How many check in luggage allowed for delta international flights

Quick summary: Basic economy fares generally include 0 free hold pieces. Standard economy (Main Cabin) usually includes 1 free piece with a maximum weight of 23 kg / 50 lb. Premium cabins (First, Business, Premium Select) and many higher fare classes include 2 free pieces with a maximum weight of 32 kg / 70 lb each. Elite status and eligible co-branded credit cards often add one or two complimentary pieces.

Size limits commonly follow a maximum linear dimension of 62 in / 158 cm per piece. Pieces exceeding the standard weight but within the higher limit incur overweight surcharges; pieces exceeding the higher limit may be refused or require special handling. Oversize surcharges apply when any dimension goes beyond the linear limit.

Fees for extra pieces and surcharges change by route and currency; purchasing an extra piece during booking or via the airline app usually costs less than paying at the airport counter. Review the baggage allowance shown on your itinerary and the fare rules printed on the ticket before travel to confirm exact entitlements.

Practical tips: weigh and measure each piece at home, redistribute contents between bags to avoid overweight fees, and add prepaid allowance online when possible. Place a copy of your contact details inside each piece and attach an external tag. When the displayed allowance differs from expectations, contact the carrier’s reservations or customer service team well ahead of departure.

Standard baggage entitlement on overseas routes

Recommendation: confirm your itinerary’s allowance – standard economy usually includes one hold piece per passenger; premium cabins commonly include two pieces.

Weight limits: economy bags normally max 23 kg (50 lb) each; premium and first-class pieces often permitted up to 32 kg (70 lb) each. Size limit: 157 cm (62 in) total linear dimensions (length + width + height).

Allowance models differ by route: some itineraries use a piece-based system (a set number of bags), others use weight-based rules (total kilograms or pounds permitted per passenger). Where piece-based applies, expect 1–2 items; where weight-based applies, confirm combined weight limits on connecting sectors.

Overweight and oversized surcharges apply when a single bag exceeds the published weight or size; fees escalate with excess mass and may require repacking or shipping. Extra pieces incur per-item charges that are usually lower when purchased online prior to travel.

Practical tips: weigh packed items at home; use soft-sided bags to compress into the permitted dimensions; consolidate heavy items into one piece to avoid multiple surcharges; buy an extra piece online early to save compared to airport rates. If transporting a large umbrella, consider shipping it ahead or using a compact model – review this best outdoor offset patio umbrella prior to purchase.

Connecting segments and fare classes

When an itinerary combines carriers or branded fares, the most restrictive segment’s rule may govern the whole trip; always verify the baggage information shown in the booking confirmation and on the carrier’s website. Elite status frequently grants additional pieces or higher weight thresholds.

Free hold-bag entitlement by fare – Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Comfort+, DL One

If booked in Basic Economy, buy a hold-bag allowance online before departure; Main Cabin and Comfort+ typically include one complimentary hold bag per passenger on most transoceanic and intercontinental sectors; DL One includes two complimentary hold bags, each up to 32 kg (70 lb).

• Basic Economy: 0 included on most long-haul itineraries; carry-on rules still apply. When a bag is required, purchase an allowance during online check-in or at the booking stage to reduce fees. Typical size limit when permitted is 62 linear inches (158 cm); typical weight limit when purchased is 23 kg (50 lb) per piece unless route rules specify otherwise.

• Main Cabin: Generally 1 included hold bag on many transoceanic and intercontinental sectors; standard weight limit 23 kg (50 lb) per piece and size limit 62 linear inches (158 cm). Certain markets may include 2 pieces by default; verify the itinerary-specific allowance on the ticket.

• Comfort+: Baggage entitlement usually matches Main Cabin (typically 1 piece at 23 kg / 50 lb). Seat-class benefits focus on extra legroom and boarding priority; baggage piece count rises only with elite status or a co-branded card benefit.

• DL One (business-class): 2 included hold bags per passenger; weight limit commonly 32 kg (70 lb) per piece and size limit 62 linear inches (158 cm) per piece. Complimentary excess-piece privileges and higher weight limits apply on many premium itineraries; review the fare rules on the ticket.

Practical recommendations:

1. Buy hold-bag allowance online when Basic Economy is selected; online rates usually beat airport counter charges.

2. Weigh and measure baggage at home to avoid overweight and oversize penalties; standard overweight thresholds are 23–32 kg (50–70 lb) with higher fees beyond those bands.

3. Use elite status or an airline co-branded credit card to obtain an extra complimentary piece on many routes; verify eligibility on the reservation.

4. For sports gear, musical instruments or oversized items, add the item to the booking in advance and compare the special-item fee versus excess-piece pricing.

5. Always verify the ticketed baggage rules printed on the itinerary prior to departure, since regional exceptions and promotional fares can alter piece, weight and size entitlements.

Maximum weight and linear dimensions – overseas hold baggage limits

Keep each bag stowed in the aircraft hold at or below 23 kg (50 lb); pieces above 23 kg typically incur an overweight charge, and any single piece over 32 kg (70 lb) generally requires special handling or may be refused.

Linear dimension limits

Measure length + width + height (include wheels, handles and external pockets). Standard maximum: 62 in / 158 cm linear. Items 62–80 in (158–203 cm) are treated as oversize and usually incur extra fees; items exceeding ~80 in often must be shipped as cargo or via a special service.

Practical measuring and packing steps

Weigh each piece with a hanging luggage scale or bathroom scale after zipping. Measure all three axes with a tape and include wheels/handles. If overweight, move dense items (books, electronics, shoes) into another piece or into cabin items. Use soft-sided bags or compression straps to reduce measured volume. Prepay overweight/oversize charges online when available and label heavy pieces to alert ramp staff. Bulky sporting gear or odd-shaped items require arranging special baggage service in advance. For cleaning and handling fish before transport see how to clean cat fish.

Extra bag, overweight and oversized fees on overseas routes

Prepay additional-piece, overweight and oversize surcharges online via the carrier website or app to reduce cost–online purchases commonly save about 10–20% versus airport counter rates.

Additional-piece charges vary widely by route and fare class: expect a low-end band around $75–$150 on short cross-border sectors and a high-end band of $150–$400 on long-haul overseas sectors; final price depends on ticket type, origin/destination pair and whether the booking includes a free piece benefit.

Overweight surcharges apply when a piece exceeds the standard per-piece weight. Typical fees: roughly $100 for moderate overages and about $200 for larger overages. Pieces above the carrier’s heavy-item acceptance threshold may be refused for regular carriage and require cargo transport or freight handling (higher cost).

Oversize surcharges apply when a piece exceeds the airline’s standard linear dimensions. Expect an oversize fee generally between $100 and $400; very large items can be routed as cargo or assessed premium handling fees at airport delivery.

Sporting equipment and musical instruments often follow special rules. Skis and golf bags frequently count as a single piece and may attract a modest extra-piece fee on some routes; bicycles commonly incur an additional-piece charge plus a recommended disassembly and protective case requirement; fragile or high-value instruments are best booked as carry-in (if permitted) or purchased a seat or shipped as cargo to avoid damage.

Fee waivers and reductions: elite-tier passengers, qualifying credit-card holders, military patrons on orders and specific fare families commonly receive additional-piece or oversize/overweight exemptions. Verify entitlements in the reservation or with the card issuer before paying.

Practical cost-saving measures: distribute heavy items across multiple pieces to stay under the overweight surcharge thresholds; use soft-sided cases to compress dimensions; weigh and measure at home with a digital scale and tape; buy an extra-piece allowance online at booking; consider courier shipment for very heavy or bulky items when shipping is cheaper than airline surcharges.

At the airport, present proof of prepayment or status to avoid duplicate charges. Pay by card at the counter if necessary; retain receipts and photos of packed bags and scale readings to dispute incorrect fees through customer service if required.

Free Bags: Medallion Members and SkyMiles Cardholders

Add your SkyMiles number to each reservation and present your co‑branded American Express at the airport counter to activate complimentary bag waivers tied to Medallion tier or card.

Medallion tier bag waivers

Typical entitlements by tier: Silver – 1 free bag; Gold – 2 free bags; Platinum – 2 free bags plus elevated boarding priority; Diamond – 3 free bags plus highest handling priority. Waivers apply to the member plus up to eight companions booked on the same reservation and only on carrier‑operated segments; partner or codeshare segments may not honor the benefit. Confirm piece counts on each ticket before departure.

SkyMiles American Express card benefits

SkyMiles Gold Card (AmEx): first bag waived; benefit extends to the primary cardmember plus up to eight companions on the same reservation on carrier‑operated segments. SkyMiles Platinum and Reserve Cards: first bag waived as well; Reserve commonly includes additional boarding and upgrade perks that do not eliminate oversize or overweight surcharges. If a waiver is missing at the airport counter, present the card and request an agent correction and keep receipts when disputing any charged fee.

Opt for a durable main suitcase within published weight and size limits; budget recommendations at best luggage for travelers on a budget.

Partner-airline and mixed overseas/domestic itineraries: baggage rules

Confirm the operating carrier’s baggage allowance shown on your e‑ticket and at online check‑in; that carrier’s policy normally governs the long‑haul sector.

Key rule and quick actions

Most significant carrier: the airline operating the longest overseas sector or the carrier whose fare governs the ticket usually sets piece/weight limits and fees. If a partner operates the transoceanic leg, expect that partner’s baggage model (piece vs weight), size limits and overage charges to apply to that segment.

1. Check the printed “Baggage” line on your itinerary and then verify on the operating airline’s website. If the e‑ticket shows conflicting data, rely on the operating carrier’s published policy at time of check‑in.

2. Verify units: some partners use kilograms and linear dimensions in centimetres; convert before packing to avoid overweight/oversize surprises at the airport.

3. Confirm elite and co‑brand card benefits with the operating carrier prior to travel; partner operators may not honor the marketing carrier’s free‑bag perks or may require the ticket to be ticketed by the marketing carrier to apply benefits.

4. Prepay extra piece or upgrade baggage online through the operating carrier when available – online fees are frequently lower than airport counter prices and prevent last‑minute denials at boarding.

5. At check‑in, request baggage receipts that list the carrier and allowance applied. If an incorrect allowance is charged, ask the agent to reissue under the ticketing carrier or escalate to the airline that issued the ticket; keep all receipts for fee disputes and refunds.

Special situations

Codeshares: marketing flight numbers do not always determine allowance – always confirm the operator. Mixed tickets with multiple operators may apply different rules per segment (domestic segments follow domestic operator limits; the overseas operator controls the long‑haul piece/weight). Interline transfers: when connecting carriers have incompatible systems, allow extra time at transfer points to resolve baggage tagging and fees.

FAQ:

How many checked bags can I bring on a Delta international flight?

The number of checked bags depends on your route, ticket class and any elite status or credit card benefits you hold. Many Main Cabin international fares include one checked bag; premium cabins generally allow two or more. Basic Economy and some promotional fares may not include any free checked items. Check the specific allowance printed on your ticket or on Delta’s baggage page for your itinerary.

Does a Delta Basic Economy international ticket include checked baggage?

Basic Economy rules vary by route and fare rules. On several international routes a Basic Economy fare does not include a complimentary checked bag, while on others one bag may be allowed. Because airlines assign baggage privileges by ticket code and flight, confirm the allowance shown on your booking or the fare conditions before you travel to avoid unexpected fees.

What weight and size limits apply to checked luggage on Delta international flights?

For most international itineraries, allowable weight for a single checked bag in standard Economy is up to 23 kg (50 lb). Premium cabins such as Business or First typically allow up to 32 kg (70 lb) per checked piece. Maximum linear dimensions (length + width + height) are usually 158 cm (62 inches). Bags that exceed the weight or size limits will incur overweight or oversize charges and may be refused as checked luggage if they exceed the carrier’s maximum limits.

Will my SkyMiles Medallion status change how many checked bags I can bring on an international flight?

Yes. SkyMiles Medallion tiers often add baggage privileges on top of the base allowance for your fare. The extra allowance and any weight increases depend on the Medallion level and the route. For precise benefits tied to your status, sign into your SkyMiles account or review Delta’s Medallion baggage chart for the number of additional free checked pieces and any weight allowances that apply to your ticket.

How much does it cost to check extra bags on Delta international routes?

Fees for additional checked bags vary by route, cabin and whether the booking includes a complimentary allowance. Charges can also differ if you pay at the airport versus online in advance. On top of per-bag fees, overweight and oversize surcharges may apply for pieces that exceed weight or size limits. To get the exact price for an extra bag on your itinerary, enter your reservation on Delta’s website or contact customer service; prepaying through the carrier often shows the lowest available fee.