How to Understand Delta Airlines Baggage Policy

Now that you are flying with Delta Airlines for your upcoming air travel journey, it is ideal that you start packing those suitcases. Learn more about the Delta Airlines baggage policy so you can think carefully about your planning and avoid unnecessary head-up costs. In this guide, we will discuss with you how you can avoid any unnecessary or expensive surprises at the airport when you are traveling to your destination spot. We will break down what you can carry, and how much it would all cost if you brought them over on the flight. The goal is to make sure that your upcoming Delta airline flights booking are as smooth as possible with no bumps to feel alone.

Let us all be honest, nobody likes additional hidden fees, especially if they climb up on your budget and ruin everything. Baggage fees can be quite pestering, especially if you have already planned your trip and you are hit with additional costs just because your bag is a bit overweight. Read along and understand Delta’s hidden rules and secrets which can be applied to your carry-on baggage if you have no idea what to do.

Understanding Delta Airlines Baggage Policy

Let us be right on the track, Delta’s baggage rules and policies need a proper understanding before a thorough application. If you are flying with them, it is recommended that you go through the different baggage types, rules, and necessities as they are what applies to most flights.

Definition of Baggage Types

Delta offers a distinctive label for different types of baggage, these categories include carry-on bags, checked baggage, and personal items.

General Rules & Restrictions

Surely there are certain restrictions and specific rules for Delta Airlines Baggage Policy, they can depend on your ticket type and where you are flying to, along with your flyer status tier. There are other factors that affect your domestic and international flights.

• Size & Weight Limits: One of the most important factors for baggage charges and policies is the size and weight of your carry-on and checked bags. Going over the airline’s limitations means you have to pay extra for your luggage.
• Prohibited Items: If you carry prohibited items, you will not be allowed to board the flight with them. The airline has a set of specific item categories that you cannot use or carry for your journey.
• Basic Economy Restrictions: If you have purchased a basic economy fare type ticket, which is the cheapest option for Delta then you would have to go through the stricter baggage rules and policies. It is applicable for checked baggage and carry-ons.
• International Rules: If you are flying Internationally with Delta, you would have to go through different baggage rules. This can include weight limits, checked bags, or different fees for over limitations, so always inquire or check before you go for an international route.
• Security Screening: It is a friendly reminder that all of your baggage (carry-ons, checked and personal) will be screened by the TSA at the airport so make sure you are familiar with what you can bring and what you cannot.

Delta Airline Baggage Fees

Let us talk about the monetary aspect of Delta’s baggage fees, in this section, we will discuss the fees and charges associated with the airline’s luggage procedures.

Overview of Baggage Fees for Domestic Flights

If you are flying within the United States, domestically then this section is what you should go through as you get around them. Here’s what you should expect:

• First Checked Bag: You would be expected to pay about 35$ for your first checked bag at the airport.
• Second Checked bag: As you increase the amount of checked baggage for your journey, the fees get higher. The second bag usually is charged 45$ at most.
• Additional Bags: If you have more than two bags to carry for your journey, do note that they increase incrementally, so the charges might be quite high. Try to pack efficiently so you avoid extra baggage.

Overview of Baggage Fees for International Flights

Flying internationally might set you up with additional and complex baggage policies, these can vary wildly depending on your destination, fare class, and most importantly your medallion status.

• Check your Route: If you are flying to a specific destination, we recommend that you check the baggage allowance and fees associated with that specific route so you can have a good idea of what you might have to go through. You can find the information on Delta’s website by looking up your reservation details.
• Weight & Size Differences: Do be aware that for all of your international flights, you would be subjected to a different weight and size limitation when compared to all the flights domestically. This is designed specifically for efficient long-haul flights and storage capabilities.
• Free Bags Possibility: On some of the international flight routes, higher fare classes or SkyMiles Medallion members can get one or two bags freely checked, do ask beforehand!

Specific Fees for Basic Economy Passengers

Found the cheapest ticket for your destination? Delta’s Economic flight tickets provide a few trade-offs when it comes to baggage policies. You can bring a carry-on for your flight but checked bags usually cost extra, the fees are the same as those of standard economy. You wouldn’t be eligible for free perks unless you have SkyMiles status or have a qualifying Delta-branded credit card.

Free Baggage Allowance

Now for the good news, in this section, we will discuss how you can avoid all the unnecessary fees for checked baggage. You would have to go through the free baggage policies that Delta offers its passengers for their flight change & reservations.

How Many Free Checked Bags?

The number of checked bags you can bring along for free on your Delta flight journey depends upon several factors, thus it is essential that you check your situation first. It depends entirely upon your destination, credit card perk, SkyMiles tier, and most importantly the ticket’s fare class.

Factors that Affect Free Baggage Allowance

Here’s a quick breakdown of the important factors that can earn you free checked baggage for your flight.

• Fare Class for Reservation: The easiest way to get free checked baggage from Delta is to fly First Class or Delta One, as they provide a guaranteed two or three bags on board.
• SkyMiles Status: Frequent flyers of Delta can rack up points which increases their loyalty tier. Each tier offers travel perks which include complimentary checked bags.
• Delta Credit Card Perk: Certain Delta co-branded American Express credit cards have perks that allow for a free checked bag when traveling. Co-passengers on the same reservation can also avail the benefit.
• Specific International Routes: If you are flying internationally then some routes might offer free baggage checking for higher fare classes. It is mostly applicable for long-haul flights.

Carry-On Baggage Policy

Let us focus on the important highlight of the luggage you would be allowed to bring along onto the plane. The eligibility criteria, weight & size limitations, and important questions.

What Qualifies and Size Restrictions

If you are thinking about what makes your Carry-on bag eligible for a Delta flight, then worry not! They have similar rules and regulations when it comes to dimensions and size if we compare them to other airline companies.

Can You Bring Both a Carry-On and a Backpack?

Well, Delta, like any other airline company, has its own rules about what you can carry and what you cannot. If you are curious about whether you can carry both a carry-on and a backpack together on your journey, worry not! You can do so as long as you can keep them comfortably underneath the seat in front of you and the overhead bin.

Checked Baggage Policy

Let us discuss the second important baggage type, checked baggage! The larger bags that you cannot bring onboard the flight cabin but travel in the cargo bay.

Maximum Size and Weight

Delta offers a specific weight and size limit for all checked bags which can be carried onboard for a safer and more efficient workload. These regulations are in place to maximize cargo bay usage and keep the flight fuel efficient.

Fees for Overweight Baggage

If you have checked your bag, but it exceeds the size or weight limit of Delta’s guidelines, then you are subjected to additional fees.

• Overweight Bag: If your bag exceeds the weight limit of the airline’s policy then you would have to pay accordingly. The heavier the weight of the bag, the higher the fare might be.
• Oversized Bag: If your bag exceeds the linear dimension of 62 inches, then you will be charged additionally for it. If it is overweight, you will be charged again.
• Excess Baggage: If you do have more bags than what you are permitted according to your reservation tier or membership, then you will be charged additionally for each bag. This increases with each bag, thus making it very important to pack efficiently.

Baggage Policy for Different Fare Classes

Delta offers a baggage policy that varies depending upon the type of ticket you have purchased, and, in this section, we will compare the differences for the diverse range of ticket types the airline offers.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the rules for checked bags on Delta Airlines?
  Well, the basic rules of Delta’s baggage are that it should be a maximum of 62 inches in linear height and a maximum weight of 50 pounds for Main Cabin & Basic Economy, whereas it should be around 70 pounds for premium cabins and SkyMiles Medallion.
• How do I avoid being charged extra for my Delta Airline Baggage?
  There are several ways you can plan out your baggage so that they aren’t charged additionally. Try to pack light for your baggage maximize your carry-on allowance when traveling or consider getting a Delta SkyMiles credit card.
• How many bags does Delta allow for International reservations?
  It depends on the specific route, fare type, fare class, and your SkyMiles medallion status.check the baggage allowance for your particular itinerary when you are planning out.
• How can I upgrade my baggage allowance with Delta Airlines?
  If you are looking to upgrade your baggage allowance for your reservation, then you must go through the few available options you have. You can always purchase a higher-fare class ticket such as Delta Comfort+, Delta One, or Delta Premium Select.
• What are the types of Delta Airlines baggage fees?
  The airline charges fees according to the number of checked bags, overweight bags, or oversized bags. If you carry excess baggage you’d be charged differently too.
• What is Delta’s checked bag policy?
  Delta, like any other airline company, offers a checked bag policy that clearly outlines the size, weight, and other limits for checked bags. If they exceed the said criteria, then they have to pay additional fees for doing so.
• What is the 20 minute bag rule for Delta?
  If you are flying with Delta, your trip offers a 20-minute baggage option, i.e., you would receive your baggage in 20 minutes when you reach your destination. If not, you will receive 2500 SkyMiles Points.