Delta Airlines Baggage Policy 2025: What I Wish I Knew Before Packing

Q: What if my bag is over 50 lbs?

Expect to pay $100+ in overweight fees , unless you have status or fly Delta One.

Q: What’s Delta’s baggage fee for Canada flights?

Usually $35 for the first checked bag , even internationally.

Published by the Jupiter Team | FlightDeskFinder

That One Time Delta Charged Me $150 for My Luggage…

Let’s just say I learned the hard way that stuffing souvenirs into a checked bag can cost more than the souvenirs themselves. On a Delta flight from JFK to LAX last spring, I thought I was being smart — but boom: $150 in overweight fees. Ouch.

So whether you’re flying Delta for the first time, or just forgot their latest baggage rules (because who really memorizes this stuff?), here’s your no-BS, real traveler’s guide to Delta’s baggage policy in 2025.

We’ve broken down everything: carry-ons, checked bags, fees, weight limits, SkyMiles perks, and even how to avoid paying more than you need to.

Delta Airlines Baggage Policy – Quick Overview

Baggage Type	Allowance	Fees (Domestic)
Personal Item	✅ Free	Included
Carry-On Bag	✅ Free	Included
1st Checked Bag	❌ Paid	$35 (basic), may be free for Main Cabin+
2nd Checked Bag	❌ Paid	$45
Overweight Bag (51–70 lbs)	❌ Extra	+$100
Oversized Bag (63–80 in)	❌ Extra	+$200

💡 Note: Fees vary on international routes, Delta One, SkyMiles tiers, and credit card benefits.

Carry-On & Personal Item Rules (Delta 2025)

Delta’s carry-on policy is one of the more generous ones in the U.S. — especially compared to Spirit or Frontier.

What You Can Bring:

1 Personal Item (e.g., backpack, purse, laptop bag) – fits under the seat
1 Carry-On Bag – fits in the overhead bin

Carry-On Size Limit:

22″ x 14″ x 9″ (56 x 35 x 23 cm)

✈️ Tip: Delta doesn’t weigh your carry-on — but it must fit in the bin.

Checked Baggage Policy – Domestic & International

Domestic Flights (e.g., NYC ➝ LA)

Cabin Type	1st Bag	2nd Bag
Basic Economy	$35	$45
Main Cabin	$35	$45
Delta Comfort+	$35	$45
Delta One / First Class	✅ 2 Free Bags	✅ Included

Jupiter Tip: The Delta Gold Amex Card waives your 1st bag fee (and for 8 others on your booking).

International Flights (Varies by Route)

Route Example	Allowance
USA to Europe	✅ 1 Free Bag (50 lbs)
USA to Asia	✅ 2 Free Bags
USA to Latin America	Usually 1 Free Bag
USA to Canada	$35 (usually not waived)

Always check Delta’s route-specific calculator before flying:
👉 Delta Baggage Calculator

Overweight & Oversized Bag Fees (Painful But Important)

This is where most travelers (like me 🙃) get stung.

Weight Limit for Checked Bags:

Standard: 50 lbs (23 kg)
Max Allowed: 70 lbs (Delta One, First Class, or SkyMiles Medallion)

Extra Charges:

51–70 lbs: +$100
71–100 lbs: +$200 (Not allowed in Basic Economy)
Over 100 lbs: Not accepted as checked baggage

Oversized Fees:

Bags over 62 linear inches (L+W+H) = +$200

❌ You cannot combine overweight and oversized in Basic Economy.

SkyMiles, Medallion & Delta Amex Benefits

Medallion Members:

Status	Free Checked Bags
Silver	1
Gold	2
Platinum	2
Diamond	3

Delta Amex Cardholders:

Gold, Platinum, or Reserve Delta Amex = 1st checked bag free
Applies to you + up to 8 companions on the same reservation

How to Save Money on Delta Baggage in 2025

✈️ Pack light + use compression bags
💳 Use a Delta Amex card (seriously worth it)
📦 Ship bulky items via UPS/FedEx (cheaper for golf clubs or equipment)
🛬 Check-in online — some fees are slightly reduced in-app
👀 Weigh your bags at home — avoid airport surprises

Real Talk from the Jupiter Team

“My bag was 53 lbs. I moved a pair of jeans and a power bank into my carry-on and saved $100. Literally 3 lbs = $100. Check before you check.”
– Sarah, Jupiter Team (Flew ATL ➝ SFO)

“I used to check 2 bags by default. Now? Compression cubes + personal item backpack = game changer.”
– Jake, Jupiter Team (Flew to Madrid)

Delta Baggage FAQs (2025 Edition)

Does Delta include a free checked bag?

Only on international flights or for Delta One, SkyMiles Medallion, or Amex cardholders.

What’s Delta’s carry-on size?

22 x 14 x 9 inches — same as most major U.S. airlines.

Can I bring a backpack and a carry-on?

Yes. Backpack = personal item. Carry-on = overhead bin.

What if my bag is over 50 lbs?

Expect to pay $100+ in overweight fees, unless you have status or fly Delta One.

What’s Delta’s baggage fee for Canada flights?

Usually $35 for the first checked bag, even internationally.

Final Verdict: Know Before You Go

Delta’s baggage policy in 2025 is… fair, but not forgiving. If you know your weight limits, bring the right credit card, and plan your packing smart, you can avoid those $100+ surprise charges.

And hey — learn from my mistake. Weigh your bag at home. Or carry fewer jeans. Either works.