✓ Policy web-verified 2026-05-31
Delta lets every passenger bring one carry-on bag and one personal item free, in every fare class including Basic Economy. Checked bags are where it gets expensive: on U.S. domestic routes the first bag is $45 and the second is $55 each way, and even Basic Economy includes no free checked bag. International long-haul itineraries are more generous — Main Cabin typically includes two free checked bags, but the exact allowance is route-dependent, so always check Delta’s bag calculator for your specific journey.
This guide covers the current 2026 dimensions, weight limits, fees, and the fare-class breakdown so you know exactly what you’ll pay before you reach the airport.
Quick facts
| Personal item | Free (all fares) — must fit under the seat |
| Carry-on bag | Free — 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 35 x 23 cm) |
| 1st checked bag (domestic) | $45 USD each way |
| 2nd checked bag (domestic) | $55 USD each way |
| Checked bag (intl Main) | Often 2 free — varies by route |
| Checked weight limit | 50 lb (23 kg) Main; 70 lb (32 kg) Delta One/First |
| Checked size limit | 62 linear in (158 cm) |
| Overweight / oversize | Extra fee per bag (see below) |
Cabin bag & personal item
| Item | Allowance |
|---|---|
| Personal / under-seat item | Must fit under the seat in front of you. One free in every fare class, including Basic Economy. Examples: purse, briefcase, small backpack, belt bag, camera bag, laptop bag or diaper bag. Jackets, umbrellas and post-security food don't count against your allowance. |
| Cabin / carry-on bag | 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 35 x 23 cm), max 45 linear in (114 cm) · No weight limit on most routes (some international/regional flights may impose one) Free in all fare classes |
Checked baggage & fees
| Checked allowance | None free on U.S. domestic (incl. Basic Economy); intl Main Cabin often includes 1-2 free, varies by route |
| Weight limit | 50 lb (23 kg) per piece in Main/Comfort/Premium Select; 70 lb (32 kg) in Delta One/First |
| Typical fee | $45 first / $55 second, each way (U.S. domestic). $200+ per additional bag internationally. |
What each fare includes
| Fare | Personal | Cabin | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | Free | 1 carry-on + 1 personal item (free) | No free bag — $45 first / $55 second each way (domestic) |
| Main Cabin | Free | 1 carry-on + 1 personal item (free) | $45 first / $55 second each way (domestic); often 2 free on international long-haul |
| Delta Comfort | Free | 1 carry-on + 1 personal item (free) | Same checked fees as Main (domestic); intl allowance by route |
| Delta Premium Select | Free | 1 carry-on + 1 personal item (free) | Typically 2 free checked bags (international) |
| Delta One / First | Free | 1 carry-on + 1 personal item (free) | Typically 2 free checked bags |
What you actually get on a cheap fare
What Delta’s cheapest fare actually includes: on a Delta deal fare (Basic Economy), you get the carry-on bag (up to 22 x 14 x 9 in) and a personal item free — but no checked bag. A checked bag is a paid add-on at $45 for the first / $55 for the second each way on U.S. domestic routes.
⚠️ Delta Basic Economy: checked bag is a paid add-on. If you’re flying carry-on only, the headline deal price is genuinely all-in. If you need to check a bag, budget roughly $90 round-trip per bag domestically — factor that into whether the fare still beats a full-service ticket that bundles the bag.
On international long-haul Delta tickets, Main Cabin usually includes one or two free checked bags, so the cheapest fare is far better value abroad than domestically. Always confirm with Delta’s bag calculator for your route.
Oversize, sports & special items
Overweight bags: a bag heavier than the included limit (50 lb / 23 kg in Main) but up to 70 lb (32 kg) incurs an overweight surcharge, and 71-100 lb (32-45 kg) costs more again. Fees vary by route but typically run roughly $100-$200+ per bag on top of any checked-bag fee — bags over 100 lb (45 kg) are not accepted.
Oversize bags: any bag exceeding 62 linear inches (158 cm) total (length + width + height) is charged an oversize fee, commonly around $200+ per bag, in addition to the checked-bag fee. Overweight and oversize charges can stack.
Free first bag: Delta SkyMiles Medallion members and many Delta SkyMiles American Express cardholders get their first standard checked bag free (the cardholder benefit can extend to several companions on the same reservation). Active-duty U.S. military also receive free checked bags.
Sports & special items: golf clubs, skis/snowboards, bikes and most sporting equipment travel as standard checked baggage if within size/weight limits — no special surcharge beyond normal/overweight/oversize fees. Musical instruments can be carried on if they fit in the overhead or under-seat space, or checked; larger instruments may require a purchased extra seat.
Tip: pre-pay bags online during check-in rather than at the airport, and weigh bags at home — staying under 50 lb avoids the steep overweight surcharge.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a checked bag cost on Delta in 2026?
On U.S. domestic flights it's $45 each way for the first bag and $55 for the second, for bags up to 50 lb (23 kg). Basic Economy is charged the same — there's no free checked bag. Many international long-haul Main Cabin tickets include one or two free checked bags, so it depends on your route.
Does Delta Basic Economy include a checked bag?
No. Basic Economy includes the free carry-on and personal item but no free checked bag on domestic routes — you pay $45 first / $55 second each way. International Basic Economy allowances vary by route; check Delta's bag calculator.
What are Delta's carry-on size limits?
Your carry-on must not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 cm), or 45 linear inches (114 cm) total including handles and wheels. There's no published weight limit on most flights. You also get one free personal item that fits under the seat.
What is Delta's checked bag weight and size limit?
Standard checked bags can weigh up to 50 lb (23 kg) per piece in Main, Comfort and Premium Select, or 70 lb (32 kg) in Delta One and First. The size limit is 62 linear inches (158 cm) total. Going over triggers overweight and/or oversize fees.
How much are Delta's overweight and oversize bag fees?
Bags over the included weight limit (over 50 lb up to 70 lb, then 71-100 lb) and bags over 62 linear inches each incur a surcharge — typically around $100-$200+ per bag depending on route, on top of the checked-bag fee. Bags over 100 lb (45 kg) are not accepted. The charges can stack if a bag is both heavy and large.
How can I get a free checked bag on Delta?
SkyMiles Medallion members and most Delta SkyMiles American Express cardholders get the first standard checked bag free (the card benefit can cover several companions on the same booking). Active-duty U.S. military also fly with free checked bags. Otherwise, flying carry-on only on a deal fare keeps you at the headline price.
Are checked bags free on Delta international flights?
Often, yes — Main Cabin on long-haul international routes frequently includes one or two free checked bags, and premium cabins more. But the allowance is route-specific (a transatlantic JFK-London ticket differs from a transpacific route), so always confirm with Delta's online bag calculator for your itinerary.