When flying with Delta Air Lines, understanding extra baggage fees can save you both money and stress at the airport. Whether you're traveling domestically within the U.S. or internationally, Delta’s baggage pricing structure depends on multiple factors route, cabin class, frequent flyer status, and even your credit card.
This comprehensive guide breaks down how much an extra bag costs on Delta, what influences pricing, and how to avoid unnecessary fees. It’s built on publicly available airline policies, industry best practices, and consumer insights to give you accurate, actionable information.
Delta separates baggage into three main categories:
Carry-on bags
Checked bags (standard allowance)
Extra / overweight / oversized bags
For most economy passengers:
Route TypeFirst BagSecond Bag
Domestic U.S.$35$45
International (varies)Often free$100+
These fees apply when bags meet:
Weight: up to 50 lbs (23 kg)
Size: up to 62 linear inches (L+W+H)
An “extra bag” means any bag beyond your included allowance.
Bag NumberFee
1st bag$35
2nd bag$45
3rd bag$150
4th+ bags$200 each
So, the first true “extra bag” (3rd bag) costs $150.
Fees vary significantly depending on route:
Route3rd Bag FeeAdditional Bags
U.S. → Europe$200$200 each
U.S. → Asia$200–$285varies
U.S. → Latin America$150–$200varies
Important: Many international tickets include 1–2 free checked bags, so your “extra bag” usually starts from the 3rd bag.
Extra bag fees are separate from overweight or oversized charges.
Weight RangeFee
51–70 lbs$100
71–100 lbs$200
SizeFee
63–80 inches$200
80+ inchesNot accepted (generally)
These charges are added on top of extra bag fees.
1st bag: $35
2nd bag: $45
3rd bag: $150
Total: $230 for three bags
1st bag: Free
2nd bag: Free
3rd bag: $200
Total: $200 for one extra bag
3rd bag: $150
Overweight (60 lbs): $100
Total: $250 for that single bag
Basic Economy / Main Cabin: Standard fees apply
Delta Premium Select / Business Class: More free bags
Frequent flyers get benefits:
Status LevelFree Bags
Silver1 free
Gold2 free
Platinum/Diamond3 free
This can eliminate extra bag costs entirely.
Certain Delta-branded cards offer:
First checked bag free
Applies to companions on same reservation
U.S. domestic = lower base fees
Long-haul international = higher extra bag fees
Paying online is often cheaper
Airport counter fees may be higher or stricter
Enter confirmation number
Select your flight
Click “Add Checked Bags”
System will show total cost
Includes route-specific pricing
Use card or miles (if eligible)
Use self-service kiosk or counter
Tip: Always pay online before arrival to save time and sometimes money.
Airline3rd Bag Fee (Domestic)Overweight Fee
Delta$150$100–$200
American Airlines$150$100–$200
United Airlines$150$100–$200
Insight: Delta’s pricing is industry standard, not cheaper—but predictable.
Use compression bags
Choose lightweight luggage
Wear bulky items (jackets, boots)
Traveling with family?
Pool baggage allowance
Share suitcases
Sometimes upgrading to premium cabin:
Costs slightly more
Includes 2–3 free bags
Can be cheaper than paying $150–$300 in baggage fees.
Services like courier shipping may be:
Cheaper for heavy luggage
More convenient for long trips
Delta cards can:
Save $35–$70 per flight
Add long-term value
According to airline industry trends and consumer research from organizations like Consumer Reports and aviation authorities:
Baggage fees are a major source of airline revenue
Airlines use tiered pricing to encourage:
Lighter travel
Premium upgrades
Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on exact year-over-year increases for Delta’s extra bag fees, but industry patterns show gradual price adjustments over time.
Assuming all international flights include 2 bags
Ignoring overweight charges
Not checking route-specific rules
Paying at airport instead of online
Avoiding these can save $100–$300 per trip.
You may qualify for free or reduced extra bags if:
Traveling on military orders
Holding elite Medallion status
Flying in Delta One or First Class
Using specific Delta credit cards
1. How much is a 3rd checked bag on Delta?
Typically $150 domestically and $200 internationally, depending on route.
2. Does Delta charge for every extra bag?
Yes. Each additional bag beyond allowance is charged separately.
3. Are Delta baggage fees refundable?
No, unless:
Flight is canceled
Bag was not checked
4. Can I prepay for extra baggage?
Yes. Prepaying online is recommended and sometimes cheaper.
5. What is the maximum number of bags allowed?
Delta generally allows up to 10 checked bags, but fees increase significantly.
6. Is it cheaper to upgrade instead of paying baggage fees?
Sometimes yes—especially if carrying multiple bags.
7. Do international flights include free baggage?
Often yes (1–2 bags), but depends on:
Fare type
Destination
8. What happens if my bag is overweight?
You’ll pay an additional $100–$200 fee on top of standard charges.
9. Can I combine weight between bags?
No. Each bag must meet individual weight limits.
10. Do Delta credit cards waive extra bag fees?
They typically waive first checked bag only, not extra bags.
11. Are baggage fees the same worldwide?
No. They vary by route, region, and currency.
12. What is the cheapest way to avoid extra bag fees?
Travel light
Use airline credit cards
Leverage elite status
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