DELTA BAGGAGE REGULATIONS
The flight route and the booked fare, i.e. the booked travel class, determine how much baggage is included in the travel price and can be taken along at no extra cost.
As of May 11, 2023, Source: delta.com, all information without guarantee
- What is meant by free baggage allowance at Delta?
- What is small carry-on luggage at Delta?
- What counts as carry-on luggage at Delta?
- Which items can be taken in carry-on luggage?
- What should be considered when traveling with children?
- What should be considered when traveling with reduced mobility?
- Can I take a dog/pet with me on Delta?
- Checked baggage at Delta
- Sports equipment as checked baggage
- Musical instruments as checked baggage
- Saving tips for Delta baggage options
- My suitcase was damaged - What should I do?
- My suitcase is delayed - What should I do?
- My suitcase was lost - What should I do?
- Information about your stay on board
1. What is meant by free baggage allowance at Delta?
The flight route and the booked fare, i.e. the booked travel class, determine how much baggage is included in the travel price and can be taken along at no extra cost.
On Delta Connection flights and flights with no more than 50 seats, due to lack of space, only one personal item may be taken into the cabin as carry-on luggage and stowed under the seat in front (underseat).
In all other cases, the following applies: Every passenger on Delta may take one personal item (small backpack, laptop bag, briefcase, etc.) and one piece of carry-on luggage with a maximum girth of 114 cm or 56x35x23 cm.
Other free baggage options are available for Delta SkyMiles Medallion members or holders of a Dialog Delta SkyMiles® American Express Card.
| Basic Economy | Main Cabin | Delta Comfort+ | Delta Premium Select | Delta One / First Class | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small carry-on/underseat, must fit under seat |
|||||
| Large carry-on 56 x 35 x 23 cm, kg - restricted only to Singapore & China |
1 piece |
1 piece |
|||
| Checked baggage Total size up to 158 cm, max. 23 kg To/from the USA, Canada (PTY, SAL) |
can be added for a fee |
can be added for a fee |
can be added for a fee |
2 pieces |
can be added for a fee |
| Checked baggage Total size up to 158 cm, max. 32 kg |
2 pieces |
||||
| Checked baggage Total size up to 158 cm, except USA, PTY, SAL (Canada) |
2 pieces max. 23 kg |
2 pieces max. 23 kg |
2 pieces max. 23 kg |
2 pieces max. 23 kg |
2 pieces max. 31.75 kg |
2. What is small carry-on luggage at Delta?
Every passenger can take one personal item (small backpack, laptop bag, briefcase, etc.) free of charge as a small piece of luggage (personal item). There is no weight restriction, nor is there a dimension restriction, but it must fit under the seat in front of you.
3. What counts as carry-on luggage at Delta?
According to Delta regulations, carry-on luggage can be up to 56 x 35 x 23 cm (incl. handles and wheels). There are only weight restrictions on some routes, e.g. to Singapore (7 kg), Beijing and Shanghai (10 kg). However, be careful with codeshare flights and partner airlines. The respective regulations of the operating airline apply.
Carry-on Suitcasesdirectly here in our online shop
4. Which items can be taken in carry-on luggage?
Liquids may only be transported in carry-on luggage to a limited extent. The respective containers may not exceed a maximum capacity of 100 ml each. A total maximum of 1,000 ml may be taken through security control, preferably packed in a resealable and transparent bag of 20x20 cm (max. 1 liter).
Sprays, gels, creams, and spreads also count as liquids, even liver sausage. Liquids from Duty-Free, purchased either at the airport or on a flight route outside the EU, can be carried in a tamper-proof and certified bag. The sales receipt must also be in the bag. As a rule, this is automatically packed correctly by the sales staff. You must not open the bag.
E-cigarettes (with max. two spare batteries) and a lighter (in your own pocket) must be taken into the cabin. Matches are generally prohibited. Cigarettes may be taken in carry-on luggage.
Airports themselves often prohibit all sharp objects in carry-on luggage. Blunt or sharp tools or sharp objects and even mercury thermometers must be placed in checked baggage. Only scissors and tweezers with a maximum length of 6 cm and exclusively with rounded ends are allowed in the cabin. Razor blades must have a plastic frame to be transported in carry-on luggage. Knives may not exceed a maximum blade length of 6 cm. This is stated in the EU regulation. However, airports have the final say with potentially stricter guidelines.
A maximum of two power banks or lithium-ion batteries for portable electronic devices with a capacity of 100 Wh may be taken exclusively in carry-on luggage. They must be individually packed to avoid short circuits.
Printer and toner cartridges with a maximum total weight of 500g are not allowed in carry-on luggage. They are only transported in checked baggage.
Except to/from the United Kingdom, guitars and smaller musical instruments, e.g. violins or flutes, can be taken as free carry-on luggage on Delta and Delta Connection flights. For this, it must fit easily into the overhead bin or an approved storage space in the cabin.
For larger instruments up to a maximum of 75 kg, which are to be taken into the cabin, booking an extra seat is required. For this, it is best to contact the reservations department (customer service 0800-221-1212). However, you should know: If there is a downgrade of the aircraft and the purchased seat for your musical instrument is not available, you and your instrument will be rebooked on the next available flight.
It is best to transport the musical instrument in a hard-shell case with good padding and little room for movement. Soft transport bags are strongly discouraged. Should the instrument case have to go into the hold due to lack of space, only then is sufficient protection and corresponding liability provided.
5. What should be considered when traveling with children?
It must generally be noted that some countries have special regulations for the entry or exit of minor children, regardless of whether they are traveling alone or accompanied by adults (whether guardians or not).
Delta offers flight tickets at various conditions for children aged 2 to 4 and 5-14 years in their own seat. As a rule, children save 50% of the ticket price on most flight routes and in almost all fares. The same free baggage allowances apply to them according to the fare as for adults.
Infants under 2 years old may be carried on the lap free of charge within the USA without entitlement to their own seat. With an international ticket, which costs 10% of the adult fare (plus fees and taxes), lap children may check in one piece of luggage with a girth of less than 158 cm and a maximum of 10 kg, plus a fully collapsible buggy or stroller. Only one child is allowed on the lap. If you are traveling alone with two toddlers, you must book a seat for one child at the adult fare and take an FAA-approved child seat with you. If there is a vacant seat in your row by chance, a child seat can be used on it.
Baby food, sterilized water, and milk are not subject to the 100 ml container restriction. However, a maximum of 1 liter of liquid is still allowed. You may be asked to taste the liquids at the airport for security reasons. Be sure to observe the regulations for importing food into your destination country.
Delta does not explicitly state what services they offer for the youngest travelers. This is what we found:
- Suitable menus for children over 2 years old can be ordered when booking the flight.
- Special bassinets can be reserved for long-haul flights (for babies weighing less than 9 kg and measuring less than 66 cm). Availability is limited.
Other airlines offer this as standard, and presumably Delta does too:
- Toys (small puzzles, coloring books) are distributed to children.
- Changing facilities in the restrooms.
- Water for baby bottles is available on board, so it does not have to be bought at the airport.
- Warming of baby food and bottles in the galley.
- Child-friendly entertainment in the entertainment program (depending on the route).
Although specific information on seat allocation for families cannot be found, efforts are always made to seat families together with early check-in. If you want to be on the safe side, a seat reservation or contacting the service center is recommended. In an emergency, however, the crew will also try to find a suitable solution.
The following may be carried free of charge in addition to carry-on luggage per child or infant:
- Stroller, buggy
- Booster seat, car seat
- Breast pump and cooler bag
- Playpen, travel cot (as checked baggage)
Strollers and car seats can be taken to the gate, or you can check them in with the cot and other checked baggage. All items that are to accompany you to the plane should be tagged at check-in. Before boarding, the items are collected and transported in the cargo hold. You will receive them either directly upon disembarking or can pick them up with the rest of your luggage at baggage claim. This depends on the destination airport. For connecting flights, inform the crew that the buggy is needed.
Delta offers a travel program for unaccompanied children aged 5 and over. The service can be booked for $150 per way and allows:
- Children between 5 and 7 years old to fly alone on non-stop routes on some flight connections.
- Children between 8 and 14 years old to fly on non-stop routes and connecting flights on some flight connections.
- Children between 15 and 17 years old to fly on non-stop routes and connecting flights on all flight connections. From the age of 15, teenagers are officially allowed to travel alone, i.e. without this service.
The Delta Air Reservations Department is responsible for this service. You can reach them at the phone number: 0800-325-8847.
6. What should be considered when traveling with reduced mobility?
Up to two mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, or electric aids may be taken on board (either in the cabin or in the cargo hold) in addition to checked baggage. As a rule, the aid can be used until boarding the aircraft, will then be stowed in the cargo hold if necessary, and handed over again at the destination airport either directly upon disembarking or at baggage claim. For this purpose, they are marked with an appropriate label at check-in. For battery-powered wheelchairs, you should be at check-in at least one hour before departure, as the device must be checked according to the dangerous goods directive.
Medically necessary devices can be taken in addition to carry-on luggage, provided that the bag does not contain any other items that do not belong there. In this case, it counts as carry-on luggage.
If you or a fellow traveler requires assistance due to disability or reduced mobility to navigate the airport and board the aircraft, Delta will organize this for you. To ensure that everything can be organized in time within the airport procedures, the request must be made in good time.
Here's how you can make the registration in time:
- If you need help with your flight, e.g. you need a medical device or a special seat or need to take a service animal with you, you can do this via the "My Trips" portal or you can fill out an application form at least 7 days before your flight.
- You can also submit requests for special services such as wheelchair use, deaf/hard of hearing or blind/poor vision, special meals, peanut allergy, ... under My Trips.
- Call the customer service team at 0800-221-1212
You can find more information on this directly at Delta Airlines.
7. Can I take a dog/pet with me on Delta?
Delta allows dogs, cats, and even domestic birds (except Hawaii, the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Guam) to fly within the USA, provided they are at least 10 weeks old (16 weeks for flight routes outside of America).
Generally, when traveling with animals, consider the following:
- Current entry and exit regulations of all countries concerned (ATTENTION: new, long-term CDC entry ban for dogs (including assistance dogs) from high-risk rabies countries).
- Admissibility and possibility of carriage, especially if traveling with different airlines.
- Necessary official* and veterinary documents.
- Any required veterinary examinations or treatments (e.g., vaccinations, microchipping).
For assistance dogs, the following also applies:
- Proof of training as an assistance dog from a recognized institution is necessary for the dog.
- Additionally, for flights, written confirmation must be provided that the dog meets the requirements for travel as a recognized assistance dog. For this, a U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Travel Form is required, which must be uploaded to the My Trips portal up to 48 hours before the flight. For bookings made at shorter notice, this must be presented at the check-in counter or at the departure gate.
- For flights lasting 8 hours or more, you must also confirm that the dog will not relieve itself on the aircraft or can do so in a hygienic manner. For this, you must complete and submit the "DOT Relief Attestation" form.
- Submit all documents, including those issued by the DOT (Department of Transportation), in advance for review via the application form for accessible services in the My Trips portal.
- The dog should preferably wear a harness. A muzzle must be carried for emergencies and put on if requested by staff.
*On all flights within the EU/EEA, a valid pet passport or an official veterinary certificate from a third country (as well as the required medical documents) must be carried. If you are unsure whether your dog is eligible to travel, you can contact the destination airport before your trip and have the details in the pet passport confirmed. Information on the pet passport can be found at the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
One small, ventilated pet carrier that fits under the seat is accepted as carry-on luggage per passenger. The number of animals allowed per flight is limited, which is why animals must always be registered in advance before departure (have carrier dimensions ready). Availability will be checked by Delta. If the reservation is successful, you will pay the applicable fees ($75-200) at check-in at the airport.
For the accompanying animal/transport box as carry-on luggage, the following applies:
- One transport container per passenger is allowed in the cabin.
- There is a limit of one animal per transport container. However, there are exceptions for young animals or a mother with dependent young.
- The maximum size of the container is 102 cm (46 x 28 x 28 cm).
- The container must be securely lockable, waterproof, and bite-proof.
- The animal must be able to stand, lie down, and turn in its natural posture within the closed transport container.
- The inside of the container must be lined with absorbent material. Newspapers, cardboard, or litter are not permitted. Old clothes or a blanket are recommended.
- The animal will be stowed in the transport container under your front seat on board.
Transport of animals in the cargo hold:
DeltaCargo temporarily suspended its transport service during Corona – a so-called pet embargo. Whether and when the service will be available again is not clear. All information on reservations, necessary documents, etc. can best be found directly from Delta under Pet Transport.
8. Checked baggage at Delta
A maximum of 10 pieces of baggage are allowed on Delta or Delta Shuttle flights; on Delta Connection® Carrier flights, the maximum number of bags is limited to 4. However, depending on space availability, the number can be limited to 2 pieces per passenger at any time.
Thus, as a passenger, you can generally safely use two pieces of checked baggage. Depending on the fare and route, these can be purchased. Different free baggage allowances may apply for Delta SkyMiles Medallion members or for holders of a Dialog Delta SkyMiles® American Express Card.
Restriction for Key West, Florida: Passengers may only check in one piece of baggage upon departure or arrival there.
Maximum dimensions per piece of baggage: Total size (length + width + height) less than 158 cm.
Maximum weight per piece of baggage: 31.75 kg.
23 kg standard baggage (girth less than 158 cm): For short trips with an extended selection of clothes or longer trips. The first checked bag to the USA in Economy fare costs $60 if booked online early; for other fares, the first bag is included. A second piece of baggage costs $85 per way. For destinations outside the USA, two standard pieces of baggage are usually included.
Delta One / First Class: here, up to 31.75 kg is considered standard baggage (girth less than 158 cm).
Excess and Special Baggage
Items larger than 203 cm or over 45.36 kg will not be accepted.
Important: Separate fees apply for each exceeded standard baggage restriction. For example, if you take a third piece of baggage that is also too heavy and too large, it starts at 3x fees of around $400 per way.
For additional standard baggage, the price is around $200 per flight.
No excess baggage (weight, size, or piece) is allowed to/from Mexico.
9. Sports equipment as checked baggage
All sports equipment must be in a solid, sturdy protective container specifically designed for the equipment. Items larger than 292 cm will not be accepted. If the weight exceeds 45 kg, additional fees will apply.
Kayaks and canoes are not allowed, but folding boats are.
Unmotorized touring or racing bicycles, fishing equipment, golf equipment, etc. are permitted within the baggage regulations. No motorized bicycles, i.e. no pedelecs or e-bikes, are transported.
10. Musical instruments as checked baggage
Musical instruments and equipment can be checked in, provided the total dimensions do not exceed 381 cm and the weight including the case is not more than 75 kg. The regulations for excess baggage apply. A well-fitting hard-shell case with sufficient padding is required. Especially for transport in the cargo hold, special travel insurance (baggage insurance) for your musical instrument is recommended.
In 767-300 models for flights to/from Tokyo-Narita, Japan (NRT), musical instruments with a length over 200 cm are not accepted as checked baggage.
11. Saving tips for Delta baggage options
- Booking classes with larger free baggage allowances may be cheaper than subsequently booking checked baggage. The offered baggage calculator allows for good calculation and comparison of baggage costs per route and fare.
- For Delta SkyMiles Medallion members, the first checked bag is always included.
- You can save the most by limiting your baggage to the essentials.
- Adhere to the carry-on luggage regulations so it doesn't become expensive checked baggage at the airport.
ON HAUPTSTADTKOFFER.DE
Voucher code: delta10 valid from an order value of €100
12. My suitcase was damaged - What should I do?
Damage must be reported before you leave the airport, as you are responsible for proving that the damage occurred while in Delta's custody. All damage must be personally assessed by a Delta employee at the baggage office.
If the damage goes beyond normal wear and tear (scratches, dents, etc.) or is not due to your own fault through overfilling, fragile or perishable items in the baggage, or weather, you will be asked by the employee to fill out a damaged baggage form. The claim must be submitted within 24 hours for travel within the USA and within 7 days for international travel.
Damage resulting from a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) search must be reported to that agency (tsa.gov).
13. My suitcase is delayed - What should I do?
Go directly to a Delta employee at the baggage office. They will give you a reference number, which you will need to fill out the baggage claim form.
Be sure to keep all documents together with all flight documents, especially the boarding pass and baggage claim tag.
If additionally paid baggage is delayed by more than 12 hours, you can request a refund of the fee in the form of an electronic travel voucher (ETCV).
If you had to make purchases due to the delay, you are entitled to reasonable reimbursement for expenses due to the baggage delay, approx. $50/day for up to 5 days, which will be offset against the final claim. For this, you also use the claim form and upload the receipts for your expenses.
For liability and reimbursement for emergency purchases on international flights, the Montreal Convention applies. Among other things: Be sure to keep receipts, there is a duty to mitigate damages (meaning costs for emergency purchases should be kept as low as possible), but not for loss on the journey home.
14. My suitcase was lost - What should I do?
After 21 days of delay, the suitcase is considered lost. In this case, you are entitled to compensation. The maximum amount for replacement purchases or the complete loss of baggage is approx. €1,400. The amount of compensation depends on the contents and any purchase receipts for them.
The baggage claim form is also used for this.
15. Information about your stay on board
In-flight Entertainment
Delta is expanding its network of Wi-Fi hotspots. It is planned to offer Wi-Fi on all domestic flights in the USA by December 31, 2023, and on all international and regional flights by December 31, 2024. Use is currently free for SkyMiles® members.
With Delta Studio, the airline's entertainment program, you can entertainingly pass the flight time with music playlists, movies, audiobooks, and podcasts. The entertainment program is free, and so are the headphones.
Sleep meditation or stretching exercises while seated? Through the cooperation of the Peloton App and Delta, you can do exactly what your body and mind need on long flights above the clouds.
Which electronic devices can I use on a Delta aircraft?
There is no specific information from Delta Airlines on this. In general, there is nothing against using portable electronic devices with a flight mode during the flight. Flight mode must be activated on board. According to air traffic safety regulations:
| With flight mode activated |
Taxing (to/from runway) |
Take-off | Flight | Landing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smartphone incl. Bluetooth headphones | ||||
| E-Book Reader | ||||
| Tablet incl. Bluetooth headphones | ||||
| Bluetooth accessories like headphones, keyboard, etc. |
||||
| Laptop, Ultrabook, Notebook | ||||
| DVD Player | ||||
| Large music players | ||||
| Larger electronic games |
In-flight Catering
On flights within the USA, the included catering depends not only on the booking class but also on the distance. Various meals and drinks are offered for purchase from the galley during your flight. The offer is very clear and also limited. Especially on long domestic flights, bringing food from the airport can save you from going hungry.
You can find out what food options you can expect on your flight here.
On international long-haul flights, there is a small menu (starter, main course, and dessert) of your choice. In addition, a comprehensive selection of drinks, including beer, spirits, and a limited selection of wine, is available, partly for a fee. Delta One also includes bottled mineral water before departure.
Do you rely on special meals (Hindu, Halal, Kosher, gluten-free, vegetarian…)? You can order these at least 24 hours in advance in the Delta portal via "My Trips" as a special service request or by calling the service number +1-800-221-1212. Inform both the employee at the gate and a flight attendant on board that you have pre-ordered a special meal.
Delta explicitly allows carrying food purchased after security screening. However, it should also be possible to bring sandwiches or other food from home. Note that for liquid foods such as soup, spreads, and sauces, you may not take more than 100 ml.
Important: If you like to take more food with you, inquire about the food import regulations at your destination. Especially outside the EU, the import of such provisions is not allowed. If not everything is eaten on the flight and the import of certain foods is not permitted, you must dispose of the rest before entry.
The Hauptstadtkoffer team wishes you a pleasant journey
IMPORTANT! Despite the utmost care, we unfortunately cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information. In any case, we recommend that you inform yourself about the current regulations directly from Delta before departure.
If you have found an error, please let us know. info@hauptstadtkoffer.de
Click here for the Delta Baggage Regulations
Here you will also find a baggage calculator.
As of May 11, 2023, Source: delta.com, all information without guarantee
Fast shipping within 3 days
Fast shipping worldwide
Free within Germany for orders over €100.
Up to 5 Years Warranty
Valid worldwide from the date of purchase.
Returns
Return at your own cost is possible within the withdrawal period.
Secure Cart
All transactions are encrypted with SSL (Secure Socket Layer) technology.
Amazing Discounts
Create your custom luggage set and save on each additional suitcase.
Hotline
+49 (0) 30.634 134 14
Mon. – Fri.: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM