Everything You Need to Know About Delta Air Lines Baggage Fees

There's nothing like the feeling of being all packed up and ready to head out on your next big adventure. To avoid any surprises at the airport, it's important to be prepared and know exactly what to expect as far as fees go, especially when it comes to your luggage. If you can cram it all into a carry-on, more power to you. For the rest of us, bringing extra wardrobe options along for the ride can make all the difference, even if it does cost a little extra.

As a major U.S. legacy carrier, Delta Air Lines keeps things fairly straightforward. For starters, there's no weight limit for carry-ons and personal items, no matter which class you're seated in — which is good news — though you'll need to make sure your items fit within the airline's size limits. Checked bags, however, come with their own set of rules and fees depending on how many you've got and how big and heavy they are.

To avoid any last-minute Delta baggage fees, check out our guide below.

How much are Delta baggage fees?

In short, it all depends on what fare class you’re flying in, where you’re going, and how much baggage you’re bringing. There are also additional factors to consider, such as your current airline status level and which credit card you’re paying with. To see how much Delta baggage fees will be based on your route, plug your flight information into the website's nifty fee calculator.

On all domestic flights and to Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, or Central America, baggage fees start at $35 for your first checked bag under 50 pounds each way when you fly in economy or Delta Comfort+ (premium economy). A second checked bag costs $45 each way (with the same weight requirements). As far as size limits, no items can be greater than 62 linear inches once you total the height, width, and length.

The prices are slightly different if you're flying internationally. For a flight to Mexico, the first checked bag will run you $30 but the second one costs $55. For trips to Europe, South America, and Australia, your first bag is free, but you'll have to pay $100 for a second. Those flying to destinations in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, however, are allowed two free checked bags.

Be aware that buying a basic economy ticket does not necessarily grant you a free checked bag when flying internationally. If you are traveling to Europe, the first checked item costs $75, while a second bag will be $100. For trips to South America, you'll need to pay $70 for the first checked bag, or $100 for a second one. If you're heading to Africa, the Middle East, or Australia, however, your first checked bag is free (the second one costs $100). On flights to Asia, you'll get two free checked bags. You can also plug your flight information into the website's nifty fee calculator to see how much Delta baggage fees will be based on your route.

While Delta's baggage fees are quite reasonable, things start to go south (or perhaps north) the minute you add additional luggage. On domestic flights, a third checked bag will incur a $150 fee, and if you bring 4–10 bags, those will be an extra $200 each, per direction. Slightly overweight checked bags weighing 51 to 70 pounds (for those not flying in business or first class) will cost an additional $100, while heavier loads (71 to 100 pounds) will do serious damage, coming out to $200 apiece. For international flights, additional bag fees run the gamut from $150 to $285 each way depending on the destination, while overweight bag charges cost the same as they do for domestic flights.

How to avoid paying Delta baggage fees

If you can pare down your wardrobe and carry everything you need in a small bag or two, you're golden. One carry-on and one personal item are included in the cost of your ticket no matter which fare class you fly in, and there are no weight restrictions — just make sure it measures 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches or a total of 45 linear inches. Personal items (anything the size of a purse, briefcase, diaper bag, camera bag, or laptop bag) must be able to fit under the seat in front of you.

It's also worth noting that the aforementioned checked baggage fees only apply to those flying in basic economy, economy, or Delta Comfort+ (premium economy). Once you upgrade to Delta Premium Select or Delta One (ie. business or first class) you automatically get two free checked bags — and they'll even bump up the weight limit from 50 pounds to 70 pounds.

Having elite status through the airline's loyalty program also helps, as Delta SkyMiles Medallion members are eligible for fee exemptions. You might even be able to check up to three bags for free, depending on the fare class. You can also save on Delta baggage fees by signing up for one of its co-branded credit cards, as cardholders receive one free checked bag, or by redeeming Delta Skymiles to pay for them. Some travel rewards credit cards also offer credits you can use to cover travel-related charges, such as baggage fees, so check with your preferred card to see if you have such a benefit.