Delta carry-on size

Delta’s published carry-on limit is 22 × 14 × 9 inches (handles and wheels included), or 56 × 35 × 23 cm, with a combined ≤ 45 linear inches (114 cm). One carry-on plus one personal item is free on every fare, including Basic. Delta does not publish a carry-on weight limit; check the airline for rare route exceptions. The personal item must fit under the seat; Delta publishes no L×W×H for it (examples only).

Field	Value
Max dimensions (in)	22 × 14 × 9 in (handles & wheels included)
Max dimensions (cm)	56 × 35 × 23 cm
Linear	≤ 45 linear in (114 cm) (L+W+H)
Weight	None published; check the airline for rare route exceptions
Wheels / handles	Included in the 22×14×9 measurement; size-check displays at counters and gates
Fare inclusion	Free on all fares, including Basic / Main Basic
Personal item	Must fit under the seat; no published L×W×H (examples only). See Delta personal item

Free with your ticket (every fare, including Basic):

• 1 size-compliant carry-on
• 1 personal item that fits under the seat

That is a real difference from United Basic Economy, which usually allows only a personal item in the cabin on most domestic routes. On Delta Basic, the overhead carry-on is still complimentary.

Paid: checked bags only. Typical domestic U.S. rates (Main / Comfort, each way) are 1st $45 and 2nd $55. Full checked, overweight, oversize, and waiver details are on Delta baggage fees. Do not treat those checked fees as a carry-on charge.

• Size-check displays sit at counters and gates. If the flight is full, agents may gate-check bags even when your bag fits the published size.
• Delta Connection (≤50 seats): only personal items are allowed onboard. Larger bags get a pink Gate Claim / Planeside tag, ride in cargo, and return at deplane. That planeside move is free. Assistive devices are exempt.
• Personal item: Delta does not publish exact L×W×H. If blogs list inches for “Delta personal item,” they are often copying another airline. Stick to under-seat fit and official examples.
• Carry-on weight: none stated on the carry-on page. Do not invent a 50 lb (or similar) carry-on limit. Cabin weight free allowances you may see elsewhere apply to checked bags by cabin, not to the overhead carry-on size rule.
• Basic still includes the free carry-on, but it can still be gate-checked free if bins are full.

1. Stay at or under 22 × 14 × 9 in and ≤ 45 linear inches. Measure including wheels and handles, not the empty marketing size on the tag.
2. Pack a true under-seat personal item as backup, especially if you might end up on a Delta Connection regional jet.
3. For checked bags, buy ahead when it helps your trip plan, stay within standard weight/size, and use status or card waivers when you qualify. Details: baggage fees.
4. Do not confuse Delta’s free Basic carry-on with United Basic Economy (personal item only on most routes).

Look for rollers and soft-sided bags marketed at ≤ 22 × 14 × 9 in with ≤ 45 linear inches, then measure your packed bag before the airport. “Airline carry-on” labels are not a guarantee at Delta’s size-check display.

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Soft pick 1 — size-check roller (carry-on)
Choose a compact spinner or soft roller whose external packed size stays within 22 × 14 × 9 in (wheels/handles included). Prefer bags that publish all three dimensions and a linear total, not just “fits most airlines.” Confirm the packed measurement at home.

Soft pick 2 — slim under-seat personal item
A small backpack, laptop bag, or tote that actually slides under a coach seat. Delta does not publish personal-item L×W×H, so treat “under-seat” as the rule, not a copied 17×10×9 or similar from another carrier. Pair this with your free overhead bag on mainline flights.

No hard sell: if your current bag measures in, keep it.

What is the Delta carry-on size limit?
22 × 14 × 9 inches (56 × 35 × 23 cm), including handles and wheels; combined ≤ 45 linear inches (114 cm). No published carry-on weight limit; check the airline for rare route exceptions.

Does Delta charge for carry-on bags?
No. One size-compliant carry-on plus one personal item is free on all fares, including Basic.

Does Basic Economy include a carry-on on Delta?
Yes. Complimentary carry-on is included (unlike United Basic Economy on most domestic routes). It may still be gate-checked free if bins are full.

What if my bag doesn’t fit the Delta size check?
Expect to check it (checked-bag fees may apply). On Delta Connection aircraft with ≤50 seats, larger bags are often planeside-tagged free.

What is Delta’s personal item size?
It must fit under the seat. Delta does not publish exact L×W×H. Official examples include a purse, briefcase, small backpack, laptop bag, and similar or smaller items. See Delta personal item.

Is Delta carry-on the same as United or Frontier?
Same common 22 × 14 × 9 family as United (United publishes 9 × 14 × 22 in / 23 × 35 × 56 cm). Frontier allows a larger published max (24 × 16 × 10) but often charges for it on Basic. Delta’s advantage is a free overhead bag on Basic.

Fees and rules change. Confirm sizes and policies on delta.com before you travel. BagRule is not affiliated with Delta Air Lines.