Does Delta Basic Economy allow a personal item?

Carry-on allowance: When flying Delta basic economy, a carry-on and a personal item are permitted free of charge. Check out our nerdy picks for the best Delta credit cards and find the right card for you.



Yes, Delta Air Lines remains one of the more generous major U.S. carriers in 2026 regarding Basic Economy (fare class "E"). Unlike United or JetBlue's most restrictive tiers, Delta Basic Economy allows you to bring both one personal item (like a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack that fits under the seat) and one standard carry-on bag for the overhead bin at no extra charge. This is a significant perk for budget travelers. However, because Basic Economy passengers are the very last to board (Group 7 or 8), overhead bin space is frequently exhausted by the time you reach your seat. If the bins are full, you will be required to "gate check" your larger carry-on bag. While this service is free, your bag will be placed in the cargo hold and you will have to wait for it at the baggage carousel upon arrival. It is also worth noting that on small "Delta Connection" regional jets with 50 seats or fewer, space is so limited that only personal items are allowed in the cabin, and all larger bags must be planeside-tagged for the cargo hold.

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Personal items can include small backpacks, purses, briefcases, handbags, tote bags, camera bags, diaper bags, and laptop bags — as long as the personal item can fit underneath the seat in front of you. Delta underseat dimensions are 20 inches X 15 inches X 11 inches (55 cm X 38 cm X 28 cm) on most aircraft.

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You can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item at no extra cost on Delta flights. Your baggage's length, width, and height must not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 cm).

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Usually, many airlines won't check every carry-on but will instead go for ones that look oversized. If your luggage does not fit in the sizer, you might have to pay a checked bag fee along with the gate checking fee and have your bag transferred to the airplane's cargo.

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While personal item size restrictions vary across airlines, most airlines consider a small backpack, purse, briefcase, or laptop bag to be a personal item. These must always fit under the seat in front of you. Many airlines restrict passengers to one personal item and one carry on bag.

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A personal item is a type of hand luggage that you carry on to the plane with you and is smaller than a carry-on. What is considered a personal item bag varies from airline to airline, but a small purse, briefcase and laptop bag are always considered personal items.

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Basic economy fares are cheaper than main cabin. However, you lose out on flexibility for flight changes and/or cancellations, seat selection options and the ability to earn miles at a high rate.

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? Flight Approved Carry on Backpack: Size of travel backpack: 20.47 x 12.99 x 8.66 . Capacity: 35L. This luggage backpack is meet the allowed maximum size of most IATA flights and also fits in the overhead compartment and the underseat in flight.

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Most airlines permit backpacks as personal items, meaning they can fit beneath the seat in front of you, provided their size is smaller than 20 x 12 x 9 inches.

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While some airlines specify size limitations for personal items, others simply require the item to be small enough to fit underneath the seat in front of you. For personal items, here's the standard size on major airlines in the United States: American Airlines – 18” x 14” x 8”

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How strict are the airlines about luggage dimensions? Carryon dimensions are limited to the size of the overhead bin. In those cases dimensions are strict. Anything too big gets gate checked.

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Is toothpaste considered a liquid by the TSA? Yes, toothpaste must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule for liquids and gels. Toothpaste can be brought through TSA security in your carry-on as long as it is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in a 1-quart bag.

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Shampoo/Conditioner and deodorant must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces or less in carry-on bags. You're allowed to take as many travel-sized liquids as can fit into a single quart-sized, zip-top bag. One bag is allowed per passenger in carry-on. Larger containers of such items must be placed in checked bags.

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