Delta's Checked Bag Fees by Ticket Type

Delta charges for checked bags on most tickets, but the amount depends on what you paid for your ticket and which cabin you're flying in. The first checked bag costs $35 on a standard economy ticket for domestic flights. The second checked bag costs $50. Bags beyond that cost $100 each, up to a maximum of five checked bags per passenger.

If you bought a premium cabin ticket—First Class, Business Class, or Delta Comfort+—your first and second checked bags are included at no charge. The same goes for passengers with certain elite frequent flyer statuses or those who hold a Delta credit card. Basic Economy tickets, Delta's lowest fare, charge $35 for the first bag and $50 for the second, the same as standard economy.

International flights follow the same fee structure for the first and second bags. Some international routes may allow additional bags at different rates depending on the destination region, so check your specific route before packing a third bag.

Key Takeaways

  • The first checked bag on a standard Delta economy ticket costs $35 for domestic flights; the second costs $50.
  • First and second checked bags are free if you hold a Delta credit card, have elite frequent flyer status, or booked a premium cabin ticket.
  • Basic Economy tickets include the same checked bag fees as standard economy—$35 and $50—despite being the cheapest fare option.
  • You can check up to five bags per passenger, but bags beyond the second cost $100 each.

Who Gets Free Checked Bags

Delta SkyMiles elite members—those with Silver status or higher—receive free first and second checked bags on all tickets, regardless of cabin class. You earn elite status by flying a certain number of miles or segments with Delta in a calendar year. Even if you don't reach elite status, holding a Delta American Express card grants free first and second checked bags on all your Delta flights, whether you're the cardholder or traveling on a ticket purchased with the card.

Military personnel in uniform traveling on any Delta ticket receive one free checked bag. Passengers with disabilities and one companion traveling together may also receive a free checked bag, though you'll need to contact Delta ahead of time to confirm this applies to your situation.

How to Pay Your Checked Bag Fee

You can pay for checked bags when you book your ticket online, when you check in online 24 hours before departure, or at the airport ticket counter. Paying online or during online check-in is usually fastest—you'll see the fee when ready and can add bags to your reservation in seconds. If you wait until the airport, you'll pay at the ticket counter or baggage drop desk, and the fee may be slightly higher in some cases.

Delta does not allow you to pay for checked bags through the airline's mobile app at this time, though you can manage your bags and see fees through the app. If you need to add a bag after you've already checked in, you can still do so at the airport baggage drop, but you'll pay the standard fee.

Weight and Size Limits for Checked Bags

Each checked bag can weigh up to 50 pounds and measure no more than 62 inches when you add the length, width, and height together. Bags that exceed these limits cost an additional $100 per bag. Overweight fees explore even if you've already paid the standard checked bag fee—they're separate charges.

Fragile items, sports equipment, and musical instruments may have different rules. Skis, golf clubs, and surfboards count as one checked bag each but may have additional fees. Musical instruments can sometimes be carried on instead of checked, which avoids the fee and the risk of damage.

Checked Bags on Connecting Flights

If you're flying Delta on a connecting flight, you pay one checked bag fee for the entire trip, not per flight segment. Your bags will be tagged through to your final destination and transferred automatically between planes. You don't need to pick them up and recheck them at the connection.

If your connection involves a different airline—for example, Delta to a partner airline—the partner airline's baggage policy applies for that portion of the trip. Check the baggage rules for every airline on your itinerary if you're flying with multiple carriers.

Refunds and Changes to Bag Fees

If you paid for a checked bag and later decide not to check it, you can request a refund through Delta's website or by calling customer service. Refunds are usually processed within 7 to 10 business days. If you change your flight to a ticket type that includes free checked bags—for example, upgrading to First Class—the bag fee you already paid will be credited to your account.

If Delta loses or damages your checked bag, the airline is liable for reasonable repair or replacement costs up to $3,500 per bag on domestic flights. International flights have different limits depending on the country. File a claim with Delta's baggage services team at the airport before you leave, or contact them within 24 hours if you discover damage later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for a checked bag if I'm flying standby?

Standby passengers pay the same checked bag fees as passengers on regular tickets. If your original ticket included free bags, your standby ticket will too. If you're flying standby on a Basic Economy or economy ticket, you'll pay $35 for the first bag and $50 for the second.

What if I'm flying Delta as part of a round trip—do I pay the fee twice?

No. You pay one checked bag fee per round trip, not per flight. If you're checking a bag on the outbound flight, you don't pay again on the return flight. If you want to check a bag on both the outbound and return legs, that counts as two bags total for the trip, so you'd pay $35 for the first and $50 for the second.

Can I avoid the checked bag fee by using a carry-on instead?

Yes. Delta allows one free carry-on bag and one free personal item (purse, backpack, or laptop bag) on all tickets, including Basic Economy. If your luggage fits in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, you won't pay a checked bag fee. Keep in mind that overhead bins fill up on full flights, so arriving early helps find space.

What happens if I show up at the airport without paying for a checked bag?

You'll pay the fee at the baggage drop desk. Airport fees are the same as online fees—$35 for the first bag and $50 for the second. Paying online or during online check-in before you arrive at the airport is faster and avoids any surprises at the counter.