If you’ve ever had to play “will it fit?” with your bag at the boarding gate, you know the unique stress of airline carry-on rules. One minute you’re confident your bag will sail through, the next you’re side-eyeing the sizer box like it’s your worst enemy.
I’ve flown Delta more times than I can count (Atlanta connection life, anyone?), and I’ve learned that while Delta’s carry-on policy is pretty simple, there are little things that can make or break your experience — and your packing sanity.
Whether you’re flying Delta in Basic Economy, Comfort+, or First Class, here’s the real-world guide to Delta Airlines carry-on rules for 2025 — complete with tips I’ve learned the hard way, what to pack, and how to dodge those awkward gate-check moments.
What You Can Bring on Delta for Free
Delta keeps things simple:
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1 carry-on bag (goes in the overhead bin)
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1 personal item (fits under the seat in front of you)
This applies to all fares, even Basic Economy, so no worries there. In fact, Delta is one of the more generous U.S. airlines when it comes to personal item space — their under-seat storage is usually roomy, except on certain smaller aircraft (more on that later).
Delta’s Official Carry-On Size Limit (2025)
Delta’s size allowance is basically the U.S. standard — but the devil is in the details. Measurements include wheels and handles, so don’t measure just the shell of your bag and think you’re good.
| Item Type | Max Size (inches) | Max Size (cm) | My Packing Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-On Bag | 22 × 14 × 9 | 56 × 35 × 23 | Go soft-shell if you’re a chronic overpacker — it flexes into tight bins. |
| Personal Item | 18 × 14 × 8 | 45 × 35 × 20 | Backpack > tote bag. More space, more pockets, easier to stash under-seat. |
💡 Pro Tip: Delta’s sizer boxes tend to be at the gate, not at check-in. If your bag is even slightly questionable, don’t be the last one to board — early boarders rarely get checked.
Weight Limits
For domestic Delta flights, there’s no official weight limit for carry-ons. The only rule: you have to be able to lift it into the overhead yourself without causing a scene (or a shoulder injury).
International flights may have stricter rules — partner airlines in Asia, for example, often limit carry-ons to 7–10 kg (15–22 lbs). If you’re connecting internationally, check every airline’s rules, not just Delta’s.
I personally keep mine under 25 lbs (11 kg) just for comfort — there’s nothing cool about sweating buckets while lifting your bag.
What Counts as a Personal Item on Delta
The official examples:
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Purse
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Laptop bag
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Small backpack
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Camera bag
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Diaper bag
Unofficially, as long as it fits under the seat and you can lift it one-handed, you’re probably fine.
💡 Pro Hack: Delta’s personal item allowance is a little more forgiving than American or United — you can get away with a slightly bulkier under-seat backpack.
Freebies That Don’t Count Toward Your Limit
These extras can come onboard without replacing your carry-on or personal item:
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Umbrella
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Duty-free shopping bag
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Food/snacks
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Jacket or coat
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Assistive devices (wheelchair, crutches, CPAP machine)
Basic Economy & Boarding Groups
Delta’s Basic Economy includes a full-sized carry-on and a personal item, but here’s the catch: you’ll board last. That means overhead bin space might already be full.
✈ Story time: On a Minneapolis–Orlando Basic Economy flight, I watched a guy in my boarding group confidently roll his carry-on down the aisle… only to find every bin full by row 20. He ended up gate-checking it — and his flip-flops didn’t arrive with him.
Solution: Keep essentials (meds, charger, sweater) in your personal item in case your carry-on ends up in the cargo hold.
Avoiding the Gate-Check Dance
If you really want to keep your carry-on with you, here’s how I do it:
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Board as early as possible — consider Delta’s branded credit cards for priority boarding.
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Choose an aisle seat toward the front — bins up there fill slower.
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Don’t overstuff your bag — a bulging zipper screams “check me.”
Regional Jets & Small Aircraft
Delta Connection flights (operated by smaller partner airlines) often use planes with smaller overhead bins. Even if your carry-on meets Delta’s official size, it might not fit.
In those cases, you’ll be asked to valet check your bag — you’ll drop it before boarding and pick it up right after you land (better than waiting at baggage claim).
How Delta Compares to Other Airlines
Packing Tips for Delta Flights
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Roll your clothes for wrinkle-free space saving.
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Packing cubes make finding things mid-trip way easier.
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Wear your bulkiest shoes/jacket — save space for souvenirs.
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Stuff small items in shoes to maximize every inch.
💡 Pro Tip: Consider TravelPro Maxlite 5 or Nomatic Navigator Backpack — they’re Delta-approved and perfect for maximizing space.
Seasonal Packing Tips
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Winter: Layer up at the airport, pack gloves and scarves in side pockets.
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Summer: Pack a refillable water bottle and light clothes; Delta’s A/C can be strong, so bring a light sweater.
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Holiday Travel: Gifts? Pack them unwrapped to avoid TSA drama.
FAQs
Q: Can I bring both a backpack and a purse?
A: Yes — one counts as your personal item, the other as your carry-on.
Q: Does Delta check carry-on weight?
A: Not domestically. International routes sometimes do.
Q: Can I bring food?
A: Solid snacks are fine; liquids follow TSA 3-1-1 rules.
Q: What if my bag is slightly bigger than 22 inches?
A: If it looks reasonable and isn’t stuffed, you’ll probably be fine — but don’t push it.
Q: Does Delta charge for carry-ons?
A: No, not even for Basic Economy.
Q: Can I bring a garment bag?
A: Yes, as long as it fits within Delta’s size limits.
Q: Can I carry-on sports equipment?
A: Some, yes — but check Delta’s list before you show up.
Final Thoughts
Delta’s carry-on rules are among the easiest to work with in the U.S., but small details can make or break your trip. Measure your bag with wheels and handles, don’t overstuff, and board early when you can.
Do that, and you’ll skip the gate-check stress, keep your stuff with you, and maybe even have time to grab a pre-flight coffee instead of wrestling with the overhead bins.