How Many Bags Does Delta Allow For Free?

Travel is exciting and dreadful, especially because of the stress associated with navigating airline policies. One of the main issues at large involves baggage allowances. Among the major airlines in the United States, Delta Air Lines has a rather detailed baggage policy that is subject to alteration because of several considerations, such as fare class, Medallion status, and routes. This blog delves deep into how many bags Delta allows for free, and a lot more. Read on to know more. 

Overview of Delta’s Baggage Policy

Delta Air Lines has a well-defined baggage policy to cover the needs of its passengers. Passengers need to understand this policy, which will save them quite a few dollars in unwanted fees and ensure the smoothest of journeys.

Carry-On Baggage

1. All passengers flying with Delta are permitted to bring

• One free carry-on bag: Carry-on luggage may not be larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches in dimension, including wheels and handles. This must also be able to fit in an overhead compartment.

• One personal item: A purse, briefcase, laptop bag, and similar items that fit under a seat in front of you. Max personal items are approximately 18 x 14 x 8 inches or 45 x 35 x 20 cm.

Most of the domestic airlines of Delta do not charge weight restrictions on carry-on baggage. However, for certain international travel from locations such as Singapore or Beijing, sometimes there could be weight restrictions.

Checked Baggage Allowances

General Policy for Domestic Flights

For most domestic travel within the U.S., checked baggage is not for free and there is a charge for the same, mentioned as follows: 

• First Checked Bag: $35 (up to 50 lbs) 
• Second Checked Bag: $45 (up to 50 lbs).

Travelers flying in Basic Economy will pay these fees unless they meet exemptions through their Medallion status or fare type.

Free Checked Baggage Allowance on Delta Airlines Based on Class and Status

Delta offers complimentary checked baggage allowance by class of ticket and Medallion status: First Class / Delta One / Premium Select Two free checked bags, each weighing 70 lbs.

• Comfort+ and Main Cabin: Passengers typically pay for checked bags unless they are Medallion rank or traveling on one of these types of fares.

• Silver Medallion Members: One free checked bag.

• Gold Medallion Members: Two free checked bags. –Platinum and Diamond Medallion Members: Three free checked bags.

Keep in mind that Medallion members get additional free checked bags for international travel: on some routes, for example, they are allowed an extra bag.

International Travel

For international travel on Delta, rules vary based on class. Here are a few examples:

• Economy Class: Typically you get one free checked bag on most international flights. No exceptions, you get one.

• Premium Select / Business Class: Typically two free checked bags. These are up to 70 pounds each.

Special Considerations

Some of the following applies to baggage allowances:

Benefits for Military Personnel

Active duty members of the United States Armed Forces receive premium baggage allowances:

• For Travel on Military Orders: Free up to five bags that weigh up to 100 pounds.
• For Personal Travel: On Basic Economy and Main Cabin, two free bags weighing up to 50 pounds each. On Premium Select and First Class, three free bags weigh up to 50 pounds each.

Excess Baggage Fees

Delta charges fees on excess baggage if one’s bags are over the weight and size limits set by the policies. Here’s the breakdown:

• Overweight Bags (51-70 lbs): $100 per bag. $200 per bag.
• Excess Bags (>62 inches): $200 per bag. Whichever the rate, travelers should weigh their luggage before going to the airport to avoid these additional charges.

Ways to Avoid Baggage Fees on Delta Flights

Here are several ways you could avoid baggage fees altogether or reduce them when flying on Delta:

1. Advantage of Elite Status

The added benefit of Medallion status is that the free baggage fees not only apply to you but also to companions in your same reservation. That can add up to big savings for families or groups traveling together.

Earn miles you receive from frequent bookings with Delta or its affiliate. As long as you use enough miles, you get to enjoy promotions that include free upgrades, and waived baggage fees, apart from priority boarding.

2. Delta Co-Branded Credit Cards

Utilize Delta-branded credit cards issued by American Express that will reward you with:

• One free checked bag for the primary cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation.
• Priority boarding privileges.
• Earned miles on every purchase that can be redeemed for future flights or upgrades.

These perks really can heighten your travel experience while saving a significant amount of money on bag fees.

3. Book Premium Cabins

Although the first price of a premium cabin ticket might be higher, in most instances, it may come with extra baggage allowances that can sometimes cancel out the upcharge of a ticket if you have to pay to bring more luggage aboard. Typically, when flying in First Class or Delta One, you get to take on two free checked bags at 70 lbs each.

Premium cabin travelers typically are given access to lounges and enjoy priority boarding, which makes the overall experience of travel much more comfortable.

4. Travel During Sales Promotions

Delta sometimes offers promotions that add free baggage allowances or lower fees. Paying attention to these can save money to a traveler. Signing up for the Delta newsletter or following their social media can keep you updated on deals and sales that exist today.

5. Pack Wisely

Packing smart can be one of the best ways not to get charged excess baggage fees. Here’s how it can be done effectively:

• Use packing cubes so you make full use of your suitcase space.

• Roll your clothes, do not fold them. This saves much space and produces only minimum wrinkles.

• Simply wear your heaviest belongings like jackets or boots, during travel instead of carrying them.

• If you are traveling with gifts or have a lot of bulky items, consider shipping them ahead.

More about Baggage Regulation

Sporting Equipment

Delta has created guidelines for sporting equipment such as golf clubs, skis, and bicycles:

• Most sporting equipment is one checked bag but can incur an additional fee if it is over those size or weight restrictions.

• Golf clubs are exempt under usual checked baggage rules but should be brought in a hard case.

The sports equipment you are carrying mustn’t exceed 50 lbs in weight and 115 inches in dimensions. Items exceeding 115 inches in height, and 100 lbs in weight won’t be accepted at all. 

Musical Instruments

Musical instruments can be taken on board, as long as they meet the size requirements outlined below. If they are too big, they need to be checked as luggage.

In addition, Delta Air Lines also has available extra seating for big instruments or check baggage, which can also become an option in certain situations when an additional seat will be required because one instrument is too big.

You can carry musical instruments as checked baggage if they weigh 165 lbs on average, not more than that.  Also, the total linear dimensions mustn’t exceed 150 inches.

Travel Policies on Pets

Delta permits household birds, small dogs, and cats to travel in the cabin. A one-way fee will be charged, collected at the check-in counter. There are a lot of rules, and regulations related to pet travel as well, varying as per the destination. For instance, if you are flying to any domestic destination with your pet, then it should be eight weeks old. That’s the minimum age, 

Also, if traveling to the United States from another country you have to ensure that your pet dog is at least six months of age, and your cat should be a minimum of 16 weeks old. If the European Union is your destination, then ensure that your pet is 15 weeks of age. 

Conclusion

Delta Air Lines maintains a clear rule on baggage allowance, so passengers have the ease of knowing what they can carry free of charge. Besides, those with elite status, credit card benefits, and knowledge about their ticket type can navigate through the policy designed by Delta Air Lines.

Frequently Asked Questions