Baggage FAQs
You've got baggage. You've got questions. Luckily, we have answers. If you don't see the answer to your question here, feel free to e-mail us.
When will the Delta and Northwest baggage fee alignment take place?What
is my carry-on baggage allowance?Are
there any exceptions to the carry-on allowance rule?Will our Medallion members continue to be able to check an additional bag with no additional charge?Will SkyTeam Elite/ElitePlus customers be given an exception to the charge?Will the first and second bag fees be charged to International passengers?Will the first and second bag fees be charged to International passengers that have connections/stopovers within the U.S.?Does domestic include U.S. territories?Will the first and second bag policy apply to active U.S. Military personnel checking bags?Is
a bicycle considered part of the free domestic baggage allowance?What
can I take to ensure that my baggage will arrive with me?If
I pack my camera in a suitcase, will it be covered under Delta's liability?Are
carry-on items included in Delta's baggage liability?Does
my walking cane have to be stowed in a specific area on the aircraft?When will the Delta and Northwest baggage fee alignment take place?
We are currently working together to align our policies and fees to simplify the travel experience. Effective December 5, 2008, for tickets purchased on or after November 6, 2008, the cost for the first checked bag is $15 and the second bag fee is $25 for those customers traveling within the United States.
Make sure your checked baggage fits within the size and weight limits specified on Baggage Allowances on Flights and learn more about our new baggage fees and policies.
Return to topWhat is my carry-on baggage allowance?
You may bring one carry-on item onboard the aircraft, plus one personal item. (Allowances for Delta's codeshare partners, Connection Carriers, or Delta Shuttle® may be different.)
All carry-on items must meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, fit easily in a SizeWise® unit (approximately 22" x 14" x 9"), and weigh less than 40 pounds. The FAA mandates that all carry-on items have to fit under a seat or in an enclosed storage compartment.
Our gate or flight personnel may need to further limit the amount of carry-on baggage for a particular flight, depending on the cabin stowage capacity of the plane and the expected number of passengers.
Are there exceptions to the carry-on allowance rule?
Yes. See Baggage Allowances on Flights for more information.
Will our Medallion members continue to be able to check an additional bag with no additional charge?
Medallion members traveling in the economy cabin will be permitted two bags free of charge up to 70 lbs. for each bag. All passengers traveling in First/Business Class cabin will still be allowed to check up to three bags up to 70 lbs. at no additional charge on Delta and Delta Connection-operated flights only.
Will SkyTeam Elite/ElitePlus customers be given an exception to the charge?
No. SkyTeam Elite/ElitePlus customers traveling in the economy cabin will be subject to the appropriate checked baggage fees.
Will the first and second bag fees be charged to International passengers?
When traveling between Europe and the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, passengers who purchase tickets on or after May 23, 2009 for travel beginning July 1, 2009 in economy class will be charged $50 US (or the local equivalent currency) for the second checked bag. Exceptions to the second checked bag rule can be found on the baggage allowance page.
Will the first and second bag fees be charged to International passengers that have connections/stopovers within the U.S.?
If an International passenger makes a connection/stopover on their originating flight to or from the US or at a later date during their travel within the U.S., the second bag international fee will apply. Complete rules can be found on the baggage allowance page.
Does domestic include U.S. territories?
Yes, The first and second bag fees do apply to all U.S. territories (St. Thomas, St. Croix, San Juan, etc).
Will the first or second bag policy apply to active U.S. Military personnel checking bags?
No. U.S. Military personnel on active duty with travel orders may check in 10 bags on Delta aircraft or 4 bags on Delta Connection® carriers at no additional charge. Each bag has a maximum weight of 100 lbs (45 kg) and size of 80 linear inches (203 cm).
Is a bicycle considered part of the free domestic baggage allowance?
Non-motorized touring or racing bicycles with single seats are accepted as checked baggage, bicycles as checked baggage will be $175 (for travel within the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico) and $300 (for travel outside the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico).
For detailed information on traveling with your bicycle or other sports equipment, see Sporting Goods.
What can I take to ensure that my baggage will arrive with me?
We require outside identification on all checked baggage. We also recommend inside identification, just in case the outside identification gets lost.
Remember to always carry medicine, money, valuable documents, keys, jewelry, cameras, and other small fragile items in your hand luggage, just in case your baggage does get separated from you for a time. And remember: Never lock your luggage.
If I pack my camera in a suitcase, will it be covered under Delta's liability?
Unfortunately, we cannot assume liability for jewelry, cash, camera equipment, or other similar valuable items contained in checked or unchecked baggage on domestic flights. See Declaring Baggage Value for more information.
Are carry-on items included in Delta's baggage liability?
We do not assume liability for unchecked articles unless they are given to our personnel for storage during the flight or otherwise delivered into our custody for travel.
Does my walking cane have to be stowed in a specific area on the aircraft?
Federal regulations require that a cane must be stowed for take off and landings in an approved stowage compartment. This includes, but is not exclusive to, the area under a series of passenger seats in the same row of the aircraft, as long as the cane doesn't protrude into the aisle.
Terms and conditions apply to all offers and SkyMiles benefits. See specific offer for details, and visit SkyMiles Membership Guide & Program Rules.
+Subject to government approval.