Delta Airlines Baggage Policy

The main highlights of Delta Airlines’ baggage policy are provided below. Delta Airlines baggage fees are explained thereafter.

1. Checked baggage allowance
   The free checked baggage allowance per Delta Airlines baggage policy varies by route and fare class:
   1. Basic Economy passengers are not entitled to any free checked baggage allowance—they must purchase it. 
   2. Economy Class passengers can carry 1 free checked bag on a few international flights.
   3. Delta One, Delta Premium Select, and First Class passengers are entitled to carry 2 bags on all flights.  
2. The total weight of a checked bag must not exceed:
   1. On Economy Class 50lb/23kg per bag
   2. On Delta One, Premium Select, and First-Class 70lb/32kg per bag
3. The combined linear dimensions of a checked bag should not be more than 158cm/62in.
4. The maximum number of checked bags you can carry—after paying excess baggage fees—is restricted to:
   1. On Delta-operated flights 10 bags
   2. On Delta Connection fights 4 bags 
   3. On flights from/to Key West, Florida 1 bag 
5. If you’re a Delta SkyMiles Medallion member or a Delta SkyMiles® American Express Cardmember, your first standard bag is free. 
6. Carry-on baggage allowance
   1. Per Delta Airlines baggage policy, the free carry-on baggage allowance is:
      1. 1 standard carry-on item (up to 56 x 35 x 23cm/22 x 14 x 9in)
      2. 1 personal item (such as a purse, laptop bag, camera bag, or briefcase)
   2. There’s no weight restriction for carry-on items, except on flights departing from:
      1. Shanghai Pudong International Airport: 22lb/10kg 
      2. Beijing Capital International Airport: 22lb/10kg
      3. Singapore Changi International Airport: 15lb/7kg

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Delta Airlines Carry-on Baggage Allowance

What is Delta Airlines’ hand baggage policy?

Per Delta Airlines hand baggage policy (carry-on baggage policy), you’re allowed to carry 1 standard carry-on bag and 1 personal item such as a laptop bag, diaper bag, etc., for free, as long they fit under your front seat or in the overhead bin. 

You’re also allowed to bring onboard the following additional items for free: an umbrella or a jacket, food or drink items purchased after you clear the security checkpoint, and special assistive items such as a wheelchair, crutches, cane, strollers, and child restraint seats.

Delta Airlines Checked Baggage Policy

Per Delta Airlines’ checked baggage policy, all checked bags must comply with the maximum weight and size requirements, which are: 

• Delta One, Delta Premium Select, and First Class (all routes)
  • 2 free checked bags of up to 70lb/32kg per bag 
• Economy Class (some international destinations)
  • 1 free checked bag of up to 50lb/23kg per bag
• Basic Economy Class
  • No free checked bags 
  • Must be purchased

The maximum linear dimensions of a checked bag must not exceed 158cm/62in. 

Delta Airlines Checked Baggage Fees—Economy Class

What is Delta Airlines flight baggage policy for Economy Class?

According to Delta Airlines flight baggage policy for Basic Economy, Main Cabin, and Delta Comfort+ passengers, the baggage fees on domestic and international flights are route-dependent, as shown in the table below.

Delta Airlines Domestic Baggage Policy

According to Delta Airlines domestic baggage policy for flights within the United States: 

• Passengers travelling on a Basic Economy fare must purchase their baggage allowance for USD 30 and USD 40 for the first and the second bag respectively.  
• Passengers travelling on Delta Premium Select Class are entitled to a free baggage allowance of 2 bags of up to 50lb/23kg each. 
• Passengers travelling on First Class/Delta One Class are entitled to a free baggage allowance of 2 bags of up to 70lb/32kg each. 

SkyMiles Medallion, SkyTeam Elite, and Elite Plus members are entitled to carry 1 additional bag for free. 

Delta Airlines Infant Baggage Policy

What is Delta Airlines’ infant baggage policy?

Infants and children travelling free of charge on Delta don’t have any baggage allowance. If you’re carrying any baggage for your child, it will form a part of the accompanying adult’s baggage allowance. 

Delta Baggage Allowance for Ticketed Infants/Children

What is Delta Airlines baggage allowance for ticketed infants and children?

• If your child is travelling on an international ticket that is 10% of the adult fare, your child is entitled to a baggage allowance of:
  • 1 checked bag up to 20lb/10kg in weight and 114.3cm/45in in combined dimensions 
  • 1 fully collapsible stroller/pushchair (as checked baggage)
• If you’re travelling with a lap infant on a Basic Economy ticket on a transatlantic flight, your child is not entitled to any free baggage allowance.
• If your child is flying on a ticket worth at least 50% of the adult fare, your child is entitled to the standard baggage allowance of the accompanying adult. 

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Delta Airlines Excess Baggage Fees—Additional Bags

What is Delta Airlines’ excess baggage policy/extra baggage policy?

According to Delta Airlines excess baggage policy/extra baggage policy, the baggage fees for excess/additional bags range from USD 100 – 285 per bag depending on your route, as shown in the table below:

Delta Airlines Baggage Fees—Overweight Bags

Delta Airlines baggage fees for overweight bags by destination are as follows:

Delta Airlines Baggage Fees—Oversized Baggage

What is Delta Airlines’ oversize baggage policy?

According to Delta Airlines’ oversize baggage policy, most bags exceeding 158cm/62in in combined linear dimensions will be considered oversized. The oversized baggage fees are route-dependent and are charged in addition to the standard, overweight, and excess baggage fee. However, bags exceeding 203cm/160cm in combined linear dimensions will not be accepted.

Delta Airlines Baggage Allowance for Unticketed Infants and Children

Children travelling without a ticket are not entitled to any baggage allowance. This means you must carry your child’s baggage within your baggage allowance. However, they are entitled to a bassinet, an infant/booster seat, and a breast pump, and an associated cooler bag.

Delta Airlines Baggage Allowance for Ticketed Infants and Children

• Children travelling on international flights (at 10% of the accompanying adult fare) are entitled to a free baggage allowance of 1 checked bag not exceeding 22lb/10kg in weight and 45in in combined dimensions (L + W + H) inches, plus 1 fully collapsible push-chair or stroller which must be checked in.
• Lap infants travelling on Transatlantic (TATL) Basic Economy fares are not entitled to any free checked baggage allowance. 
• Children travelling on tickets equaling or exceeding 50% of the adult fare are entitled to the standard baggage allowance of the accompanying adult. 

Delta Airlines Additional Baggage Allowance—Sky Miles and Sky Team Members

• Sky Miles Medallion, Sky Team Elite, and Elite Plus Members are allowed to travel with 1 additional bag free of charge if traveling on Comfort+, Main Cabin, or Basic Economy Class fares between the United States/Canada and any international destination. This applies for up to 8 travel companions travelling on the member’s reservation (with the member) but does not apply to flights departing from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). 

• Silver Medallion members holding a Sky Miles American Express credit card are entitled to a second free bag (i.e., up to 2 free bags not exceeding 70lb/32kg each) for flights within the United States and Canada. This applies to up to 8 travel companions travelling on the member’s reservation with the member.

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Delta Airlines Baggage Policy for Military Personnel

Delta Airlines Additional Baggage Allowance—Active-Duty Military Personnel

Per Delta Airlines military baggage policy, military personnel travelling on active duty or personal travel are entitled to the following free baggage allowance:

Travel Class	On Military Orders	On Personal Travel
Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Delta Comfort	5 bags x 100lb/45kg each80in per bag (L + W + H)	2 bags x 50lb/23kg each80in per bag (L + W + H)
First Class, Delta Premium Select, Delta One	5 bags x 100lb/45kg each80in per bag (L + W + H)	3 bags x 70lb/32kg each62in per bag (L + W + H)

Purchasing Additional Baggage on Delta Airlines

You can buy additional baggage starting 24 hours before departure when online check-in starts. 

Under the Delta Airlines baggage policy, you can pay your baggage fee: 

• Online via My Trips
• Via the mobile app (Fly Delta)
• At the airport

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Delta Airlines Sports Baggage Policy

Per Delta Airlines’ sports baggage policy: 

• You can travel with most sporting equipment on your trip, subject to the standard checked baggage fees applicable to your cabin class, travel region, and baggage allowance. 
• Sports baggage is subject to overweight baggage fees on equipment exceeding 50lb/23kg. Sports baggage is also subject to excess baggage fees and oversized baggage fees. 
• All sporting equipment must be packed in protective containers specifically designed for it.

• Normal baggage allowance and handling fees will apply to any sporting equipment not mentioned below. 
• Sporting equipment exceeding 292cm/115cm in linear dimensions (L + W + H) or 100lb/45kg will not be accepted. 
• The sports fee will be charged in the currency applicable to the exit airport. 

Delta Airlines Sporting Equipment Guidelines

The following sporting equipment can be carried as per the weight, size, and other restrictions laid out under the Delta Airlines baggage policy for sporting equipment:

• Antlers
  • Subject to standard baggage allowance that applies to the travel class and region. 
  • Antlers exceeding 50lb/23kg will be charged an overweight baggage fee. 
  • Items exceeding the baggage allowance will be subject to excess or overweight baggage fees. 
  • Restrictions
  • The tips must be protected, skull wrapped securely, and free of residue. 
  • Items exceeding 292cm/115in in linear dimensions (L + W + H) will not be accepted. 
  • Will be permitted on Delta Connection flights subject to space availability.
• Archery Equipment
  • Subject to standard baggage allowance that applies to the travel class and region. 
  • Accepted only as checked baggage. 
  • Items exceeding 50lb/23kg will be charged an overweight baggage fee. 
  • Must be securely packed in a container designed specifically for it. 
• Restrictions
• Items exceeding 292cm/115in in linear dimensions (L + W + H) will not be accepted. 
• Items exceeding the baggage allowance will be subject to excess or overweight baggage fees. 
• Bicycles
  • Includes non-motorized, single-seat racing or touring bicycles.
  • Accepted only as checked baggage on most flights, except on Delta Connection flights. 
  • Subject to standard baggage allowance that applies to the travel class and region. 
  • Bicycles exceeding 50lb/23kg will be charged an overweight baggage fee. 
• Restrictions
• Items exceeding 292cm/115in in linear dimensions (L + W + H) will not be accepted. 
• Items exceeding the baggage allowance will be subject to excess or overweight baggage fees. 
• Must be securely packed in a container designed specifically for bicycles. 
• Subject to a signed limited liability release form by the passenger if the bicycle is not properly packed, but not if properly packed in a hard-shell case specifically designed for the purpose.
• Delta will not accept any liability for damage due to overpacking. 
• Boogie/Skim Boards
  • Subject to standard baggage allowance that applies to the travel class and region. 
  • Boogie/skim boards exceeding 50lb/23kg will be charged an overweight baggage fee. 
• Restrictions
• Items exceeding 292cm/115in in linear dimensions (L + W + H) will not be accepted. 
• Items exceeding the baggage allowance will be subject to excess or overweight baggage fees. 
• Canoes/Kayaks
  • Only folding kayaks are accepted—canoes and kayaks are not allowed.
    Fees per folding kayak
  • Subject to standard baggage allowance that applies to the travel class and region. 
• Restrictions
• Items exceeding 292cm/115in in linear dimensions (L + W + H) will not be accepted. 
• Items exceeding the baggage allowance will be subject to excess or overweight baggage fees. 
• Subject to a signed limited liability release form by the passenger.
• Fishing Equipment
  • Items exceeding 292cm/115in in linear dimensions (L + W + H) will not be accepted. 
  • Accepted only as checked baggage if packed securely. 
  • Fishing poles can be brought in the cabin as standard carry-on items if not exceeding 22 x 14 x 9in in size.
  • Fishing equipment exceeding 50lb/23kg will be charged an overweight baggage fee. 
  • Subject to standard baggage allowance that applies to the travel class and region. 
• Restrictions
• Items exceeding 292cm/115in in linear dimensions (L + W + H) will not be accepted. 
• Items exceeding the baggage allowance will be subject to excess or overweight baggage fees. 
• Golf Equipment
  • Only 1 golf bag per passenger is allowed as a standard checked baggage item. 
  • The equipment must be packed securely and must meet the weight and size requirements. 
  • Subject to standard baggage allowance that applies to the travel class and region. 
  • Golf Bag Requirements—As Checked Baggage

• Includes 1 golf bag, 1 set of golf clubs, golf balls and tees, and 1 pair of golf shoes 
• Golf bags exceeding 50lb/23kg will be charged an overweight baggage fee. 
• Golf bags exceeding 292cm/115in in linear dimensions (L + W + H) will not be accepted. 
• Golf bags exceeding the baggage allowance will incur additional or overweight baggage fees.
• Golf clubs must be packed in a hard-shell case; if packed in a soft-sided golf bag, a limited release form must be signed. 
• Hockey & Lacrosse Equipment
  • Accepted only as checked baggage only. 
  • Can include 1 equipment bag comprising 2 hockey/lacrosse sticks taped together. 
  • Items exceeding 50lb/23kg will be charged an overweight baggage fee. 
  • Subject to standard baggage allowance that applies to the travel class and region. 
  • Hockey and lacrosse equipment exceeding 292cm/115in in linear dimensions (L + W + H) will not be accepted. 
  • Hockey and lacrosse equipment exceeding the baggage allowance will incur additional or overweight baggage fees.
• Javelins
  • Accepted as checked baggage except on flights from/to/via Amsterdam or Dublin.
  • The javelin’s length must not exceed 120in.
  • Subject to standard baggage allowance that applies to the travel class and region. 
  • Javelin equipment exceeding 50lb/23kg will be charged an overweight baggage fee. 
  • Javelin equipment exceeding 305cm/120in in linear dimensions (L + W + H) will not be accepted. 
  • Items exceeding the baggage allowance will be subject to excess or overweight baggage fees. 
• Kiteboards
  • Subject to standard baggage allowance that applies to the travel class and region. 
  • Not accepted on ExpressJet flights; could be limited on Delta Connection or regional carriers.
  • Kiteboards exceeding 50lb/23kg will be charged an overweight baggage fee. 
  • Kiteboards exceeding 292cm/115in in linear dimensions (L + W + H) will not be accepted. 
  • Items exceeding the baggage allowance will be subject to excess or overweight baggage fees. 
• Kneeboards/Wakeboards
  • Subject to standard baggage allowance that applies to the travel class and region. 
  • Kneeboards and wakeboards exceeding 50lb/23kg will be charged an overweight baggage fee. 
  • Kneeboards and wakeboards exceeding 292cm/115in in linear dimensions (L + W + H) will not be accepted. 
  • Items exceeding the baggage allowance will be subject to excess or overweight baggage fees. 
  • Must be securely packed in a container designed specifically for it. 
• Parachutes
  • Sports parachutes will be accepted only as carry-on baggage items. 
  • Must not contain any restricted or prohibited item, such as pressurized oxygen cylinders. 
  • Subject to standard baggage allowance that applies to the travel class and region. 
• Scuba Equipment
  • Includes 1 dive bag comprising scuba equipment but not an empty dive tank. 
  • Empty dive tank must be checked in and must not exceed 100lb/46kg or 292cm/115in in linear dimensions (L + W + H).
  • Subject to standard baggage allowance that applies to the travel class and region. 
  • Scuba equipment exceeding 50lb/23kg will be charged an overweight baggage fee. 
  • Scuba equipment exceeding the baggage allowance will be subject to excess or overweight baggage fees. 
  • The scuba equipment’s outside linear dimensions should not be more than 292cm/115in or they will not be accepted. 
• Shooting Equipment
  • Shooting equipment is allowed as checked baggage only. 
  • The firearm must be declared to a Delta representative and security personnel before the check-in counter. 
  • The firearm must be presented (unloaded) along with a signed Firearms Unloaded declaration.
  • Must be securely packed and locked in a hard-sided container/gun case specifically designed for it. Handguns must be locked and packed in a hard-sided gun case, and thereafter inside a soft-sided bag (unlocked), along with a Conditional Acceptance Tag.
  • Must carry destination/transit country’s entry permits with you.
  • Ammunition must either be packed securely in the original manufacturer’s packaging or a wooden/metal/fiber box with a separate section for cartridges.
  • Must comply with all federal, state, and local laws on the possession and transportation of firearms. For details, refer to the TSA website.
  • The carriage of firearms to the United Kingdom requires a permit. 
  • Passengers flying out of Brussels are not permitted to carry weapons (incl. hunting, sporting, toy, or antique rifles in checked bags.
  • The passenger must be an adult, i.e., 18 years or older. 
  • Checked firearms must be collected from the Baggage Service Office after arriving at the final destination. 
  • The following types of ammunition are prohibited:
• Gun powder such as Black Powder or Pyrodex.
• Ammunition with incendiary or explosive projectiles.
• Ammunition exceeding 11lb/5kg (incl. case) per passenger.
• Pistols and pistol accessories must be packed in one case and can include a small tool case, noise suppressors, telescopes, and up to 11lb/5kg of ammunition (incl. case).
• Rifles and shotguns must be packaged as follows:
• 1 hard-sided case comprising not more than 4 shotguns, rifles, tools, and shooting materials.
• The case must be lockable and locked, and designed to prevent the firearm from unauthorized access. 
• Cases that can be opened easily will not be accepted. 
• One hard-sided case comprising not more than 5 handguns, tools, and 1 scope. 
• 1 sturdy container/case comprising 1 bow, quiver of arrows, and a maintenance kit.
• Up to 11lb/5kg of ammunition (incl. case).

If checking in more than 1 gun case, additional charges will apply.

• Skateboards
  • Can be carried as checked or carry-on baggage items. 
  • Subject to standard baggage allowance that applies to the travel class and region. 
  • Must be packed in a bag if carried as a checked baggage item.
  • Skateboards exceeding 50lb/23kg will be charged an overweight baggage fee. 
  • Skateboards exceeding the baggage allowance will be subject to excess or overweight baggage fees. 
  • The outside linear dimensions (L + W + H) must not exceed 292cm/115in or they will not be accepted. 
• Ski/Snowboard
  • Allowed as checked baggage. 
  • 1 item includes 1 ski/pole bag, 1 snowboard bag, 1 boot bag per passenger.
  • Subject to standard baggage allowance that applies to the travel class and region.
  • If the total weight exceeds 50lb/23kg, overweight baggage fees will be charged. 
  • The outside linear dimensions (L + W + H) must not exceed 292cm/115in or the ski/snowboard will not be accepted. 
  • Items exceeding the baggage allowance will be charged an additional or overweight baggage fee.
• Surfboards
  • Includes up to 2 boards per bag. 
  • Subject to standard baggage allowance that applies to the travel class and region.
  • If the total weight exceeds 50lb/23kg, overweight baggage fees will be charged. 
  • The outside linear dimensions (L + W + H) must not exceed 292cm/115in or the surfboard will not be accepted. 
  • Items exceeding the baggage allowance will be charged an additional or overweight baggage fee.
  • Surfboards exceeding 72in in length will not be accepted on Delta Connection flights, and the terms and conditions may vary. 
• Vaulting Poles
  • Vaulting poles are not permitted either as checked baggage or cargo on any Delta or Delta Connection flight. 
• Windsurfing Boards
  • Subject to standard baggage allowance that applies to the travel class and region. Windsurfing boards exceeding 50lb/23kg will be charged an overweight baggage fee. 
  • The outside linear dimensions (L + W + H) must not exceed 292cm/115in or it will not be accepted.
  • Items exceeding the baggage allowance will incur additional or overweight baggage fees
  • Up to 2 boards are allowed per bag. 
  • Will not be accepted on Delta Connection flights or MD-88 aircraft.
  • Contact Delta Reservations for more information

Special Baggage Items

Per the Delta Airlines baggage policy, special items (see below) must be declared to a Delta Gate Agent. Special Baggage items refer to:

• Uniquely sized or shaped bags. 
• Bags containing items that require extra attention and care.
• Bags that weigh more than 50lb/23kg or more than 158cm/62in in size (L + W + H).
• Equipment for medical assistance, children’s articles, musical instruments, or sporting gear. 

Special Baggage items include:

• Items for children and infants
  • Child safety seats
  • Strollers and car seats
  • Other carry-on baby items such as:
    • Infant or booster seat 
    • Bassinet
    • Breast pump with cooler bag
• Bulky, fragile, and similar items 
  • Can include valuable items such as cash, bonds, and securities, jewelry, works of art, medication, hearing aids, etc. which cannot be easily replaced. 
  • Other examples include Christmas trees, computers, cremated remains, fragile/limited liability release items, media bags, TV sets, wines, etc.
  • Should not be carried in checked bags.
  • May require a Limited Liability Waiver. 
  • May be carried on a paid passenger seat.
    • Must not exceed 100lb/45kg.
    • Must not obstruct access to emergency exits, aisle, or cabin.
    • Must not block any passenger’s view of aircraft signage, such as No Smoking, Seatbelt On/Off, etc. 
    • Must not contain non-permissible items. 
    • Must be capable of being secured with a seatbelt. 
    • Must be securely packed to avoid injury to other passengers. 
  • Must be secured on a seat (preferably) adjacent to the owner. 
• Wheelchairs and medical supplies 
  • Breathing apparatus for emergency rescue services must not exceed 150lb/68kg and must be booked at least 24 hours before departure.
  • Wheelchairs must be booked no less than 2 days (48 hours) in advance. 
  • Battery-operated wheelchairs must comply with carrier requirements. Before travel, you must fill out a Wheelchair Handling Form. 
  • Medications must be carried as carry-on items.
• Musical instruments
  • Are accepted in the cabin or as checked baggage, as well as on a paid seat. 
  • When carried as checked baggage, the total linear dimensions (L + W + H) must not exceed 381cm/150cm and 165lb/75kg. Musical instruments larger than 200cm/78.74in will not be accepted on 767-300 flights to/from Tokyo-Narita, Japan.
  • If carried on a paid seat, the following conditions must be met:
    • Must not:
      • Exceed 165lb/75kg in weight.
      • Block anyone’s path.
      • Obstruct the view of the signage inside the aircraft.
    • Must:
      • Be safely packed for damage protection and injury to others. 
      • Be secured on a seat (preferably) adjacent to the owner. 
      • Be secured with a seatbelt. 
• Perishable items and imported merchandise
  • Perishable items include fresh/frozen foods, incl. vegetables, fruits, fish, meats, baking or poultry products; flowers and floral displays; plants, etc.
  • Imported items include commercial or professional equipment such as equipment for the press, advertising, machinery repair, surgical or electrical equipment, articles for fairs and exhibitions, etc.
• Sporting equipment  
  • Most sporting equipment is permitted and subject to the standard checked baggage fees applicable to your cabin class, travel region, and baggage allowance. 
  • Sports equipment is subject to overweight baggage fees if it exceeds 50lb/23kg in weight. 
  • Sports baggage exceeding the baggage allowance will be subject to excess baggage fees and oversized baggage fees. 
  • All sporting equipment must be packed in protective containers specifically designed for it.
  • Sporting equipment exceeding 292cm/115cm in linear dimensions (L + W + H) or 100lb/45kg will not be accepted. 

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Special Baggage Booking

Passengers travelling with special baggage items like wheelchairs, etc., must book a minimum of 48 hours in advance. The booking can be made online via Delta.com (My Trips), or by phone (800-984-8935). 

Medical Devices—Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs)

If you’re carrying a Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) that you intend to use onboard, remember the following:

• Your POC must be FAA-approved. 
• Bring your own batteries to power your POC. 
• The batteries should be sufficiently charged to last for at least 1.5 times your trip duration. 
• Seek advance approval from Airlines a minimum of 48 hours before departure:
  • Fill out the POC Approval and Battery Approval Request. 
  • Fax or email it to OxygenToGo and await approval. 
• Bring the approval form with you.

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How to Pay Delta Airlines Baggage Fees?

Per the Delta Airlines baggage policy, you can pay your baggage fee either at the time of booking or later when check-in starts, i.e., 24 hours before your flight’s departure. This can be done online My Trips, through the mobile app (Fly Delta), or physically at the airport.

Delta Airlines Musical Instruments Policy

Delta Airlines allows you to travel with musical instruments as part of your baggage allowance, as well as by purchasing a seat for it. However, you must ensure that you comply with the Delta Airlines musical instruments policy.

1. As Part of Your Checked Baggage Allowance
   Musical instruments can be carried as part of your baggage allowance. If the weight or size of your musical instrument exceeds your checked baggage allowance, you will be charged per the prevailing baggage fee. Remember, your musical instrument not exceed the following limits:

• Max. Weight 165lb/75kg
• Max. Dimensions (L + W + H) 381cm/150in

Note. Musical instruments longer than 200cm/78.74in will not be accepted as checked baggage on 767-300 flights to/from Tokyo-Narita Japan.

2. Musical Instrument as Carry-on Baggage
   Small musical instruments such as flutes and violins can be brought as cabin baggage items, subject to space availability at the time of boarding. The approved baggage size for carry-on items on Delta Airlines is 56 x 35 x 23cm (22 x 14 x 9in).  However, different conditions may apply on codeshare flights and flights to/from the United Kingdom.

3. Musical Instrument as Special Baggage

Musical instruments that are too large to fit as cabin baggage items or too fragile to be checked in can be carried as Special Baggage items on a paid seat. Remember, you must make advance reservations and comply with the following conditions:

• Must not exceed 165lb/75kg in weight.
• The combined linear dimensions should not be more than 381cm/150cm. However, on 767-300 flights to/from Tokyo-Narita, Japan, musical instruments must not be larger than 200cm/78.74in.
• Must be securely covered/packed to avoid injury to other passengers. 
• Must be safely secured with a seatbelt, preferably on a seat next to the passenger. 
• Must not block any passenger’s path or view of signage inside the aircraft.

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How to Handle Baggage Problems on Delta Airlines?

Delta Airlines delayed baggage policy | Lost baggage policy | Damaged baggage policy

If you lose your baggage while travelling on Delta, or find it damaged upon arrival, you should immediately notify Delta’s Baggage Service Center. 

• You will be asked to submit a claim along with supporting documentation. After you submit the claim, you will be given an 8-10-digit file reference code for tracking your bag or taking further action. 
• Make sure you save the baggage claim tags that you received before departure, as you will need to produce them when you receive your baggage.

Note. If your checked baggage is delayed by more than 12 hours after you reported it, you may get a rebate. To apply for the rebate, you will need to fill out and submit the Start Delayed Bag Rebate Form.

What to Do If You Lose an Unchecked Item?

What is Delta Airlines lost baggage policy for unchecked items?

If you lose a carry-on item on a Delta flight, you must report the unchecked item by filling out the lost item form. If you left an item at the TSA security checkpoint, call the TSA at 866-289-9673.

Missing Items from Checked Baggage

What is Delta Airlines lost baggage policy for missing checked baggage items? 

If something is missing from your checked baggage, you must report the missing item immediately to a Delta personnel at 800-325-8224, 404-209-3043, or the toll-free number in your area. You must report the missing item(s) within 24 hours for domestic flights and within 7 days for international flights. After you report the loss, you will be provided a reference number which you will need to fill out and submit the claim form by selecting Damage/missing property claim no more than 30 days from reporting date. 

Delta Airlines Baggage Tracker

You can use Delta Airlines’ baggage tracker (an online tracking tool) to trace your baggage online via this link. Alternatively, you can call 800-325-8224, 404-209-3043, or the toll-free number in your area. 

Seeking Reimbursement
How to claim reimbursement for a missing bag on Delta Airlines 

If your baggage was delayed and you had to incur expenses as a result, you are entitled to claim reimbursement from Delta. 

Expense reimbursements

• The expenses are typically USD 50 per day for the first 5 days after the delay.
• The reimbursements will be adjusted against the final claim if the bag cannot be located. 
• To claim reimbursement, you must have submitted the baggage claim form. 
• You must present actual receipts for the expenses incurred by you during the delay of your baggage. 

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How to Submit a Claim with Delta Airlines?

To submit a claim for your missing or delayed bag on Delta:

1. Fill out and submit the baggage claim form.
2. After filling out your name and file reference number, select the Out of Pocket Expense option for filling out the incidental expenses incurred by you during the delay period.
3. Upload the expense receipts when submitting the form. 

Delta’s Liability 

If your bag is lost, delayed, or damaged on Delta, the airline’s liability is limited to:

• Domestic flights—USD 3,500 per ticketed passenger.
• International flights governed by the Warsaw Convention—USD 9.07 per pound up to USD 640 per bag.
• International flights governed by the Montreal Convention—1,288 SDR for one passenger.

List of Prohibited Items on Delta 

The list of prohibited items on Delta Airlines includes:

• Aerosol products, such as anti-static sprays, cooking sprays, etc.
• Bleaches, pesticides, drain cleaners, etc.
• Fireworks and explosives.
• Gunpowder such as Pyrodex, mace pepper sprays, bear deterrents, black powder, etc.
• Blue flame lighters/torch, and lighter refills (all).
• Fuels, such as gasoline, Sterno cans, etc.
• Paints, lubricants, stains, etc.
• Strike-anywhere matches. 
• Meals Ready to Eat (MREs). 
• Balance gliders, hoverboards, self-balancing boards, motorized riding suitcases operated by lithium/lithium-ion batteries. 
• Items containing refrigerants, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, etc.

Restricted Items

The following items are subject to restrictions and can only be carried under specific conditions. If traveling with such items, be sure to check Delta’s baggage policies on how to carry them.

• Explosives, Ammunition, Firearms, etc.
• Certain Types of Foods and Alcohol Items
• Fuel- or Battery-Powered Items 
• Certain Medical and Personal Care Items
• Robotic, Machine, Household Items, etc.
• Sporting & Leisure Goods
• Tobacco, E-Cigarettes, and Marijuana
• Recalled lithium batteries and devices, as listed on www.cpsc.gov/recalls 
• < 70% alcoholic beverages by volume

Food and Alcohol 

• Alcohol or Liquor
  • Allowed in checked baggage or when purchased after the security checkpoint, subject to the following conditions:
    • The total alcohol content must not exceed 140 proof.
    • Max. 5 liters/passenger is permitted if the alcohol content is 48–140 proof.
    • If the alcohol content is under 48 proof, it is also permitted. 
    • Must be in original retail packaging (unopened).
    • If purchased before the security checkpoint, the normal security rules for carry-on or checked baggage will apply. 
• Food Items
  • MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) are neither permitted in carry-on or checked baggage. 

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Frequently Asked Questions on Delta Airlines Baggage Policy, Fees

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