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Delta Airlines Carry-On Size Guide (Rules & Restrictions) | EVERKI

By 2026-02-12 19:06:00

30 seconds Summary

  • Delta carry-on size: 22 x 14 x 9 inches; personal item size: around 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
  • Standard checked bag weight: 50 lbs; First Class/Delta One: up to 70 lbs.
  • Delta Connection flights allow only one personal item in the cabin; carry-ons may be gate-checked.

Traveling can feel stressful when you are not sure about the rules. 

Airports are busy places, and baggage lines move quickly, so there is little time to fix mistakes. Many travelers worry that their bags may be too big or too heavy, which can lead to extra fees at the counter. If you are flying with Delta Air Lines, it is very important to understand the carry-on and baggage limits before you leave for the airport, so you can travel with peace of mind.

The rule for Delta Airlines' carry-on size is clear and simple, but minor mistakes can cost you money. That is why we have created this guide. In this guide, we are going to explain the delta carry-on size rules, personal item limits, and baggage weight policies, so your next trip is stress-free.

What Size Carry-On is Allowed on Delta?

 

When you fly with Delta Air Lines, your carry-on bag can be up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including wheels and handles. 

There is also a total size rule. The full measurement, which is length plus width plus height, must not go over 45 inches. This is part of the standard carry-on bag size for the Delta policy. If your bag is bigger than this limit, it may need to be checked at the gate.

Here are the main rules for  carry-on luggage for Delta:

  • Maximum size: 22 x 14 x 9 inches
  • Total linear size: 45 inches or less
  • Wheels and handles count in the size
  • The rule applies to all ticket types, including Basic Economy
  • If the bag is too large, it may be gate-checked

Learn about the carry-on size limit for most airlines with the travel backpack carry-on size guide from Everki.

Delta Personal Item Rules You Must Know

You can bring one personal item along with your carry-on. This includes:

  • Purse
  • Small backpack
  • Laptop bag or briefcase

Your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. The recommended Delta personal item size is around 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm). This size fits on most aircraft, including smaller Delta Connection flights. Hence, you should opt for a compact Delta Airlines personal item backpack.

You should keep essentials like documents, phones, and electronics in this bag. If your personal item does not fit under the seat, it may be gate-checked.

Keep your laptop and important things safe with a carry-on laptop backpack from Everki.

 

Is There a Weight Limit for Delta Baggage?

For carry-ons, Delta Airlines does not have a strict Delta carry-on bag weight limit, but your bag must fit in the overhead bin, and you should be able to lift it yourself. This means you can usually carry as much as you can handle comfortably, but oversized or heavy bags may be gate-checked.

However, for checked baggage, weight limits are stricter. The standard Delta Airlines baggage weight limit for Main Cabin/Economy is 50 lbs (23 kg) per bag, with Delta checked bag dimensions not exceeding 62 inches total (length + width + height). 

First Class or Delta One passengers can bring bags up to 70 lbs (32 kg). 

Bags over these limits usually incur overweight fees:

  • 51–70 lbs: around $100 per bag
  • 71–100 lbs: around $200 per bag
  • Over 100 lbs: generally not accepted

International routes may have additional restrictions. For example, flights to or from Europe, Australia, New Zealand, North Africa, South Africa, or the UAE do not accept bags over 70 lbs (31.75 kg). Domestic flights within the U.S., Canada, and U.S. territories do not allow bags of 100 lbs (45.36 kg) or more.

Delta also allows multiple checked bags per passenger.

  • On Delta-operated flights, you can check up to 10 bags,
  • while on Delta Connection flights, up to 4 bags are accepted, depending on space availability.

Each bag exceeding the delta weight limit for baggage may be subject to separate fees, including extra charges for size and quantity.

Knowing the max weight for delta baggage before you pack makes sure that your trip goes smoothly. Always weigh your bags, measure the suitcase dimensions Delta allows, and check the dl baggage allowance for your route to avoid unexpected fees.

Delta Connection Flight Limits

Delta Connection flights operate on smaller regional jets with 50 seats or fewer. These planes have limited overhead space, so baggage rules are stricter.

  • Personal Item Only: Passengers can bring only one personal item in the cabin, such as a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack. It must fit under the seat, following the delta carry-on dimensions under the seat.
  • Gate-Checked Carry-Ons: Standard carry-on bags (up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches) must be left at the gate for storage in the cargo hold. They are returned to you after landing at no extra cost.
  • Exceptions: Medically necessary items, strollers, and car seats do not count toward this limit.
  • Checked Bags: Passengers can usually check up to four bags. Remember the weight limit for the Delta baggage to avoid extra fees.
  • Remove Essentials: Take out electronics, medications, and fragile items before gate-checking your bag.

These rules apply to all passengers, regardless of boarding group. 

Checking luggage ahead of time and knowing the luggage sizes for Delta Airlines helps avoid surprises on Delta Connection flights.

Move through the airport with ease using a laptop carry-on roller bag from Everki.

Basic Economy and Boarding Tips

 

Many budget travelers choose Basic Economy. Here is the good part. Even with this ticket, you still get one carry-on and one personal item for free. The Delta Airlines carry-on size rule stays the same for all ticket types.

But there is a catch. Basic Economy boards last. That means overhead bins may be full. If that happens, your carry-on will be gate checked at no cost. You can pick it up after landing.

If you want early boarding and better bin space, you may consider upgrading. This helps avoid last-minute stress at the gate.

Travel light with the Wheeled 123 laptop carry-on from Everki.

Checked Bag Rules and Fees

When you need to check luggage on Delta, here’s what you should know:

  • Size Limits: Standard bags must not exceed 62 inches total (length + width + height), following the Delta baggage size rules.
  • Weight Limits: Most checked bags can weigh up to 50 lbs (23 kg). First Class or Delta One passengers can check bags up to 70 lbs. This is the standard bag weight limit for Delta Airlines.
  • Fees (Domestic Flights):
    • 1st checked bag: $35
    • 2nd checked bag: $45
    • 3rd bag or more: $150–$200 each
  • Overweight Fees:
    • Bags weighing 51–70 lbs may have a $100 fee.
    • Bags 71–100 lbs can cost $200.
    • Bags over 100 lbs are generally not allowed.

Always check the latest rules and fees before your trip to avoid surprises and to make sure your luggage meets the Delta check-in baggage weight limit.

What You Can and Cannot Pack?

When packing for a Delta flight, follow these simple rules:

Allowed Items:

  • Carry-On and Personal Item: One carry-on bag (max 22" x 14" x 9") and one personal item (purse, laptop bag, backpack).
  • Electronics: Laptops, tablets, phones, chargers, and cameras.
  • Liquids: Containers 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less, all in one clear quart-sized bag.
  • Clothing and Personal Items: Clothes, books, dry food items.
  • Special Items: Small musical instruments, strollers, car seats, and duty-free items.
  • Medication: Prescription and necessary over-the-counter medicines.

Prohibited Items:

  • Liquids: Large liquids, gels, creams, aerosols over 3.4 oz.
  • Weapons: Firearms, ammunition, explosives, stun guns.
  • Dangerous Goods: Flammable items, fuel, cooking spray, gel-type candles.
  • Tools: Items longer than 7 inches, like screwdrivers or hammers.
  • Food Restrictions: MREs (Meals Ready to Eat).
  • Sharp Objects: Sharp items not packed safely.

Always check the Delta website before packing to avoid problems at the airport.

Smart Packing Tips from Everki

 

  • Roll clothes instead of folding to save space and reduce wrinkles.
  • Use packing cubes to keep items organized in your carry-on.
  • Keep liquids in containers 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less, all in a clear quart-sized bag.
  • Pack electronics on top for easy access at TSA checkpoints.
  • Place essentials like medication, documents, and valuables in your personal item.
  • Wear bulky items, like coats or boots, to free up space in your luggage.

Roll or carry your laptop easily. Check out the Atlas Wheeled 2 from Everki.

Over to You

Traveling with Delta Airlines is easier when you know the rules. Keep your carry-on within 22 x 14 x 9 inches and your personal item small enough to fit under the seat. Check your baggage weight before you fly, and pack smart to save space and avoid fees.

Check out wheeled and carry-on laptop backpacks from Everki to keep your electronics safe and travel lighter.

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FAQs

Q: What is a personal item on Delta?

A: A personal item can be a purse, small backpack, laptop bag, or even a diaper bag, but it must fit securely under the seat in front of you. 

Q: What are the dimensions of carry-on luggage for Delta?

A: Delta carry-on dimensions can be up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including wheels and handles. 

Q: How big can my personal item be on Delta?

A: Your delta personal bag dimensions should be roughly 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm). This size fits on most aircraft, including smaller Delta Connection flights.

Q: How big can my carry-on be for Delta?

A: Your carry-on bag can measure up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including wheels and handles. Delta also uses a total size rule: the length + width + height of your bag must not exceed 45 inches. If your bag is larger than this, it may need to be checked at the gate.

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