Delta Airlines Baggage Fees 2026 — Full Breakdown
Delta Air Lines is one of the "Big Three" US carriers and the most profitable airline in the world. Their baggage fee structure is relatively straightforward for Main Cabin passengers, but there are important nuances for Basic Economy fares, oversized items, and how to save with SkyMles credit cards and Medallion status.
Delta Airlines Baggage Fees at a Glance
| Item | Fee (Domestic) | International |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Item | Free | Free |
| Carry-On Bag | Free* | Free* |
| 1st Checked Bag | $35 | Free–$75 |
| 2nd Checked Bag | $45 | $100–$150 |
| Oversized/Overweight | $100–$200 | $100–$200 |
* Carry-on bag included with Main Cabin and above. Basic Economy may have restrictions.
Carry-On & Personal Item Policy
Delta allows one carry-on bag and one personal item free of charge for all Main Cabin, Delta Comfort+, First Class, and Delta One passengers. Carry-on dimensions must not exceed 22″ × 14″ × 9″. Personal items (purses, laptop bags, backpacks) must fit under the seat in front of you.
Important: Basic Economy (Delta's lowest fare) passengers on most routes are still allowed a full-size carry-on in the overhead bin — unlike United and American, which restrict carry-on access for Basic Economy. However, Delta has been testing restrictions on certain transatlantic routes, so check your specific fare rules.
Checked Bag Fees
Delta's domestic checked bag fees are competitive with other legacy carriers:
- First checked bag: $35 (domestic), free on most international routes
- Second checked bag: $45 (domestic), $100–$150 international
- Maximum weight: 50 lbs (23 kg) per bag
- Maximum size: 62 linear inches (length + width + height)
Fees are slightly higher if purchased at the airport vs. prepaid online. Adding a checked bag during online check-in is usually the same price as adding it at booking — but more expensive at the airport counter.
Oversized & Overweight Bag Fees
Bags exceeding Delta's standard size or weight limits incur substantial additional fees:
- Overweight (51–70 lbs): $100 additional
- Overweight (71–100 lbs): $200 additional
- Oversized (63–80 linear inches): $200 additional
- Bags over 100 lbs or 80 inches: Not accepted
These fees are in addition to the standard checked bag fee. A 55-lb second checked bag could cost you $45 + $100 = $145 each way.
Sports & Special Equipment
Delta handles sports and special equipment with separate fee schedules. Common examples:
- Golf clubs: $35 domestic (counts as a checked bag)
- Ski/snowboard equipment: $35 domestic (counts as a checked bag)
- Surfboards: $50–$150 depending on size
- Bicycles: $60 domestic (must be in a box)
- Musical instruments: Carry-on if fits size limits, otherwise $35+ as checked item
Sports equipment fees are typically waived for passengers with Medallion status or certain credit cards.
How to Save on Delta Baggage Fees
Best Ways to Get Free Bags on Delta
- Get the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex: First checked bag free for you + up to 8 companions on the same reservation. $150 annual fee pays for itself in one round trip if you check a bag.
- Earn Medallion Status: Silver Medallion gets 1 free checked bag. Gold, Platinum, and Diamond get 2 free bags. Plus complimentary Comfort+ upgrades.
- Fly Delta One or First Class: Premium cabins include 2 free checked bags.
- Use a Delta Corporate Travel Account: Some corporate accounts include baggage fee waivers.
- Active Military: Active US military personnel on personal travel get up to 5 free checked bags (50 lbs each). On official travel, it is unlimited.
The Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex is by far the easiest way for most travelers to eliminate checked bag fees on Delta. The $150 annual fee is offset by the bag fee savings (saving $70 per round trip), and you also get priority boarding and 2x miles on Delta purchases. See our full credit card comparison →
Delta vs. Other Airlines
Delta's $35 first checked bag fee is competitive with American ($35) and United ($35–$40). The key difference is that Delta generally allows carry-on bags even in Basic Economy, while American charges $45 for a carry-on on Basic Economy fares. This makes Delta more traveler-friendly for anyone flying on the lowest fare class.
For international travel, Delta includes a free first checked bag on most transatlantic and transpacific routes — a benefit that American and United also match. Compare Delta against all airlines →
The Bottom Line
Delta's baggage fees are in line with other legacy carriers — $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second. Where Delta shines is the generous carry-on allowance (even in Basic Economy) and the breadth of ways to avoid fees: SkyMiles credit cards, Medallion status, premium cabins, and military benefits. If you fly Delta even a few times a year, getting the SkyMiles Gold Amex is a smart move that pays for itself quickly. See Delta's current fees →