When did Delta Airlines start charging for checked bags?

Delta collected nearly $908 million in baggage fees in 2017, according to the federal Bureau of Transportation Statistics, triple the amount Delta and Northwest Airlines collected in 2008, when airlines began charging for the first two checked bags. (Delta and Northwest merged in late 2008.)



People Also Ask

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).

MORE DETAILS

Basic economy is United's least-expensive economy fare class. Unlike some of the other perks (i.e. free checked bag, seat selection) included on a regular economy ticket, basic economy offers nothing extra. In addition, you'll board last and may not be able to bring a carry-on.

MORE DETAILS

1 Personal Item. Each passenger flying with Delta can bring 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item free of charge (such as a purse, laptop bag or item of similar size that will fit underneath the seat in front of you).

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Airlines aren't only charging for checked bags; some also charge for carry-on baggage. Carry-on bag fees are usually limited to low-cost carriers, but you'll want to pay attention to your allowances before your next flight.

MORE DETAILS

Make the check-in process easier by prepaying for bags before your flight. For some routes, you'll also save money on fees. You must prepay for bags at least 24 hours before your flight to save.

MORE DETAILS

If your carry-on bag or personal item exceeds Delta carry-on size dimensions, you may have to check it at the gate. While Delta does not charge a gate-checking fee, you must pay $30 for your first checked bag and $40 for the second.

MORE DETAILS

Carry-on bag Carry-on bags are not included unless you're flying to South America, across the Atlantic or on an international flight across the Pacific. You can prepay to check a bag or check a carry-on at your gate for the regular bag fee plus an additional $25.

MORE DETAILS

In general, your personal item should be smaller than your carry-on and under the specific airline's carry-on dimensions, allowing it to fit under the seat in front of you. In most cases, backpacks are considered personal items as long as they fit under the seat in front of you.

MORE DETAILS

Basic economy tickets are ineligible for refunds and don't include seat selection. Economy Plus features standard economy seats with extra legroom. Standard economy includes seat selection and a free carry-on. All three economy classes charge for checked bags on domestic flights.

MORE DETAILS

With most airlines, there's no difference between the actual seats in the main cabin versus basic economy. But the policies outside of your seats — like how much luggage you can bring and how easy (and cheaply) you can change your flights — can be significantly different.

MORE DETAILS

You may bring one carry-on item onboard the aircraft, plus one personal item. See our Baggage page for further information. All carry-on items must meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and may not exceed 22" x 14" x 9".

MORE DETAILS