 sticks taped together is considered as one bag (size and weight limits still apply)
• Javelins
  • Items up to 120 linear inches (305 centimeters) will be accepted.
• Kayaks
  • Only folding kayaks are permitted.
• Kiteboards
• Kneeboards and wakeboards
• Lacrosse equipment
  • An equipment bag and 2 sticks taped together is considered as one sports item (size and weight limits still apply)
• Scuba equipment
  • All tanks must be empty.
• Shooting equipment
  • Refer to Delta’s website for specific rules and restrictions.
• Skateboards
• Ski equipment
  • A ski pole bag and a boot bag are considered as one sports item (size and weight limits still apply)
• Snowboard equipment
  • A snowboard bag and a boot bag are considered as one sports item (size and weight limits still apply)
• Surfboards
  • Up to 2 boards per bag allowed (size and weight limits still apply)
• Windsurfing boards
  • Up to 2 boards per bag allowed (size and weight limits still apply)

Sports Equipment Not Allowed on Delta Flights

• Canoes
• Parachutes
  • Allowed as carry-on baggage.
• Pole vaults

Prohibited Items in Checked Baggage

There are certain items that Delta does not allow on board or in checked baggage. These items include:

• Explosives, including fireworks, flares, and gunpowder
• Compressed gases, such as aerosols and propane
• Flammable liquids, such as gasoline and lighter fluid
• Flammable solids, such as matches and lighters
• Oxidizers and organic peroxides
• Poisons and toxic substances
• Radioactive materials
• Infectious materials

It is important to review the list of prohibited items on Delta’s website before you pack to avoid any issues at the airport. You should also review the Transport Security Administration’s (TSA) website.

Baggage Tracking

Delta Air Lines provides a baggage tracking service to help passengers track their checked bags. Passengers can check the status of their bags online or by using the Fly Delta app. The airline also provides text message updates and phone notifications for any changes in the status of their bags.

Delayed and Damaged Baggage

Delayed Baggage

If your baggage is delayed when traveling with Delta Air Lines, there are several steps you can take to ensure that your belongings are returned to you as soon as possible. These steps include:

1. Report the Delay to Delta

As soon as you realize that your baggage is delayed, report it to Delta personnel at the baggage claim area. Provide them with your baggage claim ticket and flight details so that they can track down your luggage. It is important to report the delay as soon as possible, as the airline has specific time limits for reporting delayed baggage.

2. Fill Out a Property Irregularity Report (PIR)

A PIR is a document that records the details of your delayed baggage, including your contact information, flight details, and a description of your luggage. Delta will provide you with a PIR form to fill out, and it is important to provide as much information as possible to help them locate your luggage.

3. Stay In Contact with Delta

Keep in touch with Delta throughout the process to get updates on the location of your luggage. The airline will provide you with a reference number that you can use to track the progress of your claim online.

4. File a Claim for Compensation

If your baggage is delayed for an extended period of time, you may be entitled to compensation from Delta. The compensation varies depending on the length of the delay and the type of ticket you have purchased. You can file a claim for compensation by contacting the airline’s customer service.

Damaged Baggage

If your baggage is damaged while traveling with Delta Air Lines, you should take the following steps:

1. Report the Damage to Delta Air Lines

As soon as you realize that your baggage has been damaged, report it to Delta Airlines personnel at the baggage claim area. Provide them with your baggage claim ticket and flight details so that they can document the damage.

2. Take Pictures of the Damage

It is important to take pictures of the damage to your luggage as soon as possible. This will provide evidence of the extent of the damage and can be used to support your claim for compensation.

3. Fill Out a Property Irregularity Report (PIR)

A PIR is a document that records the details of your damaged baggage, including your contact information, flight details, and a description of the damage. Delta Airlines will provide you with a PIR form to fill out, and it is important to provide as much information as possible to help them process your claim.

4. Keep the Damaged Baggage

Do not dispose of or repair the damaged baggage until Delta Airlines has completed their investigation. The airline may need to inspect the baggage to assess the extent of the damage.

5. File a Claim for Compensation

If your baggage is damaged, you may be entitled to compensation from Delta Airlines. The compensation varies depending on the extent of the damage and the type of ticket you have purchased. You can file a claim for compensation by contacting the airline’s customer service.

Final Thoughts

Delta Air Lines baggage policy is what you would expect from a legacy carrier. Both your personal item and carry-on bag are included with your ticket. The bag fees are what you would expect. However, as with American Airlines and United, if your bags are oversized and/or overweight, or you plan to travel with more than two checked bags, the fees quickly mount up.

Remember to always check Delta Air Lines’ website or contact their customer service for the latest information on baggage allowances and fees.

Sources

• Delta Air Lines