
Delta Air Lines offers a range of options for passengers checking luggage onto their flights. While the airline does not explicitly provide insurance for checked luggage, it does have policies in place to assist passengers with delayed, damaged, or lost bags, as well as missing items. Delta also offers a 20-minute bag guarantee and a checked bag fee refund for delayed bags, and passengers can protect themselves further by ensuring their luggage has both outside and inside identification details.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Maximum weight of checked baggage | 50 lbs. (23 kg) |
| Maximum size of checked baggage | 62 inches (158 cm) |
| Free checked baggage allowance | First standard checked bag under 50 lbs. (23 kg) + 1 free carry-on bag and 1 personal item |
| Additional checked baggage fees | Applicable as outlined by Delta's rules and the purchased fare |
| First checked bag free for | Card Members |
| Checked baggage policy for active U.S. military personnel | Applicable baggage allowance for active-duty U.S. military personnel when traveling on orders or for personal travel |
| Refund for delayed checked baggage | Eligible for a refund of the checked bag fee, depending on the extent of the delay |
| Lost and found policy | Report to Delta's Lost and Found Central |
| Damaged baggage policy | Delta may repair or replace the bag. Submit a damaged baggage claim within 24 hours of arrival for domestic flights and within 7 days of arrival for international flights |
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What You'll Learn

Delta's liability for checked luggage
Delta Air Lines has a set of policies in place regarding checked luggage, including liability for delayed, damaged, or lost baggage. If a checked bag is delayed, Delta offers a refund of the checked bag fee, depending on the extent of the delay. For domestic travel, bags must be delivered within 12 hours of arriving at the gate, while for international travel, this timeframe is 15 hours for flights of 12 hours or less and 30 hours for flights longer than 12 hours.
In the case of damaged baggage, Delta may repair or replace it. Passengers must report the damage within 24 hours of arrival for domestic flights and within 7 days for international flights by visiting the Baggage Service Office (BSO) and submitting a damaged baggage claim. Delta also provides assistance if items are missing from checked bags. Passengers must report missing items within the same timeframe as for damaged bags and can submit a claim for reimbursement.
If a bag is lost, Delta's Lost & Found Central will notify passengers via email if an item matching the description of their lost item is found. Passengers can then verify their shipping information and provide payment details for shipping charges. Delta also offers a 20-Minute Bag Guarantee for delayed bags, where passengers can request bonus miles if their bag arrives late, with certain limitations.
Additionally, Delta offers a fee waiver for the first checked bag for eligible Card Members, which can result in significant savings. However, this benefit does not apply to passengers who are already receiving one or more checked bags free due to their itinerary, Medallion Status, or active-duty military status.
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Delayed, lost, or damaged bags
Delayed, damaged, or lost bags are an inconvenience that Delta Air Lines aims to resolve for its passengers. If your checked bag is delayed, you may be eligible for a refund of the checked bag fee, depending on the duration of the delay. For domestic travel, if your bag is not delivered within 12 hours of arriving at the gate, you can request a refund. For international flights of 12 hours or less, the duration is 15 hours, and for flights longer than 12 hours, the bag must not be delivered within 30 hours for you to be eligible for a refund. However, there are exceptions to this policy, such as when a passenger fails to meet the minimum check-in time requirement or does not pick up their bag from international customs.
In the unfortunate event that your checked bag is lost, Delta offers assistance through its Lost and Found Central. You can file a lost item report, and if your item is located, Delta will notify you via email. They will provide a link to the shipping checkout page, where you can verify your shipping information and provide payment details for the shipping charges. If you do not have an email address, Delta will contact you via telephone.
If your bag is damaged during transit, Delta may repair or replace it. You must report the damage within 24 hours for domestic flights and within 7 days for international flights. Visit the Baggage Service Office (BSO) at the airport for immediate assistance, and they will provide you with a file reference number for your claim. You can then submit a "Damage Only" claim and include relevant receipts for reimbursement.
Additionally, Delta offers a 20-Minute Bag Guarantee for delayed bags. If your bag arrives late, you can complete a form at delta.com/bagsontime within three days of your flight's arrival to request bonus miles. This guarantee is valid for domestic flights within the US and Puerto Rico.
It is worth noting that Delta also offers a fee waiver for the first checked bag for eligible Card Members. This benefit can save you up to $70 on a round-trip flight and applies to Basic Card Members with specific Delta SkyMiles cards. However, it is important to check the terms and conditions, as there are restrictions, such as bag size and weight limits.
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Reporting and claiming for damaged luggage
If your checked bag is damaged, Delta may be able to repair or replace it. If you're still at the airport, visit the Baggage Service Office (BSO) for assistance. If that doesn't resolve the issue, you'll need to submit a damaged baggage claim. Here's a step-by-step guide to reporting and claiming for damaged luggage:
Step 1: Report the Damage
Report the damage to a Delta representative at the Baggage Service Office (BSO) as soon as possible. You must report the damage within 24 hours of arrival for domestic flights and within 7 days for international flights. Keep the file reference number provided by the BSO, as you'll need it for your claim.
Step 2: Start the Claims Process
Visit the Delta website or mobile app and select "Begin Claim." You'll need to log in to your Delta account to access the claims process.
Step 3: Fill Out the Claim Form
Select "Damage Only" on the claim form. Provide all the relevant details about the damage, including any photos or descriptions of the damage. Include any relevant receipts for reimbursement with your bag claim. If your bag was searched by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and you believe the damage occurred during the search, contact the TSA directly at 866-289-9673 for assistance.
Step 4: Submit the Claim
Review your claim carefully before submitting it. Make sure you have included all the necessary information and documentation. Once you have submitted your claim, Delta will review it and contact you about the status of your claim and any next steps.
Step 5: Follow Up
Stay in close communication with Delta during the claims process. If you need to check on the status of your claim or provide additional information, use the contact information provided by Delta. Keep all relevant documentation and correspondence related to your claim in case you need to refer back to it.
It's important to note that Delta does not reimburse for normal wear and tear. Additionally, airlines often exclude liability for certain categories of items, such as fragile items, electronics, cash, perishable items, and other valuables. These exclusions are typically listed in the airline's contract of carriage. However, airlines are responsible for repairing or reimbursing passengers for damage to wheels, handles, straps, and other components of checked baggage.
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Refunds for delayed checked bags
If your checked bag is delayed, you may be eligible for a refund of the checked bag fee, depending on the extent of the delay. To be eligible for a refund, you must report your delayed checked bag to a Delta representative at the Baggage Service Office (BSO). You can also message Delta or use the contact numbers listed in the Help Center to speak to a reservations specialist.
Refunds for checked bag fees are issued as follows:
- For domestic travel: bags not delivered within 12 hours of arriving at the gate.
- For international travel, flights of 12 hours or less: bags not delivered within 15 hours of arriving at the gate.
- For international travel, flights of more than 12 hours: bags not delivered within 30 hours of arriving at the gate.
Exceptions apply, and bag fees will not be refunded if the delay is due to the following reasons:
- Failure to pick up and recheck your bag at international customs and immigration.
- Failure to meet the minimum check-in time requirement for a flight.
- Flying standby (without a confirmed seat) for a flight.
You may still be eligible for a refund if your bag is lost or pilfered.
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Waivers and fees for checked bags
Delta Air Lines' baggage fees are relatively clear and easy to understand. The checked baggage allowance each way price varies by route and fare class. The Delta baggage weight limit is 50 pounds per bag for passengers booked in basic economy, Main Cabin, and Premium Select, and 70 pounds per bag for passengers flying in Delta One or first class.
Passengers with Delta Medallion elite status have a 70-pound weight limit per bag before they face extra fees. Medallion members in Comfort+, Main Cabin, or basic economy can check one additional bag up to 50 pounds over the standard cabin allowance. Medallion members in Delta One, first class, or Premium Select can check up to three free bags at no more than 70 pounds per bag. Silver Medallion members can check one bag for free, Gold Medallion members can check two bags for free, and Platinum and Diamond Medallion members can check three bags for free.
Additionally, passengers with Delta elite status or a Delta credit card will sometimes get the fee waived. SkyMiles Amex Card Members are eligible to check a first bag for free on eligible Delta flights booked using a requisite card. Basic Card Members with the Delta SkyMiles Gold, Platinum, or Reserve cards are eligible for a fee waiver on their first checked bag.
All passengers on a Delta flight can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item free of charge. However, on Delta Connection flights with 50 seats or fewer, passengers are only permitted to carry personal items due to limited overhead space.
If your checked bag is delayed, you may be eligible for a refund of the checked bag fee, depending on the extent of the delay. For domestic travel, bags must be delivered within 12 hours of arriving at the gate, and for international travel, bags must be delivered within 15 hours for flights of 12 hours or less, and within 30 hours for flights of more than 12 hours. If your bag is damaged in transit, Delta may be able to repair or replace it. You must report damage within 24 hours of arrival for domestic flights and within 7 days for international flights.
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Frequently asked questions
If your checked bag is lost, you should file a claim at the Lost and Found page. If your bag is damaged, visit the Baggage Service Office (BSO) for assistance and submit a damaged baggage claim. If your bag is delayed, you may be eligible for a refund of the checked bag fee.
You must report missing items within 24 hours of arrival for domestic flights and within 7 days of arrival for international flights. You can do this by messaging a reservations specialist.
Delta requires outside personal identification on all checked baggage. It is also recommended to include inside identification details in case the outside identification gets lost.
Yes, medicine, money, valuable documents, keys, jewelry, cameras, and other small fragile items should be carried in your hand luggage.
The checked baggage allowance price varies by route and fare class. However, Delta SkyMiles Card Members can check their first bag free on Delta flights.






























