Carry-on luggage policies can vary significantly across airlines. Understanding the rules is key to avoiding unexpected airline fees (not to mention, unnecessary stress). Here’s what to know about Delta Air Lines carry-on size, personal items, and more insider tips.
What is the carry-on size for Delta?
According to Delta carry-on size rules, all passengers, including those with Basic Economy tickets, are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item. All items must comply with the following size dimensions, including wheels, handles and attachments. Delta does not specify a weight limit for carry-on luggage or personal items.
Delta Air Lines carry-on size for personal items
Delta carry-on rules for Basic Economy
Unlike some other carriers, Delta allows Basic Economy passengers to bring onboard a carry-on for free — a bonus for budget-minded travelers. But because this cabin boards last, there’s a good chance overhead bins may be full. In that case, your carry-on bag will be gate checked for free.
The good news: You won’t have to wait for your bag at baggage claim; you can pick it up upon deplaning.
Carry-on rules for Delta Connection flights
Passengers flying on Delta Connection flights with 50 seats or fewer, heads up: Due to limited overhead and under-seat space, you’re only allowed one personal item onboard these smaller regional aircraft. Larger items, meanwhile, will be tagged with a pink Gate Claim/Planeside tag and loaded in the cargo hold.
What extra items can you bring on board Delta flights?
Delta allows passengers to bring on board extra items that do not count toward the carry-on allowance. A few examples:
- assistive/mobility devices such as walking canes or crutches
- coats or jackets
- umbrellas
- food or other items purchased at the airport
Delta carry-on size and policies for children’s items
Like other major US carriers, Delta has fairly generous carry-on policies for travelers with young children. Strollers and child safety seats do not count as part of Delta’s standard baggage allowance and can be easily checked for free. Items may be checked curbside, at the ticket counter or at the gate.
Some car seats can be brought on board as carry-on items, but Delta specifies certain restrictions for those, as noted below.
In addition, other children’s items that do not count toward the carry-on limit include a diaper bag, breast pump and cooler bags, and a bassinet. However, these items must fit within carry-on size restrictions.
Are there specific rules for car seats on Delta?
Delta does note on its website specific restrictions for child safety seats, which must be FAA-approved and may be brought on board “in certain circumstances.” If you booked a seat for your child or if there is an open passenger seat in your row, you’re allowed to place your child in a safety seat during take-off and landing. Booster seats also are allowed on board, but may not be used during take-off and landing.
However, if you have not purchased a seat for your child or an extra passenger seat is not available, your safety seat must be gate checked. Delta notes that all safety seats must use an aircraft seat belt on board, and that safety seats are not allowed in an exit row or aisle seat. They are also prohibited in Delta One flatbed seats.
The bottom line: If you want to be assured the use of a safety seat for your kiddo, the bet bet is to purchase a ticket for them. In that case, they also have the same carry-on allowances as adult passengers.
Traveling with a stroller on Delta
Delta allows passengers to check one stroller per child you’re traveling with for free. This can be done during check-in, at the ticket counter, or at the gate. If you prefer to gate check your stroller, be sure to get a tag from the gate agent prior to boarding.
Delta carry-on rules for musical instruments
Keep in mind that, as with most carriers, Delta counts musical instruments as part of passengers’ carry-on allowance. Keep that in mind as you plan what to bring onboard.
Passengers planning to bring a musical instrument onboard any Delta flight should be sure to familiarize themselves with the carrier’s policies ahead of time – and consider purchasing insurance, too.
Delta Air Lines carry-on bag FAQs
For quick answers to your questions about Delta carry-on bag size or other concerns, see the intel below.
Delta does not specify a weight limit. However, larger carry-on bags must be able to fit in the overhead bins, while personal items must fit under the seat in front of you. Delta does not specify this, but passengers should be able to lift their bags unassisted.
Like most airlines, Delta has tightened things up recently as more passengers try to avoid paying checked bag fees. If you’re in one of the first boarding groups or have airline status, you may be allowed a little more leeway with a bag that’s a little bit larger than the specified dimensions. However, on full flights, agents could be more strict about checking — especially if both your larger bag and carry-on item are pushing the limits.
Yes, assuming they both fall within the size restrictions as noted above.
If you don’t mind not being able to select a seat ahead of time, Delta’s Basic Economy tickets can offer good value. That’s because the carrier allows passengers to bring onboard a larger carry-on bag, as well as a personal item, for free — just like all other economy passengers. Because Basic Economy boards last, there’s a good chance you’ll have to gate check your larger item. But you won’t be charged for it.
Blane Bachelor
Top three Delta carry-on luggage tips
from travel expert, Blane Bachelor
Delta Air Lines was my preferred carrier for years, including when my son was an infant. As a parent, I appreciated its generous policies for children’s items, such as a free checked stroller. That said, I also recommend parents to consolidate their carry-on bags as much as possible — and check a bag if they need to. Traveling with a baby keeps your hands full enough as it is.
If you want to avoid the overhead bin space battle and be assured that you will have room for your carry-on bag, consider purchasing an upgraded ticket such as Economy Comfort+. Ticket prices are higher than economy, but you can take advantage of earlier boarding and dedicated overhead bin space for that section.
As part of the SkyTeam Alliance, Delta Air Lines has several codeshare partners, which may have different carry-on guidelines and restrictions on some flights. So it’s always a good idea to double check the partner airline’s rules ahead of time in order to avoid any unpleasant surprises – like an unexpected baggage fee – during your trip, especially if you’re headed overseas.
Still have questions about Delta Air Lines carry-on size?
Luggage policies can be confusing. For an easy way to compare carry-on rules across airlines, check out our carry-on luggage guide. Need help deciding between a carry-on or checked bag? Or perhaps you’re stuck on what to pack? We have plenty of handy tips for that, too. Finally, don’t forget to check what’s allowed in a carry-on before you head to the airport.
⏰ Last update: March 6, 2025 – because staying informed makes travel smoother.
