6 Easy Ways to Avoid Delta Baggage Fees

Delta Air Lines is hugely popular for both business and vacation travelers. The company is based in Atlanta, Georgia, but services areas around the world, from Canada to Australia to Central America.

Delta positions itself as a premium airline, offering more comfort and luxury than budget-friendly carriers. As such, you won’t typically get perks like free bags as you do on Southwest; instead, you’ll usually have to pay a fee for each bag you check.

However, there are some ways to get around Delta Air Lines baggage fees. Here’s what you need to know.

Delta baggage fees

Delta baggage fees vary depending on several factors, such as your bag type and size. You can save money on some baggage fees by using a co-branded credit card or having a certain status with Delta or its partners.

Here is a look at what you can expect to pay if you fly a Delta economy fare.

Note that Delta Air Lines will not accept bags larger than 80 linear inches (height + width + depth) or heavier than 100 pounds.

What is Delta Air Lines’ baggage policy?

When you fly on Delta, you’re allowed one carry-on and one personal item at no cost. Using those baggage allowances carefully can help you save money on checked bags.

Delta Air Lines's personal item policy

Delta Air Lines allows you to bring one personal item on board with you for free, as long as it fits under the seat in front of you. Delta does not disclose the exact dimensions of a personal item, but it should be smaller than your carry-on bag.

Personal items include purses, diaper bags, camera bags, laptop computers, or items of similar size. Just make sure they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

You can also bring some extra items for free, such as a jacket, an umbrella, or a book. If your personal item is too big or if you have more than one personal item, you may have to check it and pay a fee.

Delta Air Lines' carry-on policy

Your carry-on baggage can’t exceed 45 linear inches in combined length, width, and height, including handles and wheels. In general, your bag should be 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches or smaller. Carry-on items don’t have a weight limit, except at the airports below:

• Singapore, Singapore — Changi International Airport (SIN): 15 pounds
• Beijing — Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC): 22 pounds
• Shanghai — Pudong International Airport (PVG): 22 pounds

If you’re traveling with children or someone with special needs, you’re in luck. Special items like strollers, child seats, wheelchairs, crutches, and assistive devices don’t count as carry-on or personal items, so you can bring them on the plane in addition to your other items.

Delta Air Lines' checked bag policy

When it comes to Delta checked baggage, your fees are based on your bag’s weight, your destination, and the number of bags you’re shipping.

For domestic flights in North America, if you're traveling in the main cabin, you’ll typically pay $35 for your first checked bag that weighs less than 50 pounds and $45 for your second checked bag that weighs less than 50 pounds. Baggage must not exceed 62 inches when you total the length, width, and height.

International destination flights outside of the United States have more variable baggage fees. For example, an international flight from the U.S. to Europe offers one checked bag for $75 each way with an Economy ticket, and the second bag will cost you $100. If you fly from the U.S. to the Caribbean, Bermuda, or Ecuador, however, you’ll be charged only $45 for that second bag. Depending on your location, a third checked bag can cost you $200 or more. You can see how much your luggage will cost for your upcoming itinerary on the Delta.com website.

Delta Air Lines' oversized, overweight, and extra baggage policy

You can check up to 10 bags per passenger on flights operated by Delta or Delta Shuttle and up to four on Delta Connection carrier flights. Your third checked bag costs $150, and every bag after that costs $200.

However, if you travel with more than two pieces of luggage, Delta may not be able to accommodate all of your baggage on one flight. Instead, it may be transported on the next available flight.

If you have oversized bags or overweight luggage, you have to pay additional checked bag fees. The fee for an overweight bag ranges from $100 to $200, depending on the weight. The fee for an oversized bag is $200.

Keep in mind that the maximum size limit is 80 linear inches, and the maximum weight allowed is 100 pounds.

How to get free checked baggage on Delta

While Delta charges fees for your checked bags, there are ways around paying that extra cost. Here are six ways you can save on Delta baggage fees.

1. Only pack a carry-on

If you can pack light, having only a carry-on and personal item could save you at least $70 per round trip. Even better, you don’t have to worry about your bags getting lost; your carry-on baggage will be with you every step of the way.

2. Join a loyalty program

If you frequently fly with Delta, consider signing up for the Delta SkyMiles loyalty program. It’s free to sign up, and you’ll earn miles you can use toward future trips — plus, you can earn SkyMiles Medallion status levels and get perks like seat upgrades and free checked luggage.

To qualify for free checked bags, you need to earn at least Silver Medallion status. Once you achieve that level, you’ll get your first checked bag for free, and up to eight of your travel companions will also get a free checked bag. Medallion members earn Silver status when they earn 25,000 Medallion Qualification Miles and $3,000 Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQD) or an MQD Waiver.

Once you sign up for SkyMiles, just enter your member number into your reservation when you book a flight. Depending on the flight, you could earn up to five miles per $1 spent on your ticket.

3. Buy a premium ticket

If you want more legroom and comfort, it may be worth the splurge to buy a business class or first class ticket. Upgrading your Delta airfare may also entitle you to free checked bags, helping offset the extra cost.

Delta Premium Select passengers get two free checked bags weighing a maximum of 50 pounds. First class and Delta One passengers can bring two checked bags on at no cost, up to 70 pounds each.

4. Bring your military documentation

Active military service members can qualify for free checked bags. If you’re on military orders, you get up to five free checked bags.

For military personnel traveling during personal time, you get up to two free checked bags if you’re flying basic economy, main cabin, or Delta Comfort. If you’re flying first class, Delta One, or Delta Premium Select, you get up to three free checked bags weighing 70 pounds each.

To qualify, you must show a valid military ID to Delta staff at check in.

5. Get a Delta Skymiles credit card

If you travel often and want free baggage and other perks, signing up for a Delta-branded credit card can be a smart decision. It can even help you get around Delta's Basic Economy restrictions. You can earn valuable rewards for your travel and get free upgrades. You'll want to compare the different Delta card perks so that you can choose the best airline credit card for you.

6. Use a general travel card

If you prefer to shop around rather than stay devoted to one airline, a more flexible travel rewards card may be a better option than a Delta credit card. Some of the best travel credit cards offer valuable perks that can help you get free checked bags, such as airline credits and point transfers. Plus, you can often earn bonus miles from your spending to help further offset the cost of travel and your rewards aren't restricted to a single airline.

For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® offers a $300 annual travel credit. Use your card to pay for travel expenses, including baggage fees, and you’ll get up to $300 as a statement credit to reimburse you. You can also redeem your rewards through the Chase Travel℠ program to book Delta flights and get 50% more for your points. And if you happen to want to fly a different airline, Chase has a long list of partners so you can transfer your points.

For more information, read our Chase Sapphire Reserve review.

FAQs

Bottom line

Delta Air Lines baggage fees can add hundreds to your round trip’s cost. But by researching your options, including upgrading your ticket or signing up for credit cards, you can avoid these costly fees and save money on your trip, helping you prepare for your next adventure.

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