Delta Carry-On & Personal Item Size

Carry-on and personal item limits for Delta, in inches and centimeters, with a checker to test your own bag.

By the CarryOnAtlas Editorial Team Last verified November 7, 2026 Source: Delta baggage page

The short answer

Delta’s carry-on limit is 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 35 × 23 cm), including wheels and handles. It is free on standard economy fares.

Delta doesn’t publish an exact personal item size; a purse, laptop bag or similar item that fits under the seat in front of you.

Delta Main Basic: Main Basic fares include a full-size carry-on and a personal item, the same as Main Cabin. You board last, so bins may be full and your bag may be gate-checked for free.

Delta size limits

Drawn to scale. All measurements include wheels, handles and pockets.

Carry-on bag

Overhead bin

Maximum size: 22 × 14 × 9 in56 × 35 × 23 cm
Weight: No published limit
Cost: Free with standard economy
Note: Also capped at 45 linear inches (114 cm) in total.

Personal item

Under the seat in front

Suggested size · no official limit

Maximum size: No published size
Weight: No published limit
Cost: Free on every fare
Note: A purse, laptop bag or similar item that fits under the seat in front of you.

Will your bag fit Delta?

Measure your bag at its widest points. Most carry-on bags are 21–22.5 in tall with wheels.

Rules to know

Delta doesn’t publish personal item dimensions. It must fit under the seat in front of you; a bag around 17 × 13 × 8 in is a safe size.
On Delta Connection flights with 50 seats or fewer, only personal items go in the cabin. Roller bags are gate-checked free with a pink Gate Claim tag.
Medallion members and Delta SkyMiles Gold, Platinum and Reserve Amex cardmembers get their first checked bag free; the main cardmember also gets a free second bag on domestic Delta-operated flights.
Checked bag fees rose to $45 / $55 for tickets bought from April 8, 2026 (earlier tickets: $35 / $45).

Bringing more? See Delta Checked Bag Size & Weight Limit and the full Delta Baggage Policy & Fees.

Bags that fit Delta

Delta compared with similar airlines

Delta carry-on size compared
Airline	Carry-on	Personal item	Carry-on weight
Delta	22 × 14 × 9 in56 × 35 × 23 cm	Not publishedMust fit under the seat	No limit
American Airlines	22 × 14 × 9 in56 × 36 × 23 cm	18 × 14 × 8 in45 × 35 × 20 cm	No limit
United	22 × 14 × 9 in56 × 35 × 23 cm	17 × 10 × 9 in43 × 25 × 22 cm	No limit
Southwest	24 × 16 × 10 in61 × 41 × 25 cm	Not publishedMust fit under the seat	No limit

Every airline in one chart: Carry-On Luggage Size by Airline (Master Chart).

Frequently asked questions

What is the Delta carry-on size limit?

22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 35 × 23 cm) including wheels and handles. Delta has no published carry-on weight limit for most routes; you must be able to lift it into the bin.

What size personal item is allowed on Delta?

Delta does not publish exact dimensions. A purse, laptop bag or similar item that fits under the seat in front of you.

Is a carry-on free on Delta?

Yes, on standard economy fares and above. Delta Main Basic: Main Basic fares include a full-size carry-on and a personal item, the same as Main Cabin. You board last, so bins may be full and your bag may be gate-checked for free.

Is a backpack a personal item on Delta?

Yes, if it fits under the seat in front of you. A large travel backpack may count as your carry-on instead. More on backpacks.