Delta Airlines allows every flyer to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board, as long as they meet the Carry-On Baggage Size Limit. There may be differences in terms of size, weight, and dimensions. This service is provided free of charge. However, to ensure a smooth boarding experience, one should meet Delta’s specific baggage size and weight limits.
Delta Carry-On Baggage Allowance
In terms of baggage allowance, there are specific limits set by Delta Airlines. These limits are set to balance passengers’ convenience with safety.
- As of now, each passenger traveling with Delta may bring these belongings:
- 1 carry-on bag
- 1 personal item
- The carry-on baggage must fit in the overhead bin.
- However, the personal bag must fit under the seat in front of the passenger.
- Regardless of the ticket type or destination, both can be carried free of charge.
- Nonetheless, these must comply with FAA and TSA safety standards.
Delta Airlines Carry-On Baggage Size Limit
The carry-on size policy by Delta ensures every traveler can store his/her bag safely in the overhead bin. However, a passenger must meet the airline’s approved dimensions to comply with FAA regulations and fit easily in cabin storage.
- The carry-on bag must not exceed the given size limits:
- 22 inches (length) × 14 inches (width) × 9 inches (height)
- Or 56 cm × 35 cm × 23 cm
- These dimensions are inclusive of handles and wheels.
- The combined total must stay within 45 linear inches (114 cm).
- Some examples of approved carry-on bags are:
- Cabin suitcase or small roller bag
- Travel duffel or weekender bag
- Convertible backpack within size limits
- If the bag fits comfortably in the overhead compartment, it qualifies as carry-on baggage.
- However, size checks are available at Delta check-in counters and boarding gates.
- These help passengers verify bag compliance before boarding.
Personal Item Policy by Delta Airlines
In addition to the main carry-on, a Delta flyer may also bring one personal item. It should be smaller and designed to fit entirely beneath the seat in front of the flyers. This rule offers flexibility for business travelers and families. They have to carry laptops, baby essentials, or small tech bags.
Some of the approved personal items are:
- Purse
- Handbag
- Shoulder bag
- Laptop bag
- Briefcase
- Small backpack
- Camera bag
- Diaper bag
- Belt pack
Size and Space Differences for Delta Connection Flights
On connecting flights operated by Delta or regional partners, there are specific rules set by the carrier. For aircraft having 50 seats or fewer, the overhead bins are too small for standard carry-ons.
- Only personal items are allowed in the cabin.
- Larger bags are gate-checked free of charge.
- These bags are tagged with a pink Gate Claim/Planeside tag.
- And they are returned at the aircraft door after landing.
- Assistive devices are always allowed onboard without counting toward the item limit.
- They are not counted as part of the baggage allowance.
- These include:
- Wheelchairs
- Canes
- Crutches
- Mobility scooters
- However, these baggage and gate-check procedures are terminal-specific.
- It means these policies and processes may differ based on the airport’s layout and available space.
- For instance, at LAX Airport’s Terminal for Delta, there may be a huge passenger volume.
- Hence, the process may vary.
- While at the BOS Airport’s Delta Terminal, smooth operations are done with fewer boarding zones.
Weight Restrictions on Carry-Ons
For most Delta routes, there is no official weight limit for carry-on baggage. However, passengers must be able to lift their bags into the overhead compartment without the assistance of flight attendants.
- There is an exception for travelers who need mobility support.
- Some international routes may have specific carry-on weight limits.
- The same applies to partner-operated flights
- Hence, always confirm when checking in or reviewing the booking details.
TSA Rules for Liquids, Gels, and Aerosols
Delta strictly adheres to the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule. These are inclusive of:
- Each liquid, gel, or aerosol container must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less.
- All containers must fit inside one clear, quart-size zip-top bag.
- Only one bag per passenger is allowed through security.
- Common examples are:
- Shampoo
- Lotion
- Toothpaste
- Hair spray
- Perfume
- However, there are some exceptions as well, including:
- Prescription medications
- Baby formula
- Breast milk or juice for infants
- Medically necessary liquids (subject to separate screening)
- Flyers should pack larger containers in checked luggage to avoid confiscation.
Free Items One May Bring in Addition
Some items do not count toward the carry-on or personal item allowance on Delta Air Lines.
- These can be brought on board freely.
- A jacket or coat
- Umbrella
- Food or beverages purchased after security
- Duty-free items sealed by airport vendors
- Medical or mobility aids, such as:
- Wheelchairs
- Walkers
- Cruthces
- Oxygen concentrators
- Child safety seats or strollers
- Flight attendants may assist with packing/loading bulkier approved items like:
- Child seats
- Wheelchairs
Prohibited Comfort and Personal Devices
Certain comfort and personal devices are not allowed on board to ensure passenger safety and cabin efficiency. Hence, it is advised to check airline policies before packing or using such devices during the flight.
- For safety and cabin comfort, Delta bans any devices or accessories that:
- Block aisles or exits
- Attach to aircraft seats, windows, or tray tables
- Extend into another passenger’s space
- Contain non-compliant lithium batteries
- Some specifically prohibited items are:
- Inflatable travel beds or footrests
- Seat recline blockers (knee defenders)
- Portable hammocks or slings
- Pods or tents that enclose seating space
- Window/tray table organizers
- Still, a few items are allowed, including:
- Compact comfort items like neck pillows
- Travel blankets
- Collapsible cushions, only if stored under the seat during landing or take-off
Winding up, Delta Airlines allows each flyer to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item free of charge. Both items must comply with the carrier’s baggage policies, FAA safety standards, and TSA regulations. Adhering to these rules ensures a smooth boarding process.
FAQs
Delta allows one carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger, both free of charge.
One can bring one carry-on and one personal item onboard at no extra cost.
No, there is no weight limit for carry-on luggage, but one must lift his/her bag into the overhead bin themselves.
Yes, if one is counted as carry-on and the other as a personal item, both can be carried on a Delta flight.
Yes, one can carry their duty-free on international flights. However, a passenger should keep them sealed in the bag given by the store. If they change planes in a country that does not accept these sealed bags, put the items in the checked luggage to avoid having them taken away.
If your bag is too large or the overhead bins are full, Delta will check it at the gate for free. You will get a pink Gate claim tag to track it, and it will be returned to you at the baggage claim after landing.
