Curious about how strict Delta is with personal items? And if Delta is so strict with personal item size?
Delta is generally generous with its luggage, but unlike some airlines, they don’t have a specific size limit for their personal items. That said, gate agents may still check your bag to make sure it fits under the seat in front of you.
This post covers everything you need to know about Delta Airlines personal item size.
TL;DR
- Delta allows 1 free personal item per passenger.
- No fixed size limit, but it must fit under the seat (about 18″ x 11″ x 11″).
- Examples include a purse, laptop bag, small backpack, briefcase, diaper bag, or camera bag.
- Backpacks count as personal items if they fit under the seat; larger ones are considered carry-ons.
- Carry-on bag size limit: 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (56 x 35 x 23 cm), max 45 linear inches.
- Delta may enforce sizing if your bag looks oversized, especially on full flights.
- Tip: Use a soft-sided or flexible bag to make fitting under the seat easier.
What Is Considered a Personal Item on Delta?
Delta does not specify an official size for what they consider a personal item, but it must be a small item that can be placed easily and fits under the seat in front of you.
Just like the answer Delta customer service gave for Clair in the screenshot bellow.
A personal item consist of a computer bag a small briefcase or a purse.
- 1 purse, briefcase, small backpack, camera bag, or diaper bag
- 1 laptop bag (computers cannot be checked unless directed to by security)
- 1 item of similar or smaller size to those listed
How Strict Is Delta With Personal Item Size?
So the main question is, since Delta does not have any specific dimensions, how to know what will fit under the seat?
Delta has more than 20 different types of aircraft, but the under-seat space for almost all Delta airplanes is approximately 18” x 11” x 11” (the size required by Delta for a pet carrier to be placed under the seat).
Delta may be strict with personal items if they look too big, so rather than specifying a common size, they tend to give passengers flexibility to choose their items wisely.
The usual items like a laptop bag, purse, or small backpack mentioned on Delta’s website are all within a standard size.
Additional Personal Items For Free
In addition to your personal item, you can also bring the following items with you free of charge:
- A jacket / coat
- A small umbrella
- Food or drink purchased past the security checkpoint
- Duty-free merchandise
- Special items like strollers, wheelchairs, child safety seats, or assistive devices like crutches
For more information, please visit this page on their website.
My Personal Item Is a Bit Oversized. What Will Happen?
If your personal item is slightly oversized, do not worry, especially if it is a soft-sided small bag.
You can still pad it down and make it fit under the seat in front of you.
The only time this might be an issue is when your personal item is way too large.
I usually travel with a small suitcase and a small backpack in which I placed all my personal items.
It seems a little oversized, but it fits perfectly in the sizer.
How to Take More and Make the Most of My Personal Item Space?
To make the most out of your free baggage allowance (carry-on or personal item), you can always wear some of your heavier or bulkier clothing as you go through the gate and place your other essentials in your personal item.
Think coat with deep pockets if you’re really looking to make the most of your hard earned cash.
This will give you more room to pack your essentials items for your trip.
Is a Backpack a Personal Item on Delta Airlines?
Yes, if the backpack can be stowed properly under the seat in front of you. However, if your backpack has the following size 22” x 14” x 9” (56 cm x 35 cm x 23 cm), it will be considered a carry-on bag.
In that case, you may need to bring another smaller item to be placed under the seat.
Delta Carry-on Policy and Restrictions
Delta specifies its carry-on baggage size as follows:
- Combined dimensions (length + width + height) of baggage must not exceed 45 linear inches (114 cm).
- Individual length, width, and height measurements may not exceed 22” x 14” x 9” (56 cm x 35 cm x 23 cm).
- These measurements include any handles or wheels, but do not apply to small musical instruments that fit in the overhead or under-seat space.
Delta Airlines Liquids
Like all other airlines in the US, Delta allows liquids in your personal item in containers less than 3.4 oz (100 ml).
They must be placed in a transparent, quart-sized bag.
For more information, please head to this page on the Transportation Security Administration website, which covers liquids, gels, and aerosols in more detail.
Is Delta Strict With Personal Item Size (Reddit)?
For a seamless flight, carefully reading Delta’s personal item policy will give you the advantage of knowing whether Delta is strict with personal items.
Pick a perfect and compliant bag wisely and stick with the airline’s luggage limits so you won’t be surprised by the hefty luggage fees.
Final Thoughts
The Delta personal item size is a bit of a gray area.
They have no official size listed, which can feel both freeing and frustrating at the same time.
On one hand, it gives you flexibility if your bag fits under the seat, you’re usually fine.
On the other, it leaves you guessing whether Delta is being practical by not enforcing strict limits or just making things more confusing than they need to be.
I hope this helps
Happy travels
FAQs on Delta Airlines Personal Item Rules
What are the exact under-seat dimensions for different Delta aircraft?
Each Delta aircraft type has slightly different under-seat dimensions. For example, a Delta 737 has variations for aisle, center, and window seats.
What does Delta mean by “approved personal items”?
Delta provides examples such as purses, briefcases, or diaper bags, but any bag that fits under the seat in front of you is considered an approved personal item.
What happens if my personal item is too large to fit under the seat?
If your personal item is oversized, it may need to be counted as your main carry-on or gate-checked. Soft-sided bags are more flexible in these situations.
Where should I place my personal item during the flight?
Your personal item should go under the seat in front of you, not in the overhead bin, to leave space for carry-on bags.
Are there real-world examples of Delta under-seat sizes?
Yes, some passengers have shared seat-specific measurements on social media. These dimensions vary slightly depending on the aircraft type and seat location.
How can I make the most of my personal item space?
Use a soft-sided bag, wear heavier jackets, or pack strategically to maximize under-seat space, especially for slightly oversized items.
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