Do you, like many folks, find Delta’s checked baggage fees confusing?
There are a lot of rules and variables that can make the amount you pay for checking a bag very different! Things like elite status and destination can be the deciding factor for if you’ll pay $0, or $200!
For example, bringing 2 checked bags to Brazil will cost you nothing. But bringing 2 checked bags to Europe will cost you $100 each way! It pays to know the rules, so you can budget accordingly!
I’ll Break Down Delta’s Confusing Rules So They’re Easy to Grasp
I’ll explain the Delta checked baggage policies, and help you quickly figure out what you can expect to pay for your next trip!
Delta Baggage Fees
Link: Delta Baggage Fees
Link: Delta Baggage Regions
Whether you use miles or cash to book a flight, you’ll still pay for checked baggage.
On Delta, every passenger (including folks who purchased a Basic Economy ticket) can bring 1 personal item (purse, laptop bag, shopping bag, etc.), and 1 carry-on item (no larger than 22 by 14 by 9 inches) for free.
Fortunately, Things Like Jackets, Food, and Duty Free Items Do NOT Count as Your Personal Item
But things gets more complicated when it comes to checked baggage!
Checked Baggage Fees Depend on Lots of Things
Checked bag dimensions can NOT exceed 62 inches after you add the length, width, and height of the bag.
Beyond that, Delta will charge you a different amount for checked bags depending on your destination. Here’s what you should expect to pay for checking bags with Delta when traveling from the US.
| Zone | Bag 1 | Bag 2 | Bag 3 | Bag 4+ | Maximum Number of Bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic flights within US and Canada | $25 | $35 | $150 | $200 | 10 |
| Mexico, Caribbean, Guyana, Bermuda, Central America (excluding El Salvador) | $25 | $40 | $150 | $200 | 10 |
| El Salvador | $0 | $40 | $150 | $150 | 10 |
| Brazil | $0 | $0 | $75 | $75 | 10 |
| South America (excluding Brazil and Guyana) | $0 | $0 | $200 | $200 | 10 |
| Europe and North Africa | $0 | $100 | $285 | $285 | 10 |
| Southern Africa | $0 | $0 | $285 | $285 | 10 |
| Jordan, Sudan,
Syria | $0 | $75 | $200 | $200 | 10 |
| Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt, Lebanon, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen | $0 | $0 | $200 | $200 | 10 |
| Israel | $0 | $100 | $200 | $200 | 10 |
| India | $0 | $75 | $200 | $200 | 10 |
You can see the full list of Delta’s baggage regions here. And check out the official baggage rules and excess baggage rules if you’re still not sure.
Note: If you’re traveling in First Class Delta Premium Select, or Delta One, you will receive 2 free 70 pound checked bags everywhere (except Brazil, where you will get 3 free 70 pound checked bags)
If You’re Flying in One of the Fancy Cabins, You’ll Save More on Baggage
There are a few countries that don’t follow these rules, so make sure to check out which countries Delta puts in which regions.
Who Gets Baggage Fees Waived?
Link: Delta Baggage Fee Exceptions
Depending on your situation, Delta will waive baggage fees for you! You’ll pay less if you fall under any of these categories.
1. Delta Elite Status
| Region | Delta Silver | Delta Gold | Delta Platinum | Delta Diamond |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Within US and Canada | 1 bag free (70 pounds) | 2 bags free (70 pounds) | 3 bags free (70 pounds) | 3 bags free (70 pounds) |
| To or from US, Canada, Caribbean, Central America | 2 bags free (50 pounds) | 2 bags free (50 pounds) | 2 bags free (50 pounds) | 2 bags free (50 pounds) |
| To or from To/From
Australia New Zealand & the Phillippines via the Pacific only | 3 bags free (50 pounds) | 3 bags free (50 pounds) | 3 bags free (50 pounds) | 3 bags free (50 pounds) |
| To or from Brazil | 3 bags free (70 pounds) | 3 bags free (70 pounds) | 3 bags free (70 pounds) | 3 bags free (70 pounds) |
| To or from all other international destinations | 1 bag free (50 pounds) | 1 bag free (50 pounds) | 1 bag free (50 pounds) | 1 bag free (50 pounds) |
And, for folks with elite status flying in First Class, Delta One, or Premium Economy will get 3 free bags (70 pounds) to and from all destinations.
2. Credit Cards
AMEX Delta Co-Branded Credit Cards
Link: Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express
Link: Delta Reserve Credit Card from American Express
Link: Gold Delta SkyMiles® Business Credit Card from American Express
Link: Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Business Credit Card from American Express
If you have any of the AMEX Delta co-branded credit cards, you and up to 8 other travelers on your reservation will receive 1 free checked bag up to 50 pounds. This is much better than similar American Airlines co-branded credit cards, which only give you and 4 travel companions a free checked bag on domestic routes.
Delta will only reimburse you up to $50 per round-trip, per person.
And you can NOT use this perk for bags that are overweight or oversize.
If You Over-Pack Your Checked Bags, AMEX Delta Co-Branded Credit Cards Can’t Save you!
Other Credit Cards
Several other credit cards cover airline incidentals and fees (like food, in-flight Wi-Fi, and baggage fees), that you can use towards Delta baggage fees. For example:
- Chase Ritz-Carlton – Annual $300 airline credit (can be used towards airline incidentals like baggage fees
- The Platinum Card® from American Express – Annual $200 airline credit on the airline of your choice (can be used for airline incidentals, like baggage fees)
- Chase Sapphire Reserve – Annual $300 travel credit (can be used for ANY travel expense, including baggage fees)
3. Active-Duty Military
If you’re an active-duty military member, you will receive free bags for both personal and business related flights!
Traveling on Military Orders
- Basic Economy, coach, and Delta Comfort – 4 free checked bags (70 pounds)
- First Class, Delta Premium Select, Delta One – 5 free checked bags (70 pounds)
Personal Travel
- Basic Economy, coach, and Delta Comfort – 2 free checked bags (50 pounds)
- First Class, Delta Premium Select, Delta One – 3 free checked bags (70 pounds)
Bottom Line
Delta baggage fees can be a little complicated. So I made simple charts to help you figure out what you’ll pay for checked bags!
Note that you may get a free checked bag if you have certain credit cards. Or if you’re flying in Business Class or First Class. Even if you booked the ticket with miles & points!
Know the rules so you can learn how to avoid these fees, and spend your money on the vacation instead of the commute!
