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Delta Air Lines Carry-On Rules 2026 22 x 14 x 9"

By Caden Sorenson Updated May 4, 2026 Sourced from the official Delta Air Lines policy

Exact Delta Air Lines carry-on dimensions, weight limits, and fees for 2026.

Quick answer

Delta Air Lines carry-on bags can be up to 22 x 14 x 9" (56 x 35 x 23 cm), with no published weight limit, and no carry-on fee on most fares.

Carry-on size: up to 22 x 14 x 9" (56 x 35 x 23 cm)
Weight limit: no published weight limit
Carry-on fee: free on most fares
Personal item: must fit under the seat, free on every fare
Gate-check risk: Low
Last verified: May 4, 2026

Delta Air Lines maximum carry-on dimensions, including wheels and handles.

Carry-On Bag

Max dimensions (in): 22 x 14 x 9"
Max dimensions (cm): 56 x 35 x 23 cm
Weight limit: No published limit
Fee: Free
Gate-check risk: Low

No weight limit on most routes. One carry-on plus one personal item included on all fares.

Personal Item

Max dimensions (in): Not published
Max dimensions (cm): Not published
Included: Yes, free

Must fit under the seat in front of you. No published dimensions, but purses, small backpacks, and laptop bags are accepted.

See checked bag fees & more

Delta Air Lines carry-on dimensions and bag size

The maximum Delta Air Lines carry-on size is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, which works out to 56 x 35 x 23 cm. These measurements include wheels, handles, and any external pockets. Gate sizers on Delta Air Lines match the published limits closely, so a bag marketed as "22 inch" can fail if its wheels push the total past 22 inches. Always measure your bag packed, not empty.

Delta Air Lines carry-on weight limit

Delta Air Lines does not publish a specific carry-on weight limit for domestic travel. The operational rule is that you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin without help. Very heavy bags can still be refused at the gate, and on some regional aircraft the crew may ask you to check an overweight bag as a courtesy.

Does Delta Air Lines charge for carry-on bags?

No. Delta Air Lines includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on most fares. This applies across standard economy fares.

What bags fit as a Delta Air Lines personal item

Common bag types compared against the Delta Air Lines personal item limit. Sizes are typical retail dimensions and vary by brand.

Bag type	Typical size	On Delta Air Lines
Standard backpack Everyday daypack, laptop backpack	18 x 13 x 8"	Under-seat only
Tote bag Canvas or leather tote	15 x 14 x 5"	Under-seat only
Laptop bag Messenger or slim briefcase	16 x 12 x 4"	Under-seat only
Small duffel Gym or weekender	18 x 11 x 11"	Under-seat only
Purse Handbag or crossbody	12 x 10 x 5"	Under-seat only
Under-seat roller Mini wheeled bag	16 x 14 x 8"	Under-seat only

Delta Air Lines carry-on by fare class

Fare	Carry-on	Personal item	Notes
Basic Economy (Main Basic)	Included	Included	Full carry-on allowed, same allowance as Main Cabin.
Main Cabin	Included	Included	One carry-on plus one personal item, no fee.
Delta Comfort+	Included	Included	Boards in Zone 4, earlier access to overhead bins.
First Class	Included	Included	Priority boarding, overhead bin usually available.
Delta One	Included	Included	Sky Priority boarding, dedicated bin space on widebodies.

Delta Air Lines overhead bin size by aircraft

Delta Connection regional jets with 50 seats or fewer (CRJ-200, Embraer 145) do not accommodate full-size carry-ons in the cabin. Bags larger than a personal item are pink-tagged and gate-checked planeside for free. Mainline 717s, 737s, A220s, A319/320/321s and widebody A330/A350 aircraft accept the standard 22x14x9 carry-on.

Avoiding gate-check on Delta Air Lines

Delta boards in zones 1 through 8 with Sky Priority first. A Delta SkyMiles American Express card gets you into Zone 5 (Main Cabin 1) ahead of most economy passengers, which is usually enough to secure overhead space. Medallion elites and Comfort+ passengers board before Main Cabin, so upgrading or holding status materially reduces gate-check risk.

What counts as a personal item on Delta Air Lines

Allowed

Purse
Laptop bag
Small backpack
Briefcase
Camera bag
Diaper bag

Counts as a second carry-on

Full-size rolling suitcase
Large duffel bag
Oversized tote that will not fit under the seat
Garment bag over 22 inches

Common Delta Air Lines carry-on mistakes

Assuming a 50-seat CRJ will fit a standard roller bag, it will not and you will be valet-tagged at the jet bridge.
Booking Main Basic and expecting earlier boarding, Basic Economy still boards last even though the carry-on is included.
Bringing a structured tote plus a roller bag and a purse, Delta enforces one carry-on plus one personal item, not three.
Measuring a bag without wheels and handles, Delta's 22x14x9 limit includes all protrusions at the sizer.
Expecting flight attendants to lift bags, Delta policy explicitly says crew cannot proactively assist with overhead stowage.

What happens if your bag does not fit on Delta Air Lines

If your carry-on does not fit or the flight is full, gate agents tag it with a pink Gate Claim planeside tag and load it in the cargo hold. Delta does not publish a fee for standard gate-checks on oversold flights or regional jets, these are handled free. You retrieve the bag at the jet bridge on arrival.

Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines carry-on

Delta and United share identical 22x14x9 carry-on dimensions and 45 linear inch personal item rules, but diverge sharply on Basic Economy. Delta Main Basic still includes a full carry-on and personal item, while United Basic Economy on domestic routes restricts passengers to a personal item only unless they hold MileagePlus elite status or a United credit card. Both airlines free-gate-check on 50-seat regional jets. For travelers who buy the cheapest fare, Delta is the more forgiving carrier.

See United Airlines carry-on size

Delta Air Lines checked baggage fees

Domestic economy

1st bag$45

2nd bag$55

Long-haul / international

1st bagNot published

Weight limit50 lb

Linear dim62 in

Overweight & oversize

51–70 lb$100

71–100 lb$200

63–80 in$200

Domestic Main Cabin fees are $45 first / $55 second bag. On transatlantic US-Europe routes, overweight 51-70 lb is $100 and oversize 63-80 in is $300. SkyMiles Medallion members and Delta SkyMiles cardholders receive the first bag free on eligible tickets.

Ways to skip the Delta Air Lines checked bag fee

Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the Delta Air Lines carry-on size.
Use a Delta Air Lines co-branded credit card. These typically waive the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions.
Earn elite status. Mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction.
Book a higher fare. Premium Economy, Business, and First usually include 1 to 2 checked bags.

Delta Air Lines special items & sports equipment

Ski / snowboard: Not published
Golf clubs: Not published
Bicycle: Not published
Pet in cabin: $150
Pet as cargo: Not published

Musical instruments: Small instruments count as carry-on. Larger instruments can be checked within the standard allowance or purchased as an extra cabin seat.

Ski, snowboard, golf, and bike equipment count as one standard checked bag on Delta and incur only the standard checked bag fee if under 50 lb. Pet-in-cabin fee is $150 each way domestic ($200 international) for tickets issued on/after April 8, 2025. Not permitted in Business Class, Delta One, or Delta Premium cabins.

Delta Air Lines basic economy restrictions

Basic Economy Delta Air Lines's lowest fare tier

Carry-on allowed: Yes
Personal item allowed: Yes
Checked bag surcharge: $45

No seat selection until check-in
Last boarding group
No changes or refunds
No upgrades
Reduced Medallion Qualification Miles

Frequently asked questions

What is the Delta Air Lines carry-on size limit?

Delta Air Lines allows carry-on bags up to 22 x 14 x 9" (56 x 35 x 23 cm), including wheels, handles, and any external pockets. There is no published weight limit, but you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin unassisted.

What are the Delta Air Lines carry-on dimensions in cm?

The Delta Air Lines carry-on size limit in centimeters is 56 x 35 x 23 cm. In inches that converts to 22 x 14 x 9". Both measurements include wheels, handles, and external pockets.

What is the Delta Air Lines carry-on weight limit?

Delta Air Lines does not publish a carry-on weight limit for domestic travel. The operational rule is that you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin without help. Very heavy bags can still be refused at the gate.

Does Delta Air Lines charge for carry-on bags?

No. Delta Air Lines includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on most fares.

What is the Delta Air Lines personal item size?

Delta Air Lines does not publish strict personal item dimensions. Your bag must fit fully under the seat in front of you, which is typically about 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Must fit under the seat in front of you. No published dimensions, but purses, small backpacks, and laptop bags are accepted.

Will my bag be gate-checked on Delta Air Lines?

Delta Air Lines currently has a low gate-check risk based on our review of boarding policies and traveler reports. Overhead bin space is usually sufficient on full flights.

Does a 22-inch suitcase fit as a Delta Air Lines carry-on?

Usually yes. A standard 22 x 14 x 9 inch carry-on suitcase fits within the Delta Air Lines carry-on limit of 22 x 14 x 9". Confirm your specific bag measures under the limit with wheels and handles included.

Does a backpack count as a personal item on Delta Air Lines?

Delta Air Lines does not publish exact personal item dimensions, but a standard daypack usually fits under the seat. Oversized hiking or travel backpacks will not fit and count as a carry-on.

Does Delta Air Lines weigh personal items?

Delta Air Lines does not weigh personal items. The only requirement is that the bag fits fully under the seat in front of you. If it does not fit, gate agents may ask you to move it to the overhead bin, which counts as a carry-on.

How much does a checked bag cost on Delta Air Lines?

The first checked bag on Delta Air Lines costs $45 for domestic economy. A second bag costs $55. International fares and premium cabins may include free checked bags.

What are the Delta Air Lines overweight and oversize bag fees?

Delta Air Lines charges $100 for bags weighing 51 to 70 lb, $200 for 71 to 100 lb, and $200 for bags measuring 63 to 80 linear inches. Bags over 100 lb or 80 inches are generally refused.

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Sources & verification

Last verified 2026-05-04 against the official Delta Air Lines policy at https://www.delta.com/us/en/baggage/overview . Airlines change their rules without notice, so always confirm with Delta Air Lines before flying. See our research methodology.