How much Delta airlines charges for baggage (And how to avoid fees)

Advertiser Disclosure

by Aidan Kang, CFA

Senior Writer

Saving & Budgeting

UPDATED: March 18, 2022

Baggage fees can be a huge expense when traveling. It's frustrating when you're planning your trip and you don't know how much your baggage is going to cost you. You might even have to leave some things behind because you can't afford the extra baggage fees. 

Every airline has its own set of baggage fees and Delta Air Lines is no exception. If you're planning to travel domestically or internationally with Delta, it's important to be aware of the fees ahead of time.

In this blog post, we've done the research for you and compiled all the information on Delta's baggage policies and fees. We'll break down the specifics of Delta's international and domestic baggage fees so that you can make the most informed decision possible about what to pack for your trip and what bags to use.

We'll also offer a few tips on how to save money on baggage fees and even get free checked baggage. So read on for everything you need to know about packing for your next trip with Delta!

Delta Baggage Fees – Domestic Economy

If you're traveling within the United States and its territories, you'll need to know the Delta domestic checked baggage fees. 

If you're traveling economy, you're entitled to 1 carry-on baggage, 1 personal item, and free items to carry. 

For checked baggage, however, you'll have to pay the fees for checking them in.

Below is the table of the fees you'll need to pay for the first 2 checked baggage. 

The table will also include weight and size limitations for Delta carry-on baggage, standard checked baggage, personal items, and free items. Take note that when you check in more than 2 bags, the excess baggage fees will apply.

Delta Excess Baggage Fees – Domestic Economy

Delta's excess baggage fees will apply if you're checking in more than 2 bags. If you're traveling domestically, you can check in 8 more bags in addition to the first 2 bags (total 10).

Below is the table to show the excess baggage fees when traveling domestic on Delta Air Lines economy class.

Delta Overweight Baggage Fees – Domestic Economy

Delta's overweight baggage fees for domestic travel will apply if the weight of your checked baggage exceeds the 50-pound weight limit.

The fee for baggage that's over 50 lbs. but not more than 70 lbs. is $100. If your baggage is over 70 lbs., there's an additional fee of $200. Bags over 100 lbs. aren’t permitted.

Delta Oversized Baggage Fees – Domestic Economy

Delta's oversized baggage fees for domestic travel will apply if the dimensions of your checked baggage exceed the 62-inch limit.

The fee for baggage that's over 62 inches but not more than 80 inches is $200. If your baggage is over 80 inches, it's not permitted on a domestic flight.

Delta Baggage Fees – International Economy

Many economy travelers flying internationally with Delta Air Lines are wondering how many free checked bags on international flights they will get.

It depends on your destination. There are some destinations where you'll get 1 or 2 free checked baggage. However, for some destinations Delta international checked baggage fees will apply.

Below is a table showing the baggage fees per route, as well as the weight and size limits.

Delta Excess Baggage Fees – International

If you're checking in more than 2 bags in your international travel, every additional bag is subject to Delta's excess baggage fee. The fees will depend on your destination and the number of bags you're checking in.

How many bags does Delta allow on international flights?

Delta allows you to check in up to 10 bags per passenger on international flights that are operated by Delta Air Lines or Delta Shuttle. 

This means you can check in 8 more bags in addition to your first 2 baggage allowance.

Can you bring excess bags on Delta Connection flights?

Yes. If you're flying on Delta Connection® carrier flights, you can check in up to 4 bags (2 additional). However, these flights only accept excess baggage on a space-available basis. If your excess baggage cannot travel with you, it will be on the next available flight.

Delta Overweight Baggage Fees – International

Delta's overweight baggage fees for international travel will apply if the weight of your checked baggage exceeds the 50-pound weight limit. 

The fees will depend on your destination and on the weight of your bag.

Delta Oversized or Bulky Baggage Fees – International

Delta's oversized baggage fees for international travel will apply if the dimensions of your checked baggage exceed the 62-inch limit. The fees will depend on the size of your bag and your destination.

Do You Need to Pay 3 Fees If Your Excess Baggage Is Overweight and Oversized?

Yes, you'll have to pay all three fees. For example, if you're checking in a third bag that's over the weight limit and size limit, you have to pay an excess baggage fee + an overweight fee + an oversize fee.

Delta One, Delta Premium Select, and First Class (regardless of route)

If you're traveling on Delta One, Delta Premium Select, and First Class, you'll automatically get 2 free checked baggage.

For First Class international travelers, the Delta first class baggage weight limit is increased to 70 lbs. but size limits are the same. 

The same applies to business class travelers on Delta One.

Delta Military Baggage Policy

If you're an active military member, you'll get free checked baggage. Below is a summary of the Delta military baggage policy.

Take note that if you're traveling with animals, this can count as one of your free checked baggage.

Delta Special Baggage Items

If you have special items, the airline staff will have to check whether an additional baggage fee will apply. This will depend on your item.

Special items include the following:

• Children & Infant Items
• Fragile, Bulky & Other Items
• Medical Supplies & Wheelchairs
• Musical Instruments
• Perishables & Imported Merchandise
• Sporting Equipment
• Bags with a unique size or shape
• Bags that contain items that need extra care and attention
• Bags that exceed 50 lbs. (23 kg) or 62 linear inches (157 cm) (length + width + height)

Do You Need to Pay Money to Check a Stroller for Your Child?

No, you don’t need to pay extra to check in a stroller and child safety seat as these aren’t counted as standard checked baggage. You can check in these items for free.

If you want to bring an FAA-approved child safety seat onboard, this will be possible if you have bought an airplane seat for your child or if there's an available passenger seat on the flight (if you didn’t buy a seat). Otherwise, you need to check in the seat at the gate.

Tips on How to Get Free Checked Baggage with Delta and Save on Fees

There are a few ways that you can get free checked baggage with Delta. Here are some options you can consider.

1. Join the Delta SkyMiles Program – If you're a member of Delta Medallion®, SkyTeam® Elite & Elite Plus, you can get your first checked baggage for free. You can also get additional baggage perks depending on your status.
2. Check if your credit card issuer has a Delta partnership – Some credit card issuers have partnerships with Delta and offer their customers free checked baggage. Some credit cards that have free baggage perks include:

• Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card

3. To avoid excess baggage fees, maximize the free carry-on, personal item, and free items you can carry on the plane. For example, you can carry your jacket and laptop with you on the plane for free, instead of adding them to your checked baggage.
4. Before booking economy, check the next tier if the fee difference is lower than the checked baggage fee. 

Understanding Delta International and Domestic Baggage Fees

Delta offers different baggage policies for international and domestic flights. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the policy that applies to your flight in order to avoid any additional fees. You can also save money on Delta baggage fees by taking advantage of the tips we've listed above.

Aidan Kang, CFA

Aidan has been writing about personal finance for over 6 years. Prior to this, he worked as a Corporate Finance Analyst where he specialized in Due Diligence, Company Valuations and more. He is a CFA charterholder.