Delta Baggage Fees: Best Tips on How to Avoid Them

For most domestic flights within the U.S., Delta charges $30 for the first checked bag and $40 for the second checked bag. 

These fees apply to tickets in the Main Cabin and above, excluding Basic Economy fares, which do not include free checked baggage.

For international flights, Delta’s baggage fees can vary significantly depending on your destination. Typically, the first checked bag is free on international flights to many destinations, such as Europe and Asia. 

However, for certain routes, like those to Mexico and the Caribbean, the first checked bag may still incur a fee of around $30 to $60. The second checked bag usually costs between $40 and $100, depending on the route.

Delta allows one free carry-on bag and one personal item, such as a purse or laptop bag, on all flights. Carry-on bags must meet size requirements (22″ x 14″ x 9″) and fit in the overhead bin, while personal items should fit under the seat in front of you. 

Checked baggage must weigh under 50 pounds (23 kg) and not exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + height).

No checked baggage is included, and standard fees apply. This is where Delta likes to remind you that you get what you pay for.

You’ll pay the standard $30 for your first checked bag and $40 for the second, both on domestic and some international routes.

Good news! On most routes, you get two free checked bags with these premium tickets.

If you’re a Delta Medallion member, you’ll enjoy waived fees for your first checked bag, with higher-tier members getting even more free bags. It’s Delta’s way of saying, “Thanks for being loyal!”

The Platinum Card® from American Express is well-known for its generous travel benefits, including up to $200 in annual airline fee credits. This credit can be used for incidental fees charged by your selected airline, such as baggage fees, seat upgrades, and in-flight purchases.

Additionally, the Amex Platinum offers up to $200 in Uber Cash annually and up to $100 in credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, enhancing its overall value for frequent travelers.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a newer addition to the premium travel credit card market but has quickly become a favorite. It offers an annual $300 travel credit that can be applied to bookings made through Capital One Travel.

This credit is versatile and can cover a wide range of travel expenses, including flights, hotels, and car rentals.

The card also provides 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and 5X miles on flights, making it a powerful tool for earning rewards while offsetting travel costs.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is another top-tier option for travelers, offering an annual $300 travel credit that automatically applies to any travel-related purchase.

This includes flights, hotels, car rentals, and even public transportation.The flexibility of this credit makes it one of the most user-friendly travel credits available.

Additionally, the Sapphire Reserve offers 3X points on travel and dining, and it comes with other valuable perks like Priority Pass lounge access and a $100 credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

One of the simplest ways to avoid Delta baggage fees is by using a Delta co-branded credit card. Cards like the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card offer cardholders their first checked bag for free on Delta flights. 

This benefit applies to both domestic and international flights, and it covers up to eight companions on the same reservation. The annual fee for these cards is usually outweighed by the savings if you fly Delta a few times a year.

ProTip: Think of this card as your “get out of baggage fees free” card. Just don’t lose it in your luggage!

If you fly frequently with Delta, achieving Medallion status in their SkyMiles program can save you on baggage fees.

Even at the Silver Medallion level, you’ll get your first checked bag free. Gold, Platinum, and Diamond members enjoy even more perks, including additional free checked bags and priority baggage handling.

Tip: Make sure to enter your SkyMiles number when booking your flight to ensure the baggage fee waiver is applied automatically.

The most obvious way to avoid checked baggage fees is simply not to check a bag. Delta allows all passengers, even those flying Basic Economy, to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board for free.

If you can pack light and fit everything into these bags, you can bypass the fees altogether.

Packing Tip: Use packing cubes to maximize space and keep your carry-on organized. Also, wear your bulkiest clothes on the plane to save room in your bag.

Pro Tip Think of packing light as a challenge—how much can you fit into a carry-on without turning it into a game of Tetris?

Sometimes, being an early bird can save you money. While this tip doesn’t always apply, checking in online as soon as it opens (usually 24 hours before your flight) can sometimes lead to waived fees for checked bags.

This is more likely with international flights, so it’s worth a try.

ProTip: Who knew that being the early bird could catch more than just a worm—maybe even a free checked bag?

Delta’s baggage policy is strict about weight and size limits. If your checked bag weighs over 50 pounds, you’ll be hit with an overweight baggage fee, which can be as high as $200 per bag.

To avoid this, weigh your luggage at home before heading to the airport. Investing in a portable luggage scale can help you avoid last-minute surprises.

Tip: If your bag is overweight, consider redistributing some items to your carry-on or a companion’s bag to avoid the extra fee.

Typically, the first checked bag is free, and the second costs between $100 and $150.

Expect to pay $30 for the first checked bag and $55 to $100 for the second, depending on the destination.

The first checked bag is often free, but the second can range from $55 to $100.

Delta offers special baggage allowances for active-duty U.S. military personnel. Depending on your travel orders, you may be able to check up to five bags for free, both domestically and internationally.

If you’re traveling with an infant, you can check a car seat or stroller for free. These items don’t count towards your baggage allowance, making travel with little ones slightly less stressful.

Delta allows you to check certain types of sports equipment, like skis or golf clubs, without incurring oversized baggage fees, as long as they’re within the standard weight limit.