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Delta Air Lines Baggage Fees Explained
Checked bag fees on Delta range from $0 to $100 depending on your route, ticket type, status level and credit card.
Ariana is a travel rewards expert who has been covering points, miles and free travel for over seven years. She previously served as managing editor for FlyerTalk and Frugal Travel Guy. When she's not contributing to NerdWallet, she runs her own travel hacking blog, PointChaser.com.
Sam Kemmis is a former NerdWallet travel rewards expert specializing in airline and hotel loyalty programs. In a previous professional life, he wrote comedy until a nomadic lifestyle and a lifelong obsession with saving money turned his attention to travel rewards. He is no longer funny. His work has been featured by The Associated Press, The Points Guy and Fast Company. He has spoken about travel rewards at CardCon, the Altitude conference and AwardWallet's "Award Travel 101" podcast. He is based in Ojai, California, and teaches mindfulness meditation because that's what you do in Ojai.
Elina Geller is a contributing NerdWallet travel writer specializing in airline and hotel loyalty programs and travel insurance. In 2019, Elina founded TheMissMiles, a travel rewards coaching business. Her work has been featured by Forbes and AwardWallet. She is a certified public accountant with degrees from the London School of Economics and Fordham University.
Meghan Coyle is an editor on the Travel Rewards team and the co-host of the Smart Travel podcast. She covers travel credit cards, airline and hotel loyalty programs, and how to travel on points. Meghan is based in Los Angeles and has a love-hate relationship with LAX.
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Nerdy takeaways
Delta allows free carry-ons for all flights, including on basic economy.
Checked bag fees depend on many factors, but for most domestic flights Delta charges $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second.
There are many ways to offset these fees, including co-branded credit cards.
Like most airlines, Delta charges checked bag fees for most fares. To avoid putting an unwanted dent in your travel budget, it’s important to be aware of those fees ahead of time and strategize to avoid them if possible. Below is an overview of the Delta Air Lines baggage policy and ways to get the bag fees waived.
Delta does not charge for carry-on bags, even for basic economy fares. And like most airlines, Delta limits carry-ons to one personal item and one item that can fit in the overhead bin.
How much is the Delta checked bag fee? The quick answer is that Delta bag fees range from $35 to $100, depending on your fare type, origin and destination. There is no baggage fee for some routes and ticket types.
Delta offers a calculator on its website to determine the exact cost for a specific trip.
If you have a trip scheduled, you can calculate the exact baggage fees after logging into your SkyMiles account. If you don’t have a trip booked, you can plug in information about a possible trip.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Delta's checked bag prices went up by $5 in March 2024, following four other U.S. airlines' checked bag fee price hikes.
Here’s a breakdown of Delta’s fees for checked bags.
Fare type
Destination
First checked bag (one-way)
Second checked bag (one-way)
Delta Main Basic
North America and Caribbean.
$35.
$45.
Delta Main Basic
Europe*.
$75.
$100.
Delta Main Basic
Asia*.
$0.
$100.
Delta Main and Delta Comfort
North America and Caribbean.
$35.
$45.
Delta Main and Delta Comfort
Europe*.
$0.
$100.
Delta Main and Delta Comfort
Asia*.
$0.
$100.
Delta Premium Select
North America and Caribbean.
$0.
$0.
Delta Premium Select
Europe*.
$0.
$0.
Delta Premium Select
Asia*.
$0.
$0.
Delta First
North America and Caribbean.
$0.
$0.
Delta One
Europe*.
$0.
$0.
Delta One
Asia*.
$0.
$0.
* Note: We used Amsterdam and Hong Kong as destinations to determine these estimates, but the actual fee may depend on your itinerary.
The most important thing to note here is the difference between basic economy and main cabin fares for flights to Europe. For a round-trip basic economy fare to Europe, a single checked bag will cost $150, or $75 each way.
For main cabin travelers who won't ever fly in premium seating or on private aircraft, Delta's economy is the closest you'll get to a luxury experience. Complimentary snacks and drinks are pretty decent, and the seatback screens on most aircraft work well with a wide array of movies. Most aircraft even offer free Wi-Fi. You just have to become a Delta SkyMiles member to use it, though it's free to join their program.
For main cabin travelers who won't ever fly in premium seating or on private aircraft, Delta's economy is the closest you'll get to a luxury experience. Complimentary snacks and drinks are pretty decent, and the seatback screens on most aircraft work well with a wide array of movies. Most aircraft even offer free Wi-Fi. You just have to become a Delta SkyMiles member to use it, though it's free to join their program.
Sally French
Lead Travel Writer/ Spokesperson
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
While the value of Delta SkyMiles has varied over the years, I find the airline's seats and service to be top notch. I have redeemed Delta SkyMiles for flights to Hawaii and Ireland and saved 15% on my redemptions by holding the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card (which also saved me from paying for checked bags). Delta Comfort+ also offers a ton of perks that I don't mind paying for on long-haul transcontinental flights, such as premium snacks and drinks and extra leg room.
While the value of Delta SkyMiles has varied over the years, I find the airline's seats and service to be top notch. I have redeemed Delta SkyMiles for flights to Hawaii and Ireland and saved 15% on my redemptions by holding the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card (which also saved me from paying for checked bags). Delta Comfort+ also offers a ton of perks that I don't mind paying for on long-haul transcontinental flights, such as premium snacks and drinks and extra leg room.
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel
Delta provides the best flying experience among U.S. airlines, even if you're in economy. I redeem SkyMiles occasionally for short-haul flights in the U.S. because those can be super cheap, less than 10,000 SkyMiles sometimes. You just have to be careful not to book basic economy with SkyMiles. It's worth it to me to pay a few extra miles to have the flexibility to change my flight and pick my seat in main cabin.
Delta provides the best flying experience among U.S. airlines, even if you're in economy. I redeem SkyMiles occasionally for short-haul flights in the U.S. because those can be super cheap, less than 10,000 SkyMiles sometimes. You just have to be careful not to book basic economy with SkyMiles. It's worth it to me to pay a few extra miles to have the flexibility to change my flight and pick my seat in main cabin.
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel
Sally French
Lead Travel Writer/ Spokesperson
For main cabin travelers who won't ever fly in premium seating or on private aircraft, Delta's economy is the closest you'll get to a luxury experience. Complimentary snacks and drinks are pretty decent, and the seatback screens on most aircraft work well with a wide array of movies. Most aircraft even offer free Wi-Fi. You just have to become a Delta SkyMiles member to use it, though it's free to join their program.
For main cabin travelers who won't ever fly in premium seating or on private aircraft, Delta's economy is the closest you'll get to a luxury experience. Complimentary snacks and drinks are pretty decent, and the seatback screens on most aircraft work well with a wide array of movies. Most aircraft even offer free Wi-Fi. You just have to become a Delta SkyMiles member to use it, though it's free to join their program.
Sally French
Lead Travel Writer/ Spokesperson
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
While the value of Delta SkyMiles has varied over the years, I find the airline's seats and service to be top notch. I have redeemed Delta SkyMiles for flights to Hawaii and Ireland and saved 15% on my redemptions by holding the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card (which also saved me from paying for checked bags). Delta Comfort+ also offers a ton of perks that I don't mind paying for on long-haul transcontinental flights, such as premium snacks and drinks and extra leg room.
While the value of Delta SkyMiles has varied over the years, I find the airline's seats and service to be top notch. I have redeemed Delta SkyMiles for flights to Hawaii and Ireland and saved 15% on my redemptions by holding the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card (which also saved me from paying for checked bags). Delta Comfort+ also offers a ton of perks that I don't mind paying for on long-haul transcontinental flights, such as premium snacks and drinks and extra leg room.
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel
Delta provides the best flying experience among U.S. airlines, even if you're in economy. I redeem SkyMiles occasionally for short-haul flights in the U.S. because those can be super cheap, less than 10,000 SkyMiles sometimes. You just have to be careful not to book basic economy with SkyMiles. It's worth it to me to pay a few extra miles to have the flexibility to change my flight and pick my seat in main cabin.
Delta provides the best flying experience among U.S. airlines, even if you're in economy. I redeem SkyMiles occasionally for short-haul flights in the U.S. because those can be super cheap, less than 10,000 SkyMiles sometimes. You just have to be careful not to book basic economy with SkyMiles. It's worth it to me to pay a few extra miles to have the flexibility to change my flight and pick my seat in main cabin.
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel
Sally French
Lead Travel Writer/ Spokesperson
For main cabin travelers who won't ever fly in premium seating or on private aircraft, Delta's economy is the closest you'll get to a luxury experience. Complimentary snacks and drinks are pretty decent, and the seatback screens on most aircraft work well with a wide array of movies. Most aircraft even offer free Wi-Fi. You just have to become a Delta SkyMiles member to use it, though it's free to join their program.
For main cabin travelers who won't ever fly in premium seating or on private aircraft, Delta's economy is the closest you'll get to a luxury experience. Complimentary snacks and drinks are pretty decent, and the seatback screens on most aircraft work well with a wide array of movies. Most aircraft even offer free Wi-Fi. You just have to become a Delta SkyMiles member to use it, though it's free to join their program.
Sally French
Lead Travel Writer/ Spokesperson
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
While the value of Delta SkyMiles has varied over the years, I find the airline's seats and service to be top notch. I have redeemed Delta SkyMiles for flights to Hawaii and Ireland and saved 15% on my redemptions by holding the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card (which also saved me from paying for checked bags). Delta Comfort+ also offers a ton of perks that I don't mind paying for on long-haul transcontinental flights, such as premium snacks and drinks and extra leg room.
While the value of Delta SkyMiles has varied over the years, I find the airline's seats and service to be top notch. I have redeemed Delta SkyMiles for flights to Hawaii and Ireland and saved 15% on my redemptions by holding the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card (which also saved me from paying for checked bags). Delta Comfort+ also offers a ton of perks that I don't mind paying for on long-haul transcontinental flights, such as premium snacks and drinks and extra leg room.
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel
Delta provides the best flying experience among U.S. airlines, even if you're in economy. I redeem SkyMiles occasionally for short-haul flights in the U.S. because those can be super cheap, less than 10,000 SkyMiles sometimes. You just have to be careful not to book basic economy with SkyMiles. It's worth it to me to pay a few extra miles to have the flexibility to change my flight and pick my seat in main cabin.
Delta provides the best flying experience among U.S. airlines, even if you're in economy. I redeem SkyMiles occasionally for short-haul flights in the U.S. because those can be super cheap, less than 10,000 SkyMiles sometimes. You just have to be careful not to book basic economy with SkyMiles. It's worth it to me to pay a few extra miles to have the flexibility to change my flight and pick my seat in main cabin.
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel
How to avoid Delta baggage fees
Certain travelers are able to avoid checked bag fees on Delta. Here are five ways to avoid paying for a checked bag.
1. Fly in a premium cabin
Delta offers up to two free checked bags to passengers traveling in Delta First, Delta Premium Select or Delta One. But barring a fare sale or mistake fare, premium cabin flights are generally going to cost you more than economy class.
However, if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage, it’s absolutely worth comparing fares in multiple classes vs. the bag fees you’ll pay booking Delta Main or Delta Main Basic. You never know when you might stumble across a deal.
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2. Earn Delta Medallion status
Delta Medallion members are eligible for waived checked bag fees for themselves and travel companions on the same reservation. Specific benefits will depend on your status level:
For Delta Main (including Delta Main Basic) and Delta Comfort:
Three free checked bags within the U.S. and Canada.
One free checked bag in addition to the standard allowance on international flights.
For Delta Premium Select fares, Medallion members get three free checked bags both domestically and internationally. The only difference is domestic bags can weigh 70 pounds while internationally they can only weigh 50 pounds.
3. Use your active duty military benefits
U.S. military personnel receive up to five checked bags for free when traveling on orders, regardless of fare class.
When traveling for personal reasons, members of the military can check up to two free bags when flying Delta Main Basic, Delta Main or Delta Comfort. Those traveling in premium cabins receive up to three free checked bags.
4. Get a Delta credit card that offers free checked bags
If these situations don’t apply to you, there are several co-branded Delta credit cards that offer one free checked bag for the primary cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation.
🤓Nerdy Tip
The fee bag waiver from credit cards can only be used on flights that start on a Delta or Delta Connection carrier, not on a partner airline. It’s also only good for bags that are not overweight or oversized.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
The annual fees on these cards vary widely. Whether you’ll get your money’s worth depends on how often you check bags with Delta, and whether you’ll use any of the other benefits offered by these credit cards.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
Airline credit cards can be limiting in terms of rewards and redemption options, which is why many people opt for credit cards that earn transferable rewards. An added benefit of these types of cards is that the premium versions offer travel credits that can be redeemed for travel expenses like checked bag fees.
For example, you can get an annual $200 credit with the American Express Platinum Card® and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. You have to select one airline every year and stick to it, but beyond that redeeming the credit is easy: Just charge your baggage fees to the card and you’ll receive a statement credit up to the maximum of $200. Terms apply, enrollment required.*
🤓Nerdy Tip
The fine print says the fee needs to be a separate charge from the airline ticket charge, so you might want to pay for the baggage in a separate transaction.
Another good flexible option is the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, which offers a $300 annual travel credit that’s applicable to all travel purchases.
Average fees compared across airlines
In NerdWallet's most recent analysis of airline fees, we compared seat selection, checked baggage and overhead carry-on baggage fees charged by the major U.S. airlines on typical one-way fares.
Here's how they stacked up:
Final thoughts on Delta baggage fees
Delta’s checked bag fees vary depending on your destination, travel class, elite status and whether you carry a credit card that offsets the bag costs. If you plan to check a bag when flying on Delta, use the airline’s calculator to determine what your checked bag fees will be.
To view rates and fees of the American Express Platinum Card®, see this page.
To view rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, see this page.
*More from American Express
American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details
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