Delta's Extra Baggage Fees: What To Expect At The Airport

Delta Air Lines' baggage fees vary depending on your destination, travel class, elite status, and whether you carry a credit card that offsets the bag costs. For most domestic flights, Delta charges $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second. These fees are per bag, per direction, and the weight limit for standard checked luggage is 50 pounds. If your bag is overweight or oversized, you will be charged additional fees.

There are several ways to avoid paying baggage fees on Delta. These include earning Delta Medallion status, flying in a premium cabin, using a credit card that offers free checked bags, or being an active-duty military member. Delta also offers a calculator on its website to help you determine the exact cost for your specific trip.

Delta's baggage fees for different routes

Delta's baggage fees vary depending on your destination, travel class, elite status and whether you carry a credit card that offsets the bag costs.

North America and the Caribbean

For main cabin and Comfort+ travel classes, the first checked bag costs $35 and the second $45. For basic economy, the first bag costs $35 and the second $45.

South America, Europe, the United Kingdom, Africa, the Middle East, India, Asia, and the Pacific

For main cabin and Comfort+ travel classes, the first checked bag is free and the second costs $60-$100. For basic economy, the first bag costs $70-$75 and the second $100.

Travel Originating in Mexico

For main cabin and Comfort+ travel classes, the first and second checked bags cost $200. For basic economy, the first bag costs $199 and the second is not permitted.

Travel Originating in Central America

For main cabin and Comfort+ travel classes, the first and second checked bags cost $199. For basic economy, the first bag costs $199 and the second is not permitted.

Travel Originating in South America

For main cabin and Comfort+ travel classes, the first and second checked bags cost $200. For basic economy, the first bag costs $199 and the second is not permitted.

Travel Originating in Europe

For main cabin and Comfort+ travel classes, the first checked bag costs €200 and the second €250. For basic economy, the first bag costs €200 and the second is not permitted.

Travel Originating in the United Kingdom

For main cabin and Comfort+ travel classes, the first checked bag costs £150 and the second £250. For basic economy, the first bag costs £200 and the second is not permitted.

Travel Originating in Africa, the Middle East, and India

For main cabin and Comfort+ travel classes, the first checked bag costs $200 and the second $250. For basic economy, the first bag costs $200 and the second is not permitted.

Travel Originating in Asia and the Pacific

For main cabin and Comfort+ travel classes, the first and second checked bags are free. For basic economy, the first bag costs $199 and the second is not permitted.

Delta's baggage fees for different ticket types

Delta's baggage fees vary depending on your destination, ticket type, status level, and credit card.

Basic Economy

For flights to Europe, a single checked bag will cost $150 for a round-trip basic economy fare. Basic economy fares to South America will cost $70 for the first checked bag and $100 for the second. For Australia, Africa, and the Middle East, the first checked bag is free, but the second will cost $100.

Main Cabin

For flights to Europe, the first checked bag is free, while the second will cost $60 to $100. For South America, the first checked bag costs $70, and the second costs $100. For Australia, Africa, and the Middle East, the first two bags are free.

Delta One, First Class, and Business

The first two checked bags are free, and each can weigh up to 70 lbs.

Other ways to avoid baggage fees

Delta Medallion status

Delta Medallion members are eligible for waived checked bag fees for themselves and travel companions on the same reservation. Silver Medallion members get one free checked bag, Gold status holders can check two bags, and Platinum and Diamond members can check three bags for free.

Delta SkyMiles Credit Card

Delta SkyMiles credit cards offer one free checked bag of up to 50 lbs for the primary cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation. The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card has an introductory $0 annual fee for the first year, then $150.

Active-duty military benefits

Active-duty military personnel receive up to five checked bags for free when traveling on orders, regardless of the fare class. When traveling for personal reasons, military members can check up to two free bags when flying basic economy, main cabin, or Delta Comfort Plus.

How to avoid baggage fees with Delta SkyMiles Medallion status

Delta Airlines charges baggage fees for checked bags, which vary depending on the destination and type of ticket. However, there are several ways to avoid these fees, especially if you have Delta SkyMiles Medallion status. Here's how:

Obtain Delta SkyMiles Medallion Status

Medallion members are loyal Delta customers who have earned benefits through their membership. Silver Medallion is the lowest level of status, and it comes with a first checked bag for free on Delta flights. Higher tiers, such as Gold, Platinum, and Diamond, offer even more benefits, such as increased weight limits of up to 70 pounds per bag and the ability to check up to three bags for free. This benefit also extends to up to eight travel companions on the Medallion member's reservation.

Use a Co-Branded Credit Card

Delta, in partnership with American Express, offers several co-branded credit cards that provide a free checked bag of up to 50 pounds on Delta-operated flights. These include the *Delta SkyMiles Gold Card*, *Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card*, and *Delta Reserve Card*. The benefit applies to the cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation, even if the flight is not paid for with the Delta credit card. However, this benefit does not extend to partner airlines such as Air France or KLM.

Active U.S. Military Personnel and Dependents

Active U.S. military personnel on orders or with dependents traveling with them may check bags at no charge. If traveling on military orders in Delta One, First, or Business, they can check up to five bags for free, with each bag weighing up to 80 inches and 70 pounds. For personal travel in Main Cabin, they can check four bags for free, with the same size and weight restrictions.

Starwood Crossover Rewards Program

If you're a Starwood Preferred Guest Platinum elite member, signing up for the Crossover Rewards Program will get you a free checked bag when flying on a Delta flight. This perk extends to up to three other passengers on your reservation.

Check Your Bag at the Gate

Occasionally, when a flight is oversold, the airline may offer to check bags for free at the gate to ease the burden of finding overhead space. If no announcement is made, you can also approach the gate agent and request to check your bags for a fee.

By utilizing these strategies, especially obtaining Delta SkyMiles Medallion status and taking advantage of co-branded credit card benefits, you can effectively avoid baggage fees when flying with Delta.

How to avoid baggage fees with Delta's co-branded credit cards

Delta Air Lines' baggage fees depend on your route, ticket type, status level, and credit card. The airline charges at least $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second on most U.S. flights, including those to Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico.

Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card allows you to use Pay with Miles to reduce the cost of Delta tickets on delta.com. You can also earn 2 miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, as well as on takeout and delivery in the U.S., and 2 miles per dollar on Delta purchases.

Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card offers a free first checked bag for you and up to eight companions traveling on the same reservation. This benefit applies regardless of whether you're flying on a basic economy, main cabin, or Comfort+ ticket. The card has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.

Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card offers a free first checked bag for you and up to eight companions traveling on the same reservation. This benefit applies regardless of whether you're flying on a basic economy, main cabin, or Comfort+ ticket. The card has a $0 introductory annual fee, then $150.

Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card offers a free first checked bag for you and up to eight companions traveling on the same reservation. This benefit applies regardless of whether you're flying on a basic economy, main cabin, or Comfort+ ticket. The card has a $0 introductory annual fee, then $150.

Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card offers a free first checked bag for you and up to eight companions traveling on the same reservation. This benefit applies regardless of whether you're flying on a basic economy, main cabin, or Comfort+ ticket.

Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card offers a free first checked bag for you and up to eight companions traveling on the same reservation. This benefit applies regardless of whether you're flying on a basic economy, main cabin, or Comfort+ ticket.

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card offers a free first checked bag for you and up to eight companions traveling on the same reservation. This benefit applies regardless of whether you're flying on a basic economy, main cabin, or Comfort+ ticket.

How to avoid baggage fees as an active-duty military member

As an active-duty military member, you can avoid baggage fees on Delta Air Lines in a few ways. Firstly, Delta offers savings on flights for active-duty service members that are not available to civilian customers. To make a reservation with these savings, call Delta directly.

Secondly, active-duty military members can expect to get two free checked bags (up to 50 lbs each) when flying with Delta on a basic economy, main cabin, or Delta Comfort Plus ticket. If you're flying in Delta Premium Select, you'll get three bags (up to 50 lbs each) for free. If you're flying in first class or Delta One, you'll get three bags (up to 70 lbs each) for no additional charge.

If you're flying with Delta on military orders, you'll get five free bags no matter the cabin you're in. The usual 50 lbs weight requirement is also doubled. Each of those five bags can weigh up to 100 lbs for no additional cost.

Additionally, Delta offers a co-branded credit card with American Express, the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card, which offers a free first checked bag for you and up to eight companions traveling on the same reservation. The card has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.

Frequently asked questions