Delta Air Lines Baggage Rules: Carry-On, Personal Item and Bag Fees

Where these numbers come from

Delta keeps its cabin rules short. You may bring one carry-on of 22 x 14 x 9 inches, and the three sides together must not exceed 45 linear inches. You may also bring one personal item, described only as something like a purse, laptop bag or small backpack that fits under the seat in front of you. Delta does not publish personal item dimensions, so a bag that sits flat under the seat is the test. No weight limit is printed for cabin bags.

For domestic flights in Main and Comfort, the first checked bag is $45 and the second is $55, each way. You can pay during the 24-hour check-in window on delta.com, in the app or at a kiosk. Delta SkyMiles American Express cardholders, Medallion members and active military get exceptions, so check your profile before paying. A carry-on is widely reported as included on Basic Economy domestic fares too.

Try a round trip with one checked bag each for two travelers. That is $45 x 2 bags x 2 directions, or $180. Add a second bag for one traveler and you pay another $55 each way, so the total becomes $290. Delta's pricing means the second bag costs about 22 percent more than the first, which is worth knowing before you decide whether to split items between two people.

Weight and size rules drive the surprises. A checked bag over 50 pounds is overweight. From 51 to 70 pounds you pay $100 on top of the bag fee, and from 71 to 99 pounds you pay $200. A 62-inch bag is the normal maximum, and from 63 to 80 inches an oversize charge of $200 applies. A 45-pound bag measuring 70 inches would therefore cost $45 plus $200, or $245 each way, so weigh and measure before you leave home.

Compared with other carriers, Delta matches American and Southwest at $45 and $55 for the first two bags, and it sits well below the fees ultra-low-cost airlines charge when you buy at the airport. The real difference is fewer published specifics, which makes a tape measure and a luggage scale more useful here. Fees changed in April 2026, so older blog prices may be low.

Use the total bag cost calculator for a full trip, try the overweight and oversize fee calculator for a heavy suitcase, or compare the same bags at American and United. The Delta personal item size page covers the under-seat rule in more detail.

Sources

• Delta baggage policy and fees
• Delta carry-on baggage
• Delta excess and overweight baggage
• Delta baggage fees guide (secondary, for Basic Economy carry-on)

Figures checked on September 30, 2026.

This page is general information, not legal, insurance or travel-agent advice. Fees, rules and limits change, so confirm the figures with the official sources listed above before you book or travel.