You finally scored a reasonable Delta flight, only to find baggage fees and realize that “deal” doesn’t look so good anymore.
The Delta Air Lines baggage fees have risen again over the last two years, and they are not coming back down. It’s literally $35-$40 for your first checked bag, and more if your items are overweight or oversized.
Airline baggage fees are definitely annoying, but not knowing the rules can be a lot worse. Hence, we present you with this guide where you’ll learn all the essential details and actually save some serious money.
What are Delta Air Lines Baggage Fees?
Delta Airlines baggage policy charges different fees on its checked baggage depending on when, where, and how you pay.
If you have booked a domestic flight, the fees will be levied accordingly:
First checked bag:
- Prepaid online: $35
- At the airport: $40
- At gate: $40 + $25 gate handling fee = $65 total
Second checked bag:
- Prepaid: $45
- At the airport: $50
When you notice the pattern, you will see that the cost of checked baggage on Delta Air Lines goes up the longer you wait. Always prepay if you are checking bags.
Quick Rundown on the Delta Baggage Policy
The Delta baggage policy varies by ticket type, destination, and the traveler’s elite status. These are the standard rules that every traveler should know before finalizing the tickets.
Things Allowed in Carry-On Bags
Delta carry on size is strictly enforced, especially in 2025 with fuller flights. The standard allowance looks like the following:
- 1 carry-on bag: 9″ x 14″ x 22″ (including wheels and handles).
- 1 personal item: Must fit under the seat (purse, laptop bag, small backpack).
Delta Airlines carry on baggage weight allowance doesn’t have a hard limit for most passengers, but gate agents can force you to check oversized or heavy bags. Keep carry-ons reasonable. If it looks like you’re struggling, the airport agents will definitely make you check it.
Basic Economy Restrictions
If you book Basic Economy without status or a Delta card, you are stuck with just a free personal item and carry-on, or you have to pay to check bags.
- Personal items and carry-on for FREE.
- Exception: Delta credit cardholders get a free checked bag even on Basic Economy.
Delta Air Lines Baggage Fees for Checked Items
Fees for checked baggage on Delta depend on the route and whether you pay at the airport or online.
- For Domestic US flights (50 states + Puerto Rico)
| Bag | Prepaid Online | At the Airport | At the Gate |
| 1st bag | $35 | $40 | $65 |
| 2nd bag | $45 | $50 | N/A |
| 3rd+ bags | $150 each | $150 each | N/A |
The Delta checked bag price jumps significantly when you pay for it at the gate. That $35 prepaid bag becomes $65 if you wait too long. Therefore, do not wait.
- Transatlantic flights (US↔Europe)
- First checked bag: FREE (on most fares except Basic Economy)
- Second checked bag: $100
- Transpacific flights ((US↔Asia)
- First TWO checked bags: FREE (most fares)
- Third bag: $200
The Delta baggage fees on international routes are way more generous than domestic. Long-haul international flights usually include at least one free checked bag.
Delta Air Lines Baggage Weight Limits
Travelers have to strictly follow the Delta Airlines baggage weight limits. Even if you go slightly over the limit, you will have to pay hefty overweight fees.
The standard weight limits look like the following points:
- Each checked bag: 50 pounds (23 kg) maximum.
- Overweight (51-70 lbs): $100 extra.
- Overweight (71-100 lbs): $200 extra.
- Over 100 lbs: Not allowed as checked baggage.
The weight for checked baggage on Delta Airlines is measured at check-in with calibrated scales. Don’t try to game the system because the staff will catch it.
On the other hand, the size limit is:
- Linear dimensions (length + width + height): 62 inches (157 cm) total.
- Oversized (63-80 inches): $200 extra.
- Over 80 inches: Not allowed.
Tip: If your bag is 52 pounds, don’t try to sweet-talk your way out of fees. Just move 2-3 pounds to your carry-on or personal item. The problem will be solved!
4 Ways to Avoid Delta Baggage Fees
Delta baggage fees add up quickly, but these methods let you skip them.
Get a Delta Credit Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold/Platinum/Reserve American Express Card gives you and one companion a free first checked bag, checked bag access in Basic Economy, two free bags for Gold Medallion, and priority boarding. The fee is $0 for Gold, $99 for Platinum, $550 for Reserve.
Earn SkyMiles Elite Status
Silver Medallion offers one free checked bag (up to 70 lbs) on domestic and international flights, Gold Medallion / Platinum Medallion provides two free bags (70 lbs each), and Diamond Medallion gives three free bags plus perks.
Book the Right Fare
Delta Comfort+ and Premium Select fares often include checked bags depending on the route (always check before booking). On the other hand, Basic Economy never does unless you pay or have status or a Delta card.
Militant/Active Duty
Active US military on orders get up to five free bags (70 lbs each) for personal or official travel. You only have to show your military ID at the check-in counter.
When Should You Decide to Pay the Delta Checked Bag Fee?
Timing matters more than most people realize. Deciding when to pay the Delta checked bag fees can be a real game-changer.
Prepaying online is the best option
- Cheapest rate ($35 for the first domestic bag).
- Lock in your price.
- Skip extra lines at the airport.
At the airport ticket counter
- $5 more than online ($40 vs $35).
- Longer wait times.
- Risk of higher fees if the counter is busy.
Paying at the airport gate is the worst option
- $65 total ($40 base + $25 gate handling fee).
- Limited options
- Flight delay risk while sorting bags.
Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees
The size and weight of checked baggage on Delta determine if you pay extra fees. Depending on how much you have exceeded the standard limit, the airline charges an additional amount as a penalty.
| Overweight Baggage Fees | |
| Weight Range | Fees |
| 51-70 lbs | $100 |
| 71-100 lbs | $200 |
| Over 100 lbs | Not permitted |
| Oversized Baggage Fees | |
| Size Range | Fees |
| 63-80 inches | $200 |
| Over 80 inches | Not permitted |
These fees are in addition to regular checked bag fees. So, a 55-pound bag costs you the base checked bag fee ($35) + $100 overweight fee = $135.
Hence, pack smart and use a luggage scale at home to double-check.
Bottom Line
In short, the Delta Air Lines baggage fees are avoidable if you are strategic and pack smart. Flying with the airline doesn’t always have to mean paying penalty charges. Focus on the rules, plan ahead, and you will save hundreds per year.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Delta Air Lines levies baggage fees depending on the route and your fare class. The standard baggage fee for the 1st baggage can be between $35 and $40, varying based on how and when you pay it.
Yes, Delta Air Lines charges for checked bags on most domestic flights if you have purchased a basic economy fare.
In most Delta flights, you can bring one carry-on and personal items for free. However, for basic economy ticket holders, the airline charges a fee if you want to bring a checked bag.
You can get a free checked bag on a Delta flight if you purchase a premium cabin, have elite status, use an eligible credit card, or qualify for US military benefits.
Your first checked baggage on a Delta ticket can cost you around $35 to $40. It can increase to $65 if you choose to pay for it at the airport.
If you are packing items that won’t fit the carry-on size limit, then, yes, you will have to purchase checked baggage.
When you pay using a Delta credit card, fly business/first class cabins, use your SkyMiles elite status, or come under the US military, you can avoid baggage fees on Delta flights.
Since Basic Economy ticket holders do not get free checked baggage, they have to purchase it as an add-on service for around $40.
Yes, Delta Air Lines allows one backpack as a personal item and one carry-on bag, which should be stored in the overhead bin.
The airline baggage policy indicates that the Delta carry on size limit should be followed strictly. If the bag is oversized or the traveler is struggling to carry the bag, the gate agent will ask to check it.
