What is Delta International Flight Baggage and what fees apply today?
- Aviiago USA
- 3 hours ago
- 9 min read
Imagine arriving at the Delta airport only to discover additional charges on a particular route that you are flying. The airline has separate baggage rules and fees depending on the individual route, which might vary by destination and ticketing date. That is why checking Delta International flight baggage rules and charges is important.
You are not alone if you are looking for fees for additional extra weight to your luggage. There’s a better way to deal with this situation. Read the full guide to learn what fees may apply in your specific fare condition, what limits matter for carry-on & checked luggage, and how you can plan your trip with cost-effective booking.
Wondering how your Delta airfare costs you extra money during check-in? Call +1-844-584-7422 to speak with our travel agents to review your itinerary and help you make a more informed booking decision.
What is Delta International Flight Baggage Policy?
Delta international flight baggage policy includes carry-on and personal bag one each for free for all its customers irrespective of their fare type. Not all fare types include free checked bags except Main Cabin and Premium Select bookings. These passengers are permitted up to 50 lbs/23 kg of luggage weight on Delta flights, while Delta One and First Class can pack checked luggage of 32 kg max for free, each two of them.
The standard checked baggage dimensions accepted on Delta are 62 linear inches (157 cm) for all cabin type bookings. The baggage rules applicable on a Delta reservation depend on the individual destination, ticketing date, fare type, Medallion status, and eligible Delta SkyMiles Card benefits. Baggage allowances on Delta vary for specific routes outside the US; it's important that you check your fare conditions before packing for the trip.
Note: The baggage fees are waived for Elite status travelers, SkyMiles card holders, and active military travelers with generous free baggage allowances up to 70–100 lbs.
Special luggage rules on Delta International
Several special items that are accepted as luggage on Delta International flights are given below:
Mobility aids: Delta allows walkers, prosthetic devices, crutches, and mobility aids carried by passengers on the international route.
Infant Items: In addition to the standard luggage, several children/ infant items like strollers, car seats, and bassinets are allowed for free on Delta international flights.
Fragile items: Special artwork or antique items that are valuable require proper packing to be carried on a Delta international flight.
Medical equipment: Items like wheelchairs, assistive devices, or CPAP machines are permitted on board as additional luggage for no extra cost.
Sports equipment: Items such as bicycles, golf bags, skis, snowboards, or surfboards can be checked as Delta international baggage. But overweight sports equipment over 50 lbs incurs fees.
Media Bags: Special rates apply for media bags of $70-$75 with approved weight and quantity.
Musical Instruments: Small musical items are allowed in the cabin as carry-on that fit in an overhead bin, like violins, keyboards, or guitars. At the same time, fragile musical instruments must be packed well and brought in a separate seat.
How much Delta Baggage Allowance for international routes?
Delta Airlines baggage allowances for international routes vary by the traveler’s specific destination, cabin class, and elite status. While premium tier passengers generally get free checked luggage included in their booking, economy passengers may or may not get free checked luggage depending on the fare type, whether it's a Basic Economy or Main Cabin ticket.
On long-haul Delta flights, passengers in Main Cabin and Comfort+ bookings receive 1 free checked bag, while other fare passengers like First Class, Premium Select, and Delta One receive two free checked bags. Basic Economy passengers flying for international routes vary by individual destination, charging fee for the first bag. You can check the exact fees applicable on your trip using the Delta Baggage Fee Estimator Tool.
Carry-on Baggage Allowance
Personal items like a laptop bag, a small backpack, or a handbag are allowed in small sizes that fit under the seat in the front row of the traveler.
One standard carry-on and one personal item are permitted, charge-free.
Carry-on items should be 22' x 14' x 9' in, and if exceeded, checked at the gate.
Checked Baggage Allowance
On several international long-haul routes (like Asia), Delta permits 2 free bags, including for economy fare as well.
Delta international flight baggage allowance: the standard bag weight limit for economy passengers is 50 lbs (23 kg), and for Premium cabin is 70 lbs (32 kg).
Two checked bags are included for free in premium cabins (Delta One, Premium Select).
Delta Basic Economy fares for international routes permit limited or no free checked baggage based on different routes.
On most economy tickets, one checked bag is free of charge.
Bags exceeding the weight/ size limit, overweight/oversized, or extra luggage are subject to additional charges. Visit us for details.
Delta International Flight Baggage vs Domestic Flight Baggage Allowance
Delta Airlines charges a flat fee of $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second bag on standard Main Cabin and Basic Economy bookings. Here is a comprehensive comparison between international and domestic Delta flights:
Attributes | International | Domestic |
Carry-on | 1 Bag + 1 Personal Item (Weight limit applies to some regions) | 1 Bag + 1 Personal Item (No weight limit applies) |
1st Checked Bag | Free (for most long-haul routes) | $35 |
2nd Checked Bag | Free (Or Lower Prices) | $45 |
3rd Checked Bag | $200+ (varies by route) | $150+ |
Size Limit | 62 in | 62 in |
Medallion | Free (higher weight limit allowed) | First 3 bags free (depending on status) |
Weight Limit | Economy: 50 lbs Premium: 70 lbs | Economy: 50 lbs Premium: 70 lbs |
How much Delta baggage fee applies for international flights today?
Delta passengers flying on long-haul international routes generally get a free first checked bag on Main Cabin and higher-class bookings. Basic Economy passengers or travelers on select regional international routes may be required to pay between $60 and $75 each way for the first bag. Learn about the baggage charge applied for different routes today for fare types of Delta flights in the table below:
Route | Basic Economy (First Bag) | Main/ Comfort (First Bag) | Second Baggage (& more) |
Europe | $60 - $75 | Free ($75 in some regions) | $100 |
Australia | Free to $75 | Free | $100 |
South America | $45- $70 | Free ($70 in some regions) | $60-$100 |
Asia | Free | Free | Free ($100 in some regions) |
Canada/ Mexico | $45 | $55 | $45 |
Caribbean/ Central America | $45 | $55 | $55 |
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What is Delta International Extra Baggage Fee?
Delta passengers traveling with the Main Cabin/Economy fare carrying one checked bag are fee-free on long-haul routes and pay $45–$75 on short-haul flights. The second bag generally costs $55 to $100 for Delta passengers. For extra or third-party checked bags, passengers are generally required to pay $150 and $285 each way, depending on the specific destination route. Learn about the overweight or oversized bags fee from the table below:
Overweight Baggage Fee
Routes | 51-70 lbs | 71-100 lbs |
Canada to Mexico, Caribbean, Central/ South A. | $100 | $200 |
Asia to All routes | $100 | Not Applicable |
Canada to Europe/ North Africa | $100 | $200 |
North America to Honduras/ El Salvador (SAL) | $150 | Not Available |
Oversize Baggage Fee
Routes | 63-80 Linear Inches |
North A. To Africa | $175 |
Canada to Mexico, Caribbean, Central/ South America | $150 |
Canada to Europe/ North Africa | $300 |
Asia/ Middle East/ Australia & All route over the globe | $175 |
Does Delta charge an excess baggage fee on international routes?
Yes, Delta Airlines charges excess baggage fees for international routes for bringing additional bags than the allowed limit or when bags are overweight or oversized. However, the exact fees charged to Delta passengers depend on your specific destination, route, and cabin type. Here is a tabular structure for Delta fees charged for excess baggage on international routes:
Routes | Third Bag | 4-10 Bags (each) |
Europe | $285 | $285 |
Mexico | $180 | $200 |
Canada/ America | $150-$200 | $200 |
Central America | $150 | $200 |
South America | $200 | $200 |
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What items are prohibited on Delta International flight?
Delta Airlines prohibits several items from being carried on international routes in both carry-on and checked luggage. These objects could be harmful or explosive, causing discomfort or harm to the passengers or the aircraft. Read the blog further to learn about all the restricted items Delta Airlines strictly refuses to be carried as luggage on long routes:
Sharp Items | Pointed or sharp items such as swords, box cutters, hiking poles, or knives are prohibited as carry-on but can be checked. |
Lithium Batteries | Spare electronic batteries can only be carried as carry-on, while large lithium batteries more than 160 watts are prohibited. |
Liquids/Gels | Can be carried in your carry-on bag with a limited amount of 100 ml per container. |
Agricultural Items | Several plants, fruits, or vegetables are not permitted on Delta by Border Protection and US Customs. |
Medical Items | Personal oxygen cylinders are restricted by Delta, but FAA-approved POCs are permitted after prior approval. |
Flammable Items | Gasoline, torch/blue flame lighters, lighter refills, paints, and strike-anywhere matches. |
Hazardous Material | Fireworks, flares, explosives, ammunition, and blasting caps. |
Personal Transport | Airboards, Hoverboards, Lithium-powered self-balancing devices. |
Other Items | Tear gas, Aerosol spray paints, Bear spray, and hazardous chemicals. |
How can you add bags to the Delta international flight?
To add checked bags to your Delta international flight bookings for a lower price, utilize the 24-hour check-in window for a quick solution. Pick any of the methods below; either use Delta’s mobile app or Kiosk (at the airport) to add bags using the step-by-step guide given below:
Using Fly Delta App
Open App | Download and install the Fly Delta app on your phone to initiate the check-in process 24 hours prior to the scheduled international flight. |
Access ‘My Trips’ | Locate the ‘Today’ or ‘My Trips’ section to access your flight booking. |
Click Add/ View Bags | Choose your Delta reservation and tap on the ‘Add/View Bags’ option. |
Confirm & Pay | Indicate the total number of checked bags, make payment for the bags as required and confirm check-in. |
Scan for Tags | After arriving at the airport, find bag drop area to print tags and drop off your bags. |
At Kiosk
Locate the Kiosk | Find a self-service Kiosk in the departures terminal at the Delta airport. |
Identify Yourself | Scan your passport, use a credit card, or input your confirmation /SkyMiles number to locate your reservation. |
Initiate Bag Check | Click on the add or manage bag option to initiate luggage check. |
Enter Bag Count | Select the number of bags you wish to check and confirm the total bag count. |
Pay Fees | Make payment of the applicable baggage fees using your credit card and click on the ‘Finish’ or ‘Done’ option. |
Print & Attach Tags | The kiosk will then print your bag tags and a receipt. |
Drop Bags | Carry your tagged bags to the designated ‘Self-Tag’ or ‘Bag Drop’ section which will be staffed by Delta personnel. |
Pro tips to avoid baggage issues on Delta international flights
You can refrain from getting into baggage issues on Delta flights on international routes by following the smart strategy below from our travel experts:
Know what items are restricted and prohibited from being carried as carry-on and checked luggage on Delta international flights to avoid any penalties or delays.
Pack extra clothes and essential items as carry-on, to manage in situations when your checked bag is lost or delayed.
As a smart trick, place a Bluetooth tracker (like Apple AirTag or Samsung SmartTag) in your bag to monitor its real-time location.
Remove all the old tags, stickers, or barcodes from previous trips to avoid any errors during the automated scanning.
Mark your bags with unique stickers, buy a bright suitcase, add tags on your luggage with your contact details, and place a copy of your itinerary inside the bag too.
Secure your luggage using the TSA-approved locks and use straps to keep your suitcase closed and make it more durable.
Arrive 3 hours prior to your scheduled international flights and use the Fly Delta app to track your luggage journey, including its loading and unloading time.
Conclusion
With the detailed guide on Delta International flight baggage fees and policy, we hope you now understand how much your itinerary may cost in fees depending on the route. Different route types and fare classes may cost you different baggage fees. Before packing your luggage, you must check your fare conditions and allowances to save yourself from any penalties. Read the full blog to know the fee charges for different baggage depending on the routes. As a bonus point, read the full blog to learn the smart strategy from our expert to avoid any baggage issues at the airport. Not sure about your Delta fare for baggage allowance and benefits applicable to your itinerary? Connect with +1-844-584-7422 to speak with our travel experts for a booking review and travel-related benefits before packing your luggage.
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