If you’re a military member or a dependent traveling on official orders, you may be eligible for some checked baggage benefits when flying with Delta Airlines.
In this blog post, we will explain what Delta’s military baggage policy is, who qualifies, and what documentation you’ll need.
We’ll also detail how much free checked baggage you can check in, whether you’re traveling on orders or for leisure. We’ll also cover baggage allowances for your dependents.
If you plan to bring more luggage with you, beyond your free allowance, we’ll explain how much you’ll be charged for extra, oversized and/or overweight baggage.
Delta Military Baggage Summary
Active-duty U.S. military personnel, and their dependents, traveling on orders, are entitled to the following free checked baggage allowance:
- 5 checked bags, each up to 80 linear inches in size and weighing up to 100 pounds.
Active-duty U.S. military personnel traveling on personal business are entitled to the following free checked baggage allowance:
- 3 free checked bags, each up to 62 linear inches in size and weighing up to 50 pounds.
Eligible Military Personnel
Active-duty U.S. military members, and military personnel who have been discharged from active military service within 7 days of the date of travel, are eligible for Delta’s military baggage allowance.
Also, military personnel must be a member of one of the following military agencies:
- Air Force
- Army
- Coast Guard
- Marine Corps
- National Guard
- Navy
The following military agencies aren’t eligible for Delta’s military baggage allowance:
- Reserve Officer Training Corps
- National Guard Bureau
- Members of the reserves not holding a valid duty armed forces of the United States green identification card
Required Documentation
Military Personnel
Active-duty military personnel must present valid military identification (commonly known as a Uniformed Services ID card) and present it at check-in to qualify for the special baggage allowances.
For travel on official orders, military personnel must also present their official travel orders to qualify for the special baggage allowances.
Dependents of Military Personnel
Dependents must present valid dependent identification (e.g., a DD Form 1173) and be listed on the military orders authorizing travel with the active-duty military member.
Carry On Baggage Allowance
Military personnel don’t receive an additional carry-on baggage allowance. Delta’s standard carry-on baggage allowance applies.
All flights booked with Delta Air Lines include:
- 1 personal item
- 1 carry-on bag
Personal Item Size Limit
Delta doesn’t provide specific size limits for your personal item. However, the airline does provide some guidelines. Your personal item should be able to fit under the seat in front of you.
Typical personal items include:
- Handbag
- Laptop bag
- Small backpack
Carry On Bag Size Limit
Your carry-on bag should be no larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 centimeters). It should be able to fit in the overhead bins or under the seat in front of you.
Typical carry-on bags include:
- Small suitcase
- Duffel bag
- Large backpack
- Garment bag
Carry On Baggage Weight Limit
Delta doesn’t impose a weight limit for carry-on baggage. However, you should be able to lift your carry-on bag into the overhead bins without requiring assistance.
There are some foreign airports where a combined weight limit on carry-on baggage will be applied:
- Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), Beijing, China: 22 pounds (10 kilograms) for domestic travel
- Pudong International Airport (PVG), Shanghai, China: 22 pounds (10 kilograms)
- Changi International Airport (SIN), Beijing, China: 15 pounds (7 kilograms)
Military Checked Baggage Allowance
Your military checked baggage allowance is based on the type of travel:
- Traveling on orders
- Traveling for leisure or on personal business
If you’re traveling for leisure, your cabin class can also have an effect on your checked baggage allowance.
When traveling on military orders, your cabin class has no impact on your baggage allowance.
| Cabin Class | Military Orders Travel | Personal Travel |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | 5 x 100 pounds | 2 x 50 pounds |
| Main Cabin | 5 x 100 pounds | 2 x 50 pounds |
| Delta Comfort+ | 5 x 100 pounds | 2 x 50 pounds |
| First Class | 5 x 100 pounds | 3 x 50 pounds |
| Delta Premium Select | 5 x 100 pounds | 3 x 70 pounds |
| Delta One | 5 x 100 pounds | 3 x 70 pounds |
Checked Baggage Allowance for Active U.S. Military Personnel
When traveling on military orders, you’re entitled to check up to 5 free bags. Each checked bag can be up to 80 linear inches (203 centimeters) in size and weigh up to 100 pounds (45 kilograms).
This baggage allowance applies to all cabin classes.
Military Personnel Traveling on Personal Business
When traveling on personal business or leisure, you’re entitled to check up to 2 free bags. Each bag can be up to 62 linear inches (158 centimeters) in size and weigh up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms).
If you’re traveling in Delta Premium Select cabin class, your military baggage allowance increases to 3 free checked bags.
For military passengers in First Class or Delta One, your military baggage allowance increases to 3 checked bags, each with a 70-pound (32 kilogram) allowance.
| Cabin Class | Free Checked Bags | Checked Bag Size | Checked Bag Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | 2 | 62 inches (157 cm) | 50 pounds (23 kg) |
| Main Cabin | 2 | 62 inches (157 cm) | 50 pounds (23 kg) |
| Delta Comfort+ | 2 | 62 inches (157 cm) | 50 pounds (23 kg) |
| Delta Premium Select | 3 | 62 inches (157 cm) | 50 pounds (23 kg) |
| First Class | 3 | 62 inches (157 cm) | 70 pounds (32 kg) |
| Delta One | 3 | 62 inches (157 cm) | 70 pounds (32 kg) |
Baggage Allowance for U.S. Military Dependents
Dependents of active military personnel traveling on orders qualify for the same free baggage allowance upon presentation of their military ID. They also need to be accompanying the military member on their flight.
- 5 free checked bags, up to 80 linear inches in size, and weighing up to 100 pounds each
Dependents of Military Personnel Traveling on Personal Business
The free baggage allowance for military members traveling on personal business does not extend to their dependents.
In order to travel with checked baggage, dependents will be required to pay a fee, as per Delta’s baggage policy.
| Checked Bag Fee | |
|---|---|
| Bag 1 | $30 |
| Bag 2 | $40 |
| Bag 3 | $150 |
| Bags 4 to 10 | $200 |
Excess Baggage Fees
The excess baggage fees detailed in this apply to travel within and between the U.S., U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Canada.
For excess baggage fees of other flight itineraries, please refer to our Delta Air Lines baggage policy post.
Extra Baggage Fees
All travelers, including active military personnel, can travel with up to 10 checked bags.
However, your itinerary may be subject to baggage embargoes which can limit the number of checked bags that you can bring.
You will be notified of any baggage restrictions that are in effect for your flight when making your reservation. This information will also be included with your booking confirmation email from Delta.
Extra bags have the following limits:
- Size limit: 62 linear inches (157 centimeters)
- Weight limit: 50 pounds (23 kilograms)
| Purpose of Travel | Bag 3 | Bags 4 to 5 | Bags 6 to 10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Military member traveling on orders | Free | Free | $200 each |
| Military member traveling for leisure | $150 | $200 each | $200 each |
| Dependent of Military member traveling on orders | Free | Free | $200 each |
| Dependent of Military member traveling for leisure | $150 | $200 each | $200 each |
Oversized Baggage Fees
Oversized baggage fees apply to checked baggage larger than 62 linear inches (157 centimeters) but no greater than 80 linear inches (203 centimeters).
Oversized checked baggage will be charged a $200 fee when checking in at the airport.
Oversized baggage fees don’t apply to the free checked bags that military members traveling on orders as these bags already have an 80 linear inch size limit.
Delta doesn’t accept checked baggage that is larger than 80 linear inches (203 centimeters)
| Baggage Size | Oversized Baggage Fee |
|---|---|
| 62 in to 80 in | $200 |
| 81+ in | Not allowed |
Oversized baggage fees are applied in addition to any other charges that your checked bag is subject to.
Overweight Baggage Fees
Overweight baggage fees apply to checked baggage heavier than 50 pounds (23 kilograms) but no heavier than 100 pounds (45 kilograms).
If your checked bag weighs between 51 and 70 pounds (23 and 31.75 kilograms), you will be charged a $100 overweight bag fee.
However, if your checked bag weighs between 71 and 100 pounds (32 and 45.36 kilograms), you will instead be charged a $200 overweight bag fee.
The fee will be payable upon check-in at the airport.
Overweight baggage fees don’t apply to the free checked bags that military members traveling on orders as these bags already have a 100-pound weight limit.
Delta doesn’t accept checked baggage that weighs more than 100 pounds (45 kilograms).
| Baggage Weight | Overweight Baggage Fee |
|---|---|
| 51 lb to 70 lb | $100 |
| 71 lb to 100 lb | $200 |
| 101+ lb | Not allowed |
Overweight baggage fees are applied in addition to any other charges that your checked bag is subject to.
Final Thoughts
Delta’s military baggage policy is a generous and thoughtful gesture that recognizes the sacrifices and needs of our service members.
Whether you’re traveling on orders or for leisure, you can enjoy the benefits of a substantial free baggage allowance. To take advantage of this perk, you’ll need to present your valid military ID, and orders if applicable, at the check-in counter and verify your eligibility.
Remember to always check Delta’s website or contact their customer service for the latest information on baggage allowances and fees.
Thank you for your service.
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