How to get free baggage on Delta?

If you have an eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card, you receive your First Bag Free on Delta flights booked with your Delta SkyMiles Amex Card. The benefit extends to up to 8 travel companions, who must be listed on the Card Member's reservation ? for a total of 9 passengers.



In 2026, there are several ways to bypass Delta’s standard checked bag fees ($35–$45). The most common method is holding an eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card (Gold, Platinum, or Reserve), which grants the first bag free for the cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation. Delta Medallion Status (Silver and above) also provides at least one free checked bag on all flights. Additionally, if you book a premium cabin like First Class, Delta Premium Select, or Delta One, you receive at least two free checked bags up to 70 lbs each. Active-duty U.S. military personnel also receive a generous free bag allowance. For those without these perks, packing efficiently into a carry-on and a personal item is the only way to avoid fees, as Delta continues to offer one free carry-on bag and one personal item for all passengers regardless of fare class.

People Also Ask

What is Delta's Basic Economy Baggage Policy? The Delta Basic Economy baggage policy is almost identical to any standard economy fare: You get a carry-on bag and personal item for free and pay $30 each way for a checked bag (or $60 each way to Europe).

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Far from being an act of generosity towards travelers, Delta is testing giving free checked bags in the hopes that it will help speed up the boarding process.

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Delta offers up to two free checked bags to passengers traveling in first class, Delta Premium Select or Delta One. But barring a fare sale or mistake fare, premium cabin flights are generally going to cost you more than economy class.

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Weight restrictions at no extra charge vary by cabin. Basic Economy, Main Cabin, and Delta Premium Select passengers should follow the standard 50 lb limit per piece. Delta One, First, and Business passengers should follow the 70 lb limit per piece.

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It's rare to find U.S. airlines with free checked baggage. Southwest Airlines is the only airline without any bag fees. For other airlines, you'll need to earn elite status or book your tickets with an airline credit card.

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It's rare to find U.S. airlines with free checked baggage. Southwest Airlines is the only airline without any bag fees. For other airlines, you'll need to earn elite status or book your tickets with an airline credit card.

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Delta basic economy baggage Those on domestic flights will pay the same as other main cabin passengers: $30 for the first checked bag and $40 for the second.

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Snyder said there were a couple of financial factors that played into the decision by airlines to begin charging for first and second checked bags in 2008. One, he said, is that the carriers were facing the Great Recession. Another was a spike in fuel prices.

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As long as you hold the card you get the free bag, the term “first” just implies your first bag that you check so if you were to check a second bag on that same flight you would be charged.

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It's generally cheaper to add baggage during booking because most carriers increase the price later. Depending on your service package, we might also charge a processing fee for additional services added later.

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Your bag will have to fit into the sizer for it to be approved as a carry-on. Having a flexible fabric bag is advantageous in this situation because you'll be able to squeeze it in even if it's slightly oversized. Usually, many airlines won't check every carry-on but will instead go for ones that look oversized.

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Most airlines allow backpacks as carry-ons, but size and weight restrictions vary depending on the carrier. Typically, the bag must be within the cabin baggage dimensions of around 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 22 cm), commonly considered the standard size for carry-on.

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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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