Delta allows a carry-on of 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 35 x 23 cm), and its length, width and height can add up to no more than 45 in (114 cm). Delta gives no personal item size: it lists the kinds of bag that count, as long as it fits under the seat in front of you.
Bag type
Your bag against Delta’s limits
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What Delta counts as a personal item
- One purse, briefcase, small backpack, belt bag, fanny pack, camera bag or diaper bag
- One laptop bag (Delta says computers can’t be checked unless security tells you to)
- Anything of a similar or smaller size
On top of the two bags you can carry a jacket or umbrella, food or drink bought past security, a bag or box of duty free, and items like strollers, child safety seats and crutches.
Two carry-on limits at once
Each side has its own limit, and the three together can’t pass 45 inches. A bag within 22 x 14 x 9 inches adds up to 45 at most, so a bag that passes each side passes the total too. A 23 x 13 x 9 inch bag adds up to 45 and is still an inch too long. Delta has size check displays at its ticket counters and gates. Flight attendants won’t lift your bag into the bin for you, except in some cases, so pack one you can lift yourself.
Delta Connection flights
Delta’s carry-on page words this two ways. Its allowance section says passengers on Delta Connection flights, including flights with 50 seats or less, may carry only personal items on board, because of limited overhead space. Its FAQ says the same for Delta Connection flights with 50 seats or less. Either way, a bag too big for the cabin gets a pink Gate Claim/Planeside tag, rides in the hold free of charge and comes back to you as you get off. On a full mainline flight, a gate agent can check your carry-on at the gate too.
Checked bags
| Limit | |
|---|---|
| Size and weight | 62 in (157 cm) total, 50 lb (23 kg) |
| Delta Main Basic and Delta Main | Checked bags cost a fee |
| Overweight | 51 to 70 lb and 71 to under 100 lb each cost an overweight fee; 100 lb (45.36 kg) or more not permitted |
| Oversize | 63 to 80 in (161 to 203 cm) costs an oversize fee; larger not permitted |
Delta One and Delta First bags may weigh 70 lb. Flights to or from Key West, Florida take only one checked bag each.
Medallion members and eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card members check their first bag free, and some card members their second, on domestic Delta flights.
The 20-minute bag guarantee
If your checked bag isn’t on the carousel within 20 minutes of a domestic Delta flight’s arrival, Delta gives 2,500 bonus miles. You need to be a SkyMiles member when you fly, and you claim on Delta’s form no later than two hours after landing. Oversize and overweight bags and special items don’t count.
Sports equipment
Most sports gear goes as a normal checked bag, in a sturdy protective case made for it. Delta charges its overweight fee over 50 pounds and accepts gear up to 115 linear inches (292 cm), more than its 80 inch limit for ordinary bags. One golf bag counts as one standard checked bag, and fishing poles that fit within 22 x 14 x 9 inches can be carried on.
Bag prices
For today’s bag fees, see Delta’s baggage page.