So, Is Delta strict with checked bag size?
This is one of the common questions you ask before you start packing for your Delta flight.
Generally, Delta will measure and weigh your checked bags at the airport. Your bag can be up to 62 inches when you add the length, width, and height, and it can weigh up to 50 pounds. Any bag measuring between 63 and 80 inches will cost extra, and bags over 80 inches will not be accepted. Always measure your bag before you travel.
In this detailed post, I will answer all your questions about Delta checked luggage size and rules, so you can prepare for your trip and avoid unnecessary extra costs.
So, let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
- Checked bags must not exceed 62 linear inches (158 cm) total (length + width + height)
- Maximum 10 bags (4 on Delta Connection)
- Oversized fees apply for bags 63–80 inches; over 80 inches not allowed
- Measure your bag including wheels and handles before travel
- Standard checked bag fees start at $30 domestic, $40 international
- Fees vary by route; check Delta’s site for current rules and charges
Is Delta Strict With Checked Bag Size?
Delta Airline’s standard checked luggage allowance consists of up to 10 bags maximum (only up to 4 bags on Delta Connection).
Your checked bag dimensions must not exceed 62 inches linear or 158 cm, which is the total of the three dimensions: length + width + height.
There is a higher chance that your bag will be sized at the airport, so the airline will make sure it meets the requirements; otherwise, your luggage will be subject to extra charges.
How To Measure Your Bag To Ensure It Meets The Delta Checked Bag Size Requirements?
As I mentioned above, just like most airlines, Delta calculates checked bag size in linear inches.
And to measure your checked bag, you can use a tape measure to get the three dimensions of the suitcase,(including wheels and handles), then combine them together.
The total you get compare it with Delta checked baggage size limit of 62 inches (158 cm).
For example:
If a suitcase is 28″ in height, 19.6″ in length and 13″ in width.
The total is 28″ + 19.6″ + 13″ = 60.6 linear inches
Then the suitcase is compatible with Delta checked baggage.
In fact the size of this suitcase is way under Delta checked baggage size, which is good to avoid any oversized baggage fees.
Real Life Experiences With Delta Checked Bag Size Restrictions
I wanted to find some answers from Delta Airlines and here is what I’ve found.
Pine asked Delta customer service what size a checked bag can be.
Delta customer service first replied that the first standard checked bag that is under 50 lbs (23 kg) is $30 UDS in addition to one free carry-on bag and one personal item.
Baggage size must not exceed 62 inches (158 cm) when the total length + width + height is combined.
This is also a question from Brett who wanted to know if his bag with a size of 28.74″H + 16.93″W + 9.45″D = 55,12 linear inches meets the Delta requirements.
Delta replied that the total size is under 63 linear inches, so it wouldn’t be considered oversized.
This is confusing, and it is maybe a typo from their end, normally they should say the bag is under 62 inches linear not 63 inches linear.
Tips For Avoiding Baggage Issues At Check-In
So now as you know that Delta Airlines will be strict with a checked bag if it is above the allowed size.
To avoid any inconvenience or any last minute surprises at the airport here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Measure and weigh your suitcases before you leave to the airport, and ensure that you stay within the size limits set with Delta either in domestic or international flights.
- Always check in online and print your boarding pass in advance, that will save you some time at the airport.
- Double check your luggage information with the airline check in staff.
- Arrive at the airport early, that will give you plenty of time to check in and avoid any errors that will possibly happen (for example mix up your bags with other passengers luggage).
- Avoid too much clothes, leave unnecessary items at home
- If you have a lot of heavy bags, consider shipping your bags, it will be more convenient than lugging your bags around the airports.
How Much Does It Cost To Check A Bag On Delta?
Most airlines revenue comes from additional charges, and Delta Airlines is not an exception, even though it is not a low cost airline.
Delta Airlines luggage charges will depend on your ticket type and route.
The fees also depend on fare class and membership level in the Delta SkyMiles program, but generally, the charges for the first bag are $30 on domestic flights and $40 for international flights.
The charges for the second bag will be around $40 for domestic flights and $55 for international flights, and for overweight and oversized bags there will be additional charges.
The charges are always subject to changes, so it is better to check the Delta website or contact them directly to provide you with the current charges.
You can use their luggage fee calculator that you can use to get an estimate of what you are going to pay.
What Is Considered Oversized Luggage Delta?
Delta Airline Oversized allowance fees (one-way)
This is what you will pay if your checked bag exceeds Delta size limitations.
United States
Travel within / between United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands:
200 USD / CAD for bags measuring 63–80 inches (161-203 cm) in combined length, width, and height. Bags larger than 80 inches (203 cm) are not allowed.
International flights
Travel to / from / between Asia, Middle East, Australia, India:
175 USD / CAD / EUR for bags measuring 63-80 inches (161-203 cm) in combined length, width, and height.
Bags larger than 80 inches (203 cm) are not allowed.
Travel between North / South / Central America and Europe or North Africa:
300 USD, 345 CAD or 250 EUR* for bags measuring 63-80 inches (160-203cm) in combined length, width, and height. Bags larger than 80 inches (203 cm) are not allowed.
Travel between US (including U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico ) or Canada and Mexico, Caribbean, Central / South America:
150 USD / CAD for bags measuring 63-80 inches (161-203 cm) in combined length, width, and height.
Bags larger than 80 inches (203 cm) are not allowed.
Travel between North America and all other African countries:
175 USD / CAD for bags measuring 63-80 inches (161-203 cm) in combined length, width, and height.
Bags larger than 80 inches (203 cm) are not allowed.
Final Thoughts
Even though I haven’t found anyone complaining about any extra fees, in the end, rules are rules, and you need to have a bag that meets your airline checked baggage size limits.
Even though I don’t find anyone complaining that he got hit with any extra charges, in the end rules are rule, and you should always have a bag that is within your airline checked bags size limits.
Delta Airlines won’t be extremely strict about checked baggage size, I strongly recommend going with a bag that is under 62 linear inches (158 cm).
The good thing is that there are no fixed dimensions for the height, length, and width that you must follow, and as long as the total of these dimensions is 62 linear inches or less, you won’t have any issues.
I hope this helps.
Happy travels
People also ask:
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