Delta charges $35 for your first checked bag on most domestic flights, and $45 for the second

Delta Air Lines charges a checked bag fee on the vast majority of flights within the United States. The first bag costs $35, and a second bag costs $45. These are the standard rates as of 2024, though Delta has raised them periodically over the past decade. International flights to and from the U.S. often have different rules — some include a free checked bag, while others follow the domestic structure.

The fee applies whether you check your bag at the counter, at a kiosk, or through a baggage service desk. It does not matter when you pay — at booking, 24 hours before departure, or at the airport. Delta collects the fee the same way.

Not everyone pays. Certain passengers, ticket types, and frequent flyer statuses waive the fee entirely. Understanding which category you fall into can save you $35 to $90 per trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Delta's standard checked bag fee is $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second on domestic flights; international routes vary.
  • Delta SkyMiles members at Silver status and above, active military, and passengers with certain premium credit cards do not pay checked bag fees.
  • First Class and Delta One passengers always receive free checked bags regardless of status or ticket type.
  • Paying the fee at the airport counter costs the same as paying online, but paying before you arrive can speed up check-in.
  • If you believe you should not have been charged, contact Delta customer service with your confirmation number and receipt within a reasonable time.

Who does not pay the checked bag fee

Delta waives the first checked bag fee for SkyMiles members at Silver status or higher. Silver is the entry-level elite tier and requires 25,000 miles or 10 may have access to flights in a calendar year. Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Diamond Medallion members also receive the waiver, along with free second bags at higher tiers.

Active duty military, reserve members, and National Guard personnel do not pay checked bag fees on any Delta flight, regardless of frequent flyer status. You will need to show military ID at check-in. Retired military do not receive this waiver.

Passengers holding a Delta SkyMiles American Express card (any tier) receive one free checked bag per person on Delta flights. This benefit applies even if you are not a frequent flyer member, and it covers the cardholder only — traveling companions still pay. The benefit is tied to the card, not the person, so you must present the card at check-in.

First Class and Delta One (international business class) passengers receive free checked bags as part of their ticket. This applies to all passengers in those cabins, regardless of frequent flyer status or credit card membership.

How to pay the fee and when it takes effect

You can pay the checked bag fee at three points: during online booking, within 24 hours of departure through your Delta account, or at the airport. The price is the same regardless of when you pay — $35 for the first bag, $45 for the second.

Paying online before you arrive at the airport does not speed up the fee collection itself, but it does let you print your baggage tag at home or a kiosk, which can reduce time at the counter. If you do not pay in advance, you will pay at the counter or baggage service desk when you check your bag.

The fee takes effect the moment you check the bag. If you change your mind after paying, you can request a refund at the counter before the bag leaves the baggage system — usually within 30 minutes of check-in. After that window, refunds become difficult and may require a call to Delta customer service.

Checked bag fees on international flights

Delta's international pricing is less uniform than domestic. Flights to and from Europe, Asia, and Latin America often include one free checked bag for all passengers, regardless of status or ticket type. However, this varies by specific route and booking class. A flight to London might include a free bag, while a flight to Tokyo might not.

The best way to confirm what you will pay is to check your booking confirmation email or log into your Delta account and look at the "Baggage" section. It will show exactly how many free bags you receive on your specific flight. If it does not list a free bag, the $35 and $45 fees explore.

What to do if you were charged incorrectly

If you believe you should not have been charged — because you hold elite status, a may have access to credit card, or a First Class ticket — contact Delta customer service with your confirmation number and receipt. You can reach them by phone at 1-800-221-1212, through the Delta app, or by visiting a ticket counter at any airport.

Have your booking confirmation and the receipt showing the fee ready. Delta can usually process a refund within one to two business days if the error is confirmed. If you paid at the airport and realize the mistake when ready, ask to speak with a supervisor at the baggage counter — they can often reverse the charge on the spot.

If you paid online and discover the error later, a call to customer service is faster than trying to resolve it through email. Provide the exact date of travel and your confirmation number so the agent can pull up your booking when ready.

Baggage size and weight limits

The checked bag fee covers one bag, but Delta has size and weight restrictions. Each checked bag must not exceed 62 inches (length plus width plus height) and must weigh no more than 50 pounds. A second checked bag must also meet these limits.

If your bag exceeds these dimensions or weight, Delta charges an oversized or overweight fee on top of the standard checked bag fee. Oversized bags (those exceeding 62 inches but under 80 inches) cost an additional $100. Bags over 80 inches or weighing more than 70 pounds are not accepted as checked baggage at all.

Comparing Delta to other airlines

Most major U.S. carriers — United, American, Southwest, and Alaska — charge similar or identical checked bag fees. United and American charge $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second, matching Delta. Southwest includes two free checked bags for all passengers, which is its main baggage advantage. Alaska charges $30 for the first bag and $40 for the second.

Elite frequent flyer status waives fees at all these carriers, though the status thresholds and benefits vary. If you fly the same airline consistently, reaching elite status can eliminate checked bag fees across your entire year of travel. If you fly multiple carriers, the savings from status may not justify the effort unless you travel frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I avoid the fee by packing everything in a carry-on?

Yes, if your luggage fits Delta's carry-on size limits (22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches) and you have space in the overhead bin. However, Delta often gate-checks bags on full flights, and gate-checked bags are treated as checked bags — you will still pay the fee if you have not already paid it online.

Do I pay the fee twice if I have a connecting flight?

No. If you check a bag through to your final destination, you pay once. The bag is tagged all the way through, even if you change planes. If you pick up your bag at a connection and recheck it, that counts as a new check and you may owe another fee.

What if I have a Delta SkyMiles credit card but I am not the one flying?

The cardholder must be the passenger on the flight to receive the free checked bag benefit. If someone else is flying on your ticket, they will pay the fee unless they have their own elite status or military ID. The benefit is not transferable to companions.

Can I get a refund if I paid the fee but did not check a bag?

Yes, but only if you contact Delta before your flight departs. Call customer service or visit the ticket counter and explain that you paid but did not check a bag. They can refund the fee to your original payment method. After your flight departs, refunds become more difficult and may require a formal request.

Do I pay the checked bag fee if I am flying standby?

Yes. Standby passengers pay the same checked bag fees as confirmed passengers. The fee is based on your ticket type and status, not your booking method. If you are a SkyMiles elite member or credit card holder, the waiver still applies.