How Delta baggage works
The essentials in plain language. Your exact allowance depends on fare, route and SkyMiles status.
Every Delta ticket, including Delta Main Basic, includes one carry-on plus one personal item at no charge. That's a genuine edge over some competitors, whose basic fares allow only a personal item and gate-check the rest for a fee. If you can pack into a carry-on, Basic Economy on Delta gets a lot more reasonable.
On most US domestic trips, checked bags cost extra on Main Cabin and Basic Economy, the first bag paid and the second higher (the fee changes often, so we confirm the current figure on the call). Prices vary by route and cabin, so we confirm the current fee for your itinerary rather than quoting a number that may have moved.
Hold an eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express card, or have Medallion elite status, and your first standard checked bag is free on domestic Delta flights, usually for others on the same reservation too. It's the single biggest way to cut Delta bag costs.
On international routes the first checked bag is often included or priced differently by region, and premium cabins carry more. To Latin America and the Caribbean the allowance varies by fare and destination, tell us the route and we'll confirm exactly what's included before you pay for anything.
We never publish a flat fee because yours depends on route, cabin and status, an agent confirms the current amount and can pre-pay your bags, often cheaper than adding them at the airport.
Allowance at a glance
The general shape by fare. Confirm current details at delta.com.
Where bag costs sneak up on you
The avoidable charges, worth thirty seconds before you fly.
Pays off at the gate
Costs more
- Adding a checked bag at the airport instead of in advance
- An overweight bag over 50 lb (23 kg), steep per-bag surcharges
- Sports gear or instruments with no advance arrangement
Saves you money
Do this
- Pre-pay bags before the airport
- Use a Delta Amex or Medallion status for the free first bag
- Pack into the free carry-on when you can
- Weigh bags at home to dodge the 50 lb (23 kg) line
Basic Economy on Delta is better than most, because of the carry-on. On many airlines a basic fare strands your roller bag at the gate; on Delta you keep a full carry-on plus a personal item. If you can travel carry-on only, Delta Basic is often the smart budget pick. We'll tell you when it is and when it isn't.
Frequently asked
Does Delta Basic Economy include a carry-on bag?+
How much is a checked bag on Delta?+
What's the weight limit for a checked bag on Delta?+
Can I get my first checked bag free on Delta?+
Contact options
Reach Delta directly, or let us confirm and pre-pay your bags.
Contact Delta Air Lines directly
The airline's own official channels, free.
More Delta Air Lines help
Related guides.