Introduction
Delta Air Lines is one of the largest airlines in the world, with hubs located around the world. The airline is well known for its customer service and competitive prices, but it also has a variety of baggage fees that can add up quickly. This article will explore how much does Delta charge for bags, including its checked luggage fees, domestic and international baggage charges, discounts, and tips for avoiding unnecessary costs.
Exploring the Cost of Delta’s Checked Luggage Fees
When traveling with Delta, passengers can bring a carry-on bag and personal item free of charge. However, if you need to check a bag, you will be charged a fee. Here are the current checked luggage fees for domestic and international flights.
Domestic Charges
For domestic flights within the United States, Delta charges a flat fee of $30 for the first checked bag, and $40 for the second checked bag. If you are flying in Basic Economy, you will pay an additional fee of $60 for your first checked bag and $75 for your second checked bag.
International Charges
For international flights, Delta charges a flat fee of $60 for the first checked bag, and $100 for the second checked bag. If you are flying in Basic Economy, you will pay an additional fee of $70 for your first checked bag and $120 for your second checked bag.
A Comparison of Delta’s Domestic and International Baggage Charges
As you can see from the above fees, there is a significant difference in the cost of checked luggage for domestic and international flights. For domestic flights, the fee for the first checked bag is $30, while for international flights it is $60. The fee for the second checked bag is also significantly higher for international flights, at $100 compared to $40 for domestic flights.
Price Differences
The main difference between the domestic and international baggage charges is the price. While the fee for the first checked bag is the same for both domestic and international flights ($30 and $60 respectively), the fee for the second checked bag is significantly higher for international flights ($100) compared to domestic flights ($40).
Additional Fees
In addition to the checked luggage fees, Delta also charges additional fees for overweight and oversized bags. For domestic flights, Delta charges $100 for bags that are over 50lbs, and $200 for bags that are over 70lbs. For international flights, the fees are slightly higher at $150 for bags that are over 50lbs, and $250 for bags that are over 70lbs.
How to Save on Delta’s Baggage Fees
If you are looking to save on Delta’s baggage fees, there are a few options available. Here are some of the most common ways to save on Delta’s baggage fees.
Discounts
Delta offers discounts for certain groups, such as military personnel, students, and government employees. These discounts can vary depending on the group, so be sure to check with Delta for more information.
Tips for Avoiding Unnecessary Costs
The best way to avoid paying Delta’s baggage fees is to travel light. If possible, try to limit the number of bags you bring on your trip, and only bring what you need. You should also make sure to follow Delta’s weight restrictions, as overweight and oversized bags will incur additional fees.
The Pros and Cons of Delta’s Baggage Policies
Delta’s baggage policies have both advantages and disadvantages. Here is a look at the pros and cons of Delta’s baggage policies.
Advantages
One of the main advantages of Delta’s baggage policies is that they are fairly straightforward and easy to understand. The fees for checked bags are clearly outlined, and the additional fees for overweight and oversized bags are not too high. Additionally, Delta offers discounts for certain groups, which can help to reduce the cost of baggage fees.
Disadvantages
The main disadvantage of Delta’s baggage policies is that they can be expensive. The fees for checked bags are relatively high, and the additional fees for overweight and oversized bags can add up quickly. Additionally, discounts may not always be available, so it can be difficult to find ways to save on baggage fees.
Analyzing the Different Types of Delta Baggage Fees
When traveling with Delta, passengers will be charged different fees for each type of bag. Here is a breakdown of the different types of Delta baggage fees.
Carry-on Luggage
Carry-on luggage is allowed on all Delta flights, and there is no fee for bringing a carry-on bag. However, there are size and weight restrictions, so be sure to check with Delta before packing your carry-on bag.
Checked Luggage
Checked luggage must be paid for, and the fees vary depending on the destination. For domestic flights, the fee for the first checked bag is $30, while for international flights it is $60. The fee for the second checked bag is also significantly higher for international flights, at $100 compared to $40 for domestic flights.
Excess & Oversized Baggage Fees
In addition to the checked luggage fees, Delta also charges additional fees for overweight and oversized bags. For domestic flights, Delta charges $100 for bags that are over 50lbs, and $200 for bags that are over 70lbs. For international flights, the fees are slightly higher at $150 for bags that are over 50lbs, and $250 for bags that are over 70lbs.
Tips for Avoiding Unnecessary Delta Baggage Costs
If you are looking to save on Delta’s baggage fees, here are some tips to help you avoid unnecessary costs.
Weight Restrictions
Make sure to follow Delta’s weight restrictions, as overweight and oversized bags will incur additional fees. If possible, try to pack light and only bring what you need.
Prepaid Baggage Options
Delta offers prepaid baggage options, which allow you to purchase up to three checked bags in advance. This can be a great way to save money if you know you will need to check multiple bags.
Travel with a Companion
If you are traveling with a companion, consider splitting the cost of the baggage fees. This can help to reduce the overall cost of the trip.
Conclusion
Delta’s baggage fees can be expensive, but there are ways to save. By following Delta’s weight restrictions, taking advantage of discounts, and considering prepaid baggage options, you can save money on Delta’s baggage fees. With a little bit of planning, you can make sure that your trip with Delta is as affordable as possible.
