Fragile, Bulky & Other Items

​

If your luggage doesn’t fall in one of the other categories, but still might be considered bulky, oversized or need extra attention, review the outlined guidelines to decide if you should check it, carry it on or even purchase a seat of its own.

Fragile Items

We suggest that you carry all precious or other highly valuable items, including without limitation cash, cash equivalents, securities, negotiable instruments, irreplaceable documents, jewelry, silverware, precious metals, works of arts, computers, electronic equipment, photographic equipment, medication, hearing aids, and any other items that cannot be easily replaced if lost or damaged. These items may not be transported in checked baggage.

Fragile items that meet all the requirements are allowed as carry-on or checked baggage, may still require a Limited Liability Waiver. Review our limited liability policy.

Cabin-Seat Baggage

Traveling with something too large and/or too fragile to check or put in the overhead bin? You have the option of purchasing a ticket at the best available published fare for your fragile item. You can then store your item in any passenger seat with a physical bulkhead or divider in front of the compartment. For fee information, contact reservations.

To fit into a seat, your fragile/bulky item(s) must:

  • Not exceed 165 lbs. (75 kg)
  • Not restrict access to, or use of, any required emergency or regular exits or aisle of the cabin.
  • Not obscure any passenger's view of the seatbelt, no smoking, or exit signs.
  • Not contain prohibited or restricted items.
  • Be securable with a seatbelt to avoid shifting during the flight.
  • Be packaged or covered safely to avoid potential injury to occupants.
  • Be secured in a seat in the same cabin as the owner, and preferably next to the owner.

 

Who are we to turn away holiday spirit? We allow cut Christmas trees as limited release baggage on all flights within the United States, including flights to/from Hawaii. However, all Christmas trees will be subject to standard check baggage allowance.

  • Christmas trees must be adequately packaged with the root ball or cut base and all branches wrapped and secured using a burlap-type material.
  • If you are traveling into Hawaii and checking a Christmas tree as baggage, you must include it on your declaration form and the tree must pass agricultural inspection.

 

Computers or computer-related equipment are not allowed as checked baggage. We suggest that you place computer or computer-related equipment in your carry-on baggage. If you choose to check your baggage and/or carry-on, we suggest that you remove your computer or computer related equipment from your baggage prior to checking the bag and carry on board with you.

 

You can carry on or check cremated remains. A death or cremation certificate is required. If you'd like to carry them on with you, they must pass through the x-ray machine. If the container is metal and prevents the screener from clearly being able to see what’s inside, it will not be allowed through the security checkpoint. TSA suggests you purchase a temporary or permanent crematory container of lighter material such as wood or plastic, which can easily be x-rayed. TSA is not allowed to open the container under any circumstance. You can check cremated remains, as long as they pass through security screening. Standard checked bag fees apply. For more information about this regulation, you can visit the TSA website.

 

We will accept certain fragile or perishable items without a limited liability release as long as the item:

  • Is packaged in the original factory-sealed container
  • Includes internal protective packing material
  • Is typically designed for shipping

Items that are not appropriately packaged, and are not assistive devices, will only be accepted upon completion of a limited liability release. Assistive devices will be accepted regardless of the packaging. However, we reserve the right to complete a limited liability release noting pre-existing damage. We will also request the passenger's signature on the limited liability release form.

 

Camera, film, video tape, lighting and sound equipment that is tendered by representatives of network or local television broadcasting companies or commercial film-making companies will be accepted as baggage at the fees noted below. All media-related passengers seeking to receive preferred media baggage rates must present proper media credentials at check-in, or request preferred baggage pricing and submit media credentials by e-mailing the Global Sales & Support desk at media.bags@delta.com at least 24 hours prior to scheduled departure for all travel on or after February 24, 2020.

​

  1st and 2nd Bag Additional Bags
Domestic Same as general baggage allowance, if no more than 50 lbs. (23 kg) and 62 inches (length + width + height). Flat media rate of $50* USD/CAD applies. 3rd to 25th bags $50 USD/CAD* each, if less than 100 lbs. (45 kg) and 115 total linear inches**
International Same as general baggage allowance, if no more than 50 lbs. (23 kg) and 62 inches (length + width + height). Flat media rate of $70* USD/CAD applies, or 60 EUR. 3rd to 25th bags $70 USD/CAD* or 60 EUR each, if less than 100 lbs. (45kg) and 115 total linear inches** (except for travel to/from/through Europe, South Africa or United Arab Emirates: max weight is 70 lbs. [30 kg]).

*CAD amount will be charged exit Canada, and EUR amount will be charged exit Europe.

** All baggage charges are each-way. Maximum number of bags on Delta aircraft is 25.Maximum number of bags on Delta Connection carriers is four. Total linear inches ** equals length + width + height per bag

​

 

The following could be considered examples of fragile or bulky items. If you have any questions, we recommend calling Reservations with any questions or concerns.

Bulky or Fragile Items Could Include:

Amplifiers, Antiques, Bicycles (see Sporting Equipment), Blueprints, Cameras, Car Seat (See Children & Infant Items), Ceramics, China, Counters, Crystal, Fishing Rods, Flowers, Mirrors, Musical Equipment (See Musical Instruments), Paintings, Plants, Projectors, Sculptures, Strollers, Televisions, Tennis Racquets, Trophies, Wines (see Food and Alcohol Transportation)