Does delta basic have luggage

Included item details: The free personal item should fit beneath the seat in front of you; common practical dimensions to target are 18 × 14 × 8 inches. A standard overhead carry-on measures about 22 × 14 × 9 inches and usually is not covered by the lowest fare, so assume overhead-bin access requires a paid allowance or a higher fare class.

Typical fees (U.S. domestic benchmarks): first checked bag ≈ $30 each way; second checked bag ≈ $40 each way; paying at the airport or gate commonly adds $10–30 to those amounts. Overweight/oversize charges often fall in the $100–200 range. International checked-bag prices vary by route; expect roughly $60–100 for the first piece on many long-haul fares.

Actions that save money: measure and limit your carry to the personal-item size and pack high-value or essential items there. Prepay checked pieces when booking or during web check-in to lock lower rates. Carry a soft-sided bag for easier under-seat fit. Check whether a co-branded credit card or elite status grants a free checked piece before paying.

Airport tactics: weigh and tag bags at home, present checked pieces at curbside if you need overhead space priority, and buy a carry-on allowance during online check-in rather than at the gate to avoid premium gate fees. If overhead space is critical, upgrade the fare during booking–last-minute upgrades are typically pricier.

Quick checklist: 1) measure your bag; 2) compare total cost of a higher fare versus pay-per-bag; 3) prepay checked-bag fees when possible; 4) confirm card/status benefits. These four steps reduce the risk of surprise baggage charges.

Lowest-tier economy baggage policy and practical steps

Bring only a personal item that fits under the seat unless you upgrade your fare or pay to add an overhead carry-on; recommended under-seat dimensions: 18 x 14 x 8 inches (46 x 36 x 20 cm); standard overhead limit: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm).

For U.S. domestic travel the first checked piece typically costs $30 each way and the second $40 each way; international checked-bag charges vary by route and fare class. Overweight and oversized surcharges apply to pieces exceeding published weight/size limits.

Add checked or carry-on privileges at booking or via Manage My Booking to avoid higher airport or gate prices. Printing receipts and saving confirmation screens prevents disputes at the counter. Gate agents may require gate-checking of overhead items for space reasons; paid upgrades reduce that risk.

Exceptions: elite-status passengers, SkyTeam partners, active-duty military and certain co‑brand cardholders retain carry-on and/or complimentary checked-bag benefits–present qualifying credentials at check-in. If travelling with fragile, valuable or business equipment, purchase a checked-bag waiver/insurance or book a higher fare to secure overhead space.

Quick checklist before arrival: measure and weigh your bags, prepay any checked pieces, pack essentials and valuables in the under-seat item, keep receipts for paid add-ons, and confirm allowance for international connections on the ticketed carrier.

Carry-on included with entry-level economy fare or only a personal item?

Carry-on rollaboard is not included with the entry-level economy fare; only one personal item that fits under the seat is permitted free.

Size limits and what fits

• Personal item maximum: 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm) – must stow under the seat in front of you.
• Carry-on (rollaboard) standard maximum: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 cm) – only allowed on higher fare classes or with an exception listed below.

Exceptions that allow a full carry-on

• Frequent-flier elite status holders are permitted a full-size carry-on despite the entry-level restriction.
• Credit-card holders linked to the airline (co-branded cards) often retain carry-on privileges on the lowest fares.
• Active-duty military traveling on orders typically qualify for the larger carry-on benefit.

If a full carry-on is attempted at the gate under the entry-level ticket, agents may gate-check the bag. Gate-checking policies vary by airport and flight; sometimes this is complimentary, sometimes treated as a checked bag subject to fees.

• Purchase options: upgrade to the next fare class (Main Cabin) during booking or at check-in to guarantee rollaboard allowance.
• Checked-bag fees on most domestic routes: first checked bag around $30, second around $40; regional and international fees differ. Prepaying online often costs less than paying at the airport.
• Packing tip: maximize a compliant personal item (use compression pouches, wear bulky items) and place liquids under 100 ml in easy-access pockets to avoid gate delays.
• Boarding strategy: arrive early to reduce the chance of a gate-check if you must travel with a larger bag without upgrading.

Exact size and weight limits for permitted personal items on the carrier’s lowest economy fare

Carry one personal item no larger than 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm); it must fit completely under the seat in front of you.

• Official dimensions: 18 x 14 x 8 in (45 x 35 x 20 cm). Measure height, width and depth including wheels, handles and external pockets.
• Weight: No published weight limit for the personal item on most domestic itineraries. Practical guideline: keep it under 15 lb (7 kg) for easy handling and to avoid gate interventions; for some international or partner-operated sectors, route-specific limits or cabin restrictions can apply – verify on your booking or the carrier’s route page.
• Permitted examples: laptop bag, slim backpack, briefcase, small tote, compact camera bag, small soft-sided duffel (if it meets the size rule).
• Prohibited as the sole personal item: standard-sized rollaboard carry-ons that exceed the 18 x 14 x 8 in limit, checked-only suitcases, oversized duffels.

How to measure and prepare

• Pack the item as you normally would, then measure the packed dimensions; pockets and external attachments count.
• Include wheels and handles in the depth/height measurement; soft-sided bags should be packed so they can compress under the seat.
• Use a luggage scale for combined carry-on and checked baggage planning; keep the personal item light – aim for 7–10 kg (15–22 lb) if traveling internationally or on smaller aircraft.

Packing tips and quick checks

• Place fragile items and electronics in the personal item to keep them accessible and protected.
• If carrying an umbrella, select a compact folding model such as the best sports umbrella for bleachers to fit under the seat.
• At the gate, test-fit your packed item under a standard airplane seat; if it does not fit, expect to gate-check it and face applicable fees.

Checked bag fees for entry-level economy on U.S. domestic routes

Pay $30 for the first checked bag and $40 for the second on most U.S. domestic itineraries; overweight and oversize surcharges are added on top of those base fees.

Fees, size and weight limits

Standard fees: first checked bag = $30, second = $40. Maximum weight per checked piece: 50 lb (23 kg). Maximum linear dimensions (length + width + height): 62 in / 157 cm. Overweight surcharges: 51–70 lb = $100; 71–100 lb = $200. Oversize surcharge for pieces exceeding 62 linear inches commonly starts at $200; extremely large items may incur higher charges or special handling fees.

Waivers and practical recommendations

Waivers: elite status members, holders of the carrier’s co-branded credit cards, and active U.S. military on orders typically receive a first-piece waiver; checked-bag rules for infants, pets and sports equipment follow separate policies. Prepay checked bags during booking or online check-in to avoid lines. Weigh and measure your suitcase at home and favor a durable, lightweight model – see best ifly admiral vs for sturdy options built to stay within limits. For bulky gear that will trigger multiple surcharges, compare shipping vs. checked-bag charges and seasonal equipment deals such as best cyber monday lawn mower deals if transporting outdoor tools or parts.

How to add and prepay a checked bag to a lowest-fare Economy booking (step-by-step)

Add and prepay checked baggage online through Manage My Booking or the airline mobile app at least 24 hours before departure to secure lower fees and receive an electronic baggage receipt.

Online or mobile app (fastest)

1. Gather details: confirmation code (PNR), passenger last name, flight date, and a payment card.

2. Sign in: open the airline website or official app and go to Manage My Booking or My Trips.

3. Select reservation: locate the specific itinerary and click Add Bags / Purchase Baggage.

4. Choose quantity: select number of checked pieces, confirm any connecting segments where bags must be purchased separately, then continue.

5. Verify size and weight limits: standard checked allowance is typically up to 50 lb (23 kg) and 62 linear inches (158 cm); overweight/oversize charges apply for heavier or larger items.

6. Pay and confirm: enter card details, complete the transaction, then download or screenshot the updated itinerary and the baggage receipt displayed after payment.

At the airport or by phone (when online isn’t possible)

7. Phone assistance: call the carrier’s reservations or baggage line, provide the confirmation code and passenger name, request prepayment for checked pieces, and ask for an email confirmation of the purchase.

8. Airport kiosk or counter: use a self-service kiosk to add and pay for bags; if using an agent, present the booking reference and pay at the counter–expect higher fees than online in many cases.

9. Tagging and receipt: after payment at the airport the agent will print bag tags; keep the receipt or photo of the electronic receipt until trip completion.

Practical tips: weigh and measure suitcases at home to avoid overweight charges; add baggage during web check-in (opens 24 hours before departure) to ensure the purchase is reflected on boarding passes; if itinerary includes partner airlines, confirm whether baggage purchase through the primary carrier covers all segments or requires separate purchases with partners.

Passengers Eligible for a Complimentary Checked Bag on the Carrier’s Entry-Level Economy

SkyMiles Medallion members, active-duty U.S. military traveling on orders, and holders of qualifying co-branded American Express cards retain at least one complimentary checked bag on the carrier’s entry-level economy fares.

Practical checklist before travel: ensure the SkyMiles number appears on the booking, carry military ID/orders where applicable, pay with an eligible co-branded AmEx when claiming card perks, and review the reservation for automatic baggage waivers. For codeshare segments operated by another airline, confirm the operating carrier’s baggage rules on that ticket. If a fee posts at check-in, present proof and request a waiver from the agent; escalate to reservations if unresolved.

Overweight, oversized and lost-baggage fees and how to file a claim

Prepay overweight or oversize charges in Manage Booking before travel to avoid airport surcharges and speed check‑in.

Standard U.S. domestic fees (checked at airport, per bag, as of June 2024): overweight 51–70 lb (23–32 kg) – $100; overweight 71–100 lb (32–45 kg) – $200. Oversize (combined dimensions over 62 linear inches / 158 cm) – $200. Items over 100 lb or very large freight-sized items usually require special handling and separate freight charges.

Fees apply per bag and per flight segment and are assessed in addition to any standard checked-bag charge. Prepaying online sometimes removes airport service fees but weight/dimension surcharges remain. Status, active-duty military and certain co‑brand cardholders may be exempt per the carrier’s policy.

If a checked bag is delayed, missing or damaged, report to the carrier’s airport baggage service office immediately on arrival and obtain a written Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with a reference number and tag details before leaving the airport.

Submit a formal claim through the carrier’s online baggage claims portal as soon as possible. Recommended timeframes: domestic – report at airport and file for damaged items within 24 hours; delayed‑baggage claims within 21 days of delivery or 21 days after the flight if the bag never arrived. International – damaged items within 7 days; delayed/missing claims within 21 days. When in doubt, file the claim immediately to preserve rights.

Required documentation for faster processing: booking reference (PNR), checked bag tag numbers, boarding pass, PIR number, clear photos of damage and exterior tags, original purchase receipts or repair estimates, itemized list of contents with approximate values, and receipts for emergency purchases caused by delay (toiletries, clothing). Provide a police report if theft is suspected.

Compensation: international travel may fall under the Montreal Convention (limits expressed in SDRs; convert to USD at current rate); domestic reimbursement follows the carrier’s Contract of Carriage with depreciation rules. Read the carrier’s policy for exact caps and payout methods.

Practical tips: weigh and measure bags at home and choose a bag that stays under 50 lb to avoid surcharges; pack valuables and essentials in a carry‑on; buy airline or third‑party insurance for high‑value items and retain receipts; attach a phone number and itinerary to each checked bag; save all receipts and the claim reference number and follow up in writing if initial response is unsatisfactory.