Delta Baggage Weight Limit: What to know

Delta, like many U.S. airlines, charges passengers for checked bags on domestic flights. The first bag costs $35, with a weight limit of 50 lbs.

For a second bag, passengers pay $45, with the same weight restrictions. This fee applies to flights to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. However, passengers on other international routes get one free checked bag each.

To determine the exact requirements for your trip, you can use the Delta baggage calculator. This tool analyzes various factors such as your destination, waivers, and the number of passengers to calculate the fees for standard or overweight bags.

You can pay for your checked bag during online check-in or at the airport using a kiosk. Payment can be made in cash or miles. Note that most domestic Delta airports are now “cashless,” so a credit or debit card may be required.

Excess bag fees are based on the number, size, and weight of bags. Here’s what you can expect to pay for bags that exceed these limits:

• Over 100 lbs: Not permitted.

• Fourth-10th checked bag: $200 each.

• Oversized bag exceeding 63-80 inches in length/width/height:$200.

• Oversized bag exceeding 80 inches in length/width/height: Not permitted.

Passengers can pay extra to check up to 10 bags per person on most domestic Delta flights. However, on Delta Connection carrier flights, only up to four bags are allowed. It’s important to note that Delta may limit the number of excess bags on certain flights if not everyone can check the standard two bags. In such cases, excess bags may be put on standby for the next available flight.

Here are some exceptions to Delta’s luggage weight limits:

• When traveling to/from Key West, Florida, each passenger is allowed only one checked bag.

• Excess baggage weight is not allowed on Delta Connection flights.

• Military travelers on orders can check up to five bags (up to 100 lbs each) for free. For personal travel, they are allowed two bags (up to 50 lbs each) for free with proper military ID. In Premium Select, they can check three bags (up to 50 lbs each), and in first class or Delta One, they can check three bags (up to 70 lbs each).

There are several ways to avoid paying Delta’s bag fees.

On all other international flights, most Delta passengers can check their first bag for free, regardless of cabin class, status, or fare type. Basic economy passengers do not receive this benefit. Additional weight and size limits for international flights are as follows:

• Over 70 lbs: not allowed on flights to Europe, the United Arab Emirates, North Africa, or South Africa.

• Over 100 lbs: not allowed on all other flights.

The restrictions on the number of bags and the size of bags vary depending on the destination country.

One of the many benefits of SkyMiles Medallion status is the ability to check bags for free. This benefit also extends to up to eight companions traveling with the Medallion member on the same booking.

• SkyMiles Silver Medallion: One free checked bag up to 70 lbs on domestic flights and 50 lbs on international flights.

• SkyMiles Gold Medallion: Two free checked bags up to 70 lbs on domestic flights and 50 lbs on international flights.

• SkyMiles Platinum and Diamond Medallion: Three free checked bags up to 70 lbs on domestic flights and 50 lbs on international flights.

• Any SkyMiles Medallion member in Premium Select: Three free checked bags up to 70 lbs on domestic flights and 50 lbs on international flights.

• Any SkyMiles Medallion member in first class or Delta One: Three free checked bags up to 70 lbs on all flights.

Travelers in premium cabins enjoy extra perks, including additional baggage allowances. Here are the benefits:

• Delta Premium Select: One free checked bag up to 50 lbs.

• First, business, and Delta One: Two free checked bags up to 70 lbs.

Delta’s co-branded credit cards offer additional benefits, including free checked bags for cardholders and their companions. Here are some options:

With an annual fee of $35 per bag each way, the savings can add up for a group of nine travelers. This can help offset the cost of owning a Delta credit card, especially premium cards like the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with an annual fee of $650.

For those without a Delta co-branded credit card, there are other options to save on baggage fees. Many cards, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express and Chase Sapphire Reserve®, offer travel credits that can be used to offset baggage fees when flying with Delta. Terms and conditions apply.