Delta Air Lines Baggage Fees (2026)
Quick summary
Delta is a full-service carrier: a free personal item AND a free carry-on are included on all fares, including Basic Economy. Checked bags cost extra on domestic Main Cabin fares; after the April 8, 2026 increase the first bag is $45 and the second $55 each way, with a third bag at $200. SkyMiles Medallion elites and eligible Delta American Express card members check their first bag free.
The bottom line on Delta Air Lines baggage
Delta Air Lines is a true full-service carrier: both a carry-on and a personal item are free on every fare, including Basic Economy, so you only open your wallet when you check a bag — $45 for the first, $55 for the second each way. The trap is Basic Economy itself, which boards last and generally cannot be changed.
The surest way to save is to pack carry-on only, or to carry a Delta SkyMiles American Express card, which checks the first bag free for you and up to eight people on the reservation — one round trip covers the annual fee.
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Our own 1–5 rating of Delta Air Lines's baggage policy, scored from the verified data on this page. See airline rankings → · How we score →
Hidden pitfalls most travelers miss
- Basic Economy still includes the free carry-on, but you board last — overhead bins are often full by then, so your bag can get gate-checked anyway.
- Overweight (51–70 lb, +$100) and oversize (63–80 in, +$200) surcharges stack on top of the base fee AND on top of each other — one heavy, bulky bag can add $300 to a single checked bag.
- The $45 / $55 prices are for domestic Main Cabin. International and premium fares follow different rules, so confirm the number for your exact fare.
Delta Air Linesbaggage allowance & fees at a glance
| 🎒 Personal item | One free personal item (purse, briefcase, small backpack, or laptop bag) that fits under the seat in front of you, on every fare including Basic Economy. |
| 🧳 Carry-on allowance | One free carry-on bag on all fares (max 22 x 14 x 9 in / 56 x 35 x 23 cm, up to 45 linear inches) plus the personal item. Note: Basic Economy passengers get the carry-on too, but board last. |
| 🧳 First checked bag | $45 |
| 🧳 Second checked bag | $55 |
Delta Air Lines checked bag fees
| 1st checked bag (domestic Main Cabin) | $45 |
| 2nd checked bag (domestic) | $55 |
| 3rd+ checked bag (domestic) | $200 |
Excess baggage cost calculator
Estimate what Delta Air Lines will actually charge for your bags — one way, typical domestic/regional route.
- Checked bag #1$45
Estimates only. Fees vary by route, fare type, and date — always confirm before booking.
Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines vs American Airlines: baggage compared
Head-to-head on the fees that actually decide the cheaper airline for bags.
| Delta Air Lines | United Airlines | American Airlines | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on included | ✅ Free | ✅ Free | ✅ Free |
| 1st checked bag | $45 | $45 | $45 |
| 2nd checked bag | $55 | $55 | $55 |
| Overweight surcharge | $100 | $100 | $100 |
| Weight limit | 23 kg | 23 kg | 23 kg |
Flying Delta Air Lines abroad?
Delta Air Lines is a full-service carrier based in US — if this is an international trip, a travel eSIM means you land with data already working, with no roaming bill.
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🔁 Change & cancellation
Most Main Cabin and above tickets have no change fee for travel within the US, and you can cancel for an eCredit. Basic Economy is generally non-changeable/non-refundable (24-hour risk-free cancellation still applies to all fares booked directly with Delta).
Delta Air Lines flight delayed or cancelled?
Compensation rules follow the route, not the airline — a US-departing Delta Air Lines flight delayed 3+ hours can be worth up to €600. Checking costs nothing.
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Other common fees
| Overweight bag (51–70 lb, domestic) | +$100 |
| Oversize bag (63–80 linear in, domestic) | +$200 |
| In-cabin pet (carrier) | ~$95 each way |
| Preferred/seat selection | Varies (free for many fares) |
What stops you paying these fees on Delta Air Lines
- An overweight bag costs +$100 here over 23 kg, each way. A scale costs about $10 — the maths on that →
How to avoid extra fees
- Delta SkyMiles co-branded American Express cards (Gold, Platinum, Reserve) include a free first checked bag for the card member and up to 8 people on the same reservation.
- SkyMiles Medallion elite status (Silver and up) waives checked-bag fees, so frequent flyers should credit their miles to Delta.
- All fares get 24-hour risk-free cancellation when booked directly with Delta — book and decide within a day.
- Avoid Basic Economy if you might need to change your flight; it is the most restrictive Delta fare.
- Keep each checked bag at or under 50 lb (23 kg) and 62 linear inches — a bag of 51–70 lb adds $100 and one over 62 inches adds $200, on top of the base fee.
Delta Air Lines baggage — FAQ
＋ − Does Delta include a free carry-on?
Yes. A free carry-on (max 22 x 14 x 9 in) plus a personal item is included on all Delta fares, including Basic Economy. You only pay if you check a bag.
＋ − How much is a checked bag on Delta?
On domestic Main Cabin fares the first checked bag is $45 and the second $55 each way (raised from $35/$45 in April 2026). A third bag is $200.
＋ − How much are Delta's overweight and oversize bag fees?
A checked bag weighing 51–70 lb costs an extra $100, and a bag measuring 63–80 linear inches costs an extra $200 on domestic routes — both charged on top of the standard checked-bag fee, and both stack if one bag is over on both counts.
＋ − Can I change a Delta flight without a fee?
Main Cabin and higher fares generally have no change fee for US travel (fare difference may apply). Basic Economy usually cannot be changed.
Sources & official policy links
Independent guide — not affiliated with Delta Air Lines. Figures here reflect Delta Air Lines's published US fares as of 2026-07-12.