April 2026 Fee Increase: Delta raised checked bag fees on April 8, 2026. First bag is now $45 (was $35). Second bag is now $55 (was $45). The third bag jumped to $200 (was $150). These apply to tickets purchased on or after April 8, 2026, on domestic and select short-haul international routes.Delta allows one free carry-on and one free personal item on all fare classes, including Basic Economy. Checked bags are not free for most domestic passengers unless you have Medallion status, a qualifying Delta SkyMiles Amex card, or a premium cabin ticket. Here is the full breakdown.
Delta Checked Baggage Fees 2026
| Bag | Domestic & short-haul international (booked Apr 8+ 2026) | Long-haul international |
| First checked bag | $45 | Varies by route often free in Main Cabin |
| Second checked bag | $55 | Varies by route |
| Third checked bag | $200 | $200 |
| Weight limit (Economy) | 50 lbs (23 kg) | 50 lbs (23 kg) |
| Weight limit (First/Delta One) | 70 lbs (32 kg) | 70 lbs (32 kg) |
| Size limit | 62 linear inches (158 cm) | 62 linear inches (158 cm) |
Note: Long-haul international baggage fees were not changed in April 2026. Only domestic and short-haul international routes were affected. Always confirm at delta.com for your specific route before booking.
Overweight and Oversized Bag Fees
| Situation | Fee |
| Bag weighing 51 to 70 lbs (domestic) | $100 |
| Bag weighing 71 to 100 lbs | $200 |
| Bag over 100 lbs | Not accepted as checked baggage |
| Oversized bag (62 to 80 linear inches) | $200 |
| Bag over 80 linear inches | Not accepted must ship as cargo |
Delta Carry-On Baggage Policy 2026
Delta allows one carry-on bag and one personal item free on all fares, including Basic Economy (now called Delta Main Basic). No weight limit applies on most routes.
| Item | Max size | Cost |
| Carry-on bag (overhead bin) | 22 x 14 x 9 inches including wheels and handles | Free on all fares |
| Personal item (under seat) | Must fit under seat — no published dimensions (approx. 18 x 14 x 8 inches) | Free on all fares |
- Weight limits apply on select international routes: Singapore max 7 kg (15 lbs), Beijing and Shanghai max 10 kg (22 lbs).
- Delta Connection flights on aircraft with 50 or fewer seats will gate-check carry-ons for free due to limited overhead space.
- Main Basic passengers board last overhead bins are often full by then. Pack essentials in your personal item.
Call us at our phone for the flight change, name change, cancellations and refund.
Who Gets Free Checked Bags on Delta?
| Passenger type | Free checked bags |
| Delta Medallion Silver | 1 free bag domestic, 2 free bags international |
| Delta Medallion Gold | 2 free bags domestic and international |
| Delta Medallion Platinum and Diamond | 3 free bags domestic and international |
| Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex card | 1 free first bag for cardholder + up to 8 companions on same booking |
| Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Reserve Amex | 1 free first bag for cardholder + up to 8 companions |
| Delta Comfort+ fare | No free bags unless Medallion or card benefit applies |
| Delta First Class or Delta One domestic | 2 free bags up to 70 lbs each |
| Delta Premium Select | 2 free bags up to 70 lbs each |
| US military on orders | Up to 5 free bags regardless of fare |
| US military personal travel | 2 free bags in Main cabin, 3 in premium |
Credit card tip: The Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex card costs $0 the first year and gives one free checked bag per flight for you and up to 8 travel companions on the same booking. On a round trip with one bag, that saves $90 per person at current fees, more than the card’s annual fee after the intro period.
Sports Equipment and Special Item Fees
- Golf clubs, skis, snowboards, and fishing gear: treated as standard checked baggage if within size and weight limits
- Bicycles: $150 to $300, depending on destination, must be in a hard-sided case.
- Surfboards and oversized sports items: $150 to $300, depending on route.
- Musical instruments: can be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin, or checked as standard baggage.
- Medical equipment, including CPAP machines: carried on free and does not count toward your allowance.
- Strollers and car seats: gate-checked free on all Delta flights.
Flying Tip: Use Delta’s baggage calculator to ensure your luggage meets the weight and size requirements.
5 Ways to Avoid Delta Baggage Fees
- Get the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex card: first year free, one free checked bag for you and up to 8 travel companions on every Delta flight
- Book Delta First Class or Delta One: two free checked bags up to 70 lbs included
- Travel carry-on only: Delta includes one carry-on and one personal item free on all fares
- Earn Medallion status: Silver and above get free checked bags on every Delta flight
- Prepay baggage online: Prepaying at delta.com before reaching the airport does not save money on Delta (unlike some other carriers), but it speeds up check-in
Need help with your Delta booking? Call Flying Getaway at our phone for Delta flight bookings, baggage fee questions, and the best available fares on your route.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the first checked bag on Delta in 2026?
$45 for most domestic and short-haul international flights booked on or after April 8, 2026. This is up from $35 previously. Long-haul international bag fees were not changed. Medallion members and qualifying Delta Amex cardholders still get the first bag free.
Does Delta charge for carry-on bags?
No. Delta includes one free carry-on (max 22 x 14 x 9 inches) and one free personal item on all fares, including Basic Economy (Delta Main Basic). Delta is one of the few US carriers that does not charge for carry-ons on its cheapest fare class. Call us at our phone for Delta flight manage booking.
What is the checked baggage weight limit on Delta?
50 lbs (23 kg) for Economy, Main Cabin, and Comfort+ on most routes. First Class and Delta One passengers can check bags up to 70 lbs (32 kg). Bags between 51 and 70 lbs incur a $100 overweight fee. Bags between 71 and 100 lbs incur a $200 fee. Delta does not accept bags over 100 lbs.
Does Delta include a free checked bag on international flights?
It depends on the route and fare. Many long-haul international routes (Europe, Asia, South America) include one free checked bag in Main Cabin. Short-haul international routes to Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean typically follow the same paid rules as domestic flights. Always confirm at delta.com when booking your specific route.
Can I avoid Delta baggage fees without elite status?
Yes. The easiest way is the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex card, which gives one free first checked bag for you and up to 8 companions on the same booking. The card has no annual fee in the first year. Alternatively, book Delta First Class or Delta One for two free bags, or travel carry-on only since Delta includes a free carry-on on every fare.
Patrick Walker is the travel brain behind Flying Getaway. With a knack for spotting flight deals and a passion for exploring new skies, he helps travelers fly smarter and save more with every trip.
