Delta Carry-On Rules: Everything You Need to Know!

Delta’s carry-on rules are straightforward: you can bring one carry-on bag for the overhead bin plus one personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. The key is to make sure your carry-on stays within Delta’s published dimensions, including wheels and handles, and to pack it so you can stow it in the overhead bin without help.

Below is the quick cheat sheet, then the details.

Delta carry-on rules at a glance

If you only read one section, make it this one—these are Delta’s published rules and the practical points most people actually need.

• Carry-on bag (overhead bin): 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (56 x 35 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels
• Total size limit (linear inches): 45 linear inches (length + width + height)
• Personal item: One smaller item that must fit under the seat (purse, briefcase, laptop bag, small backpack, etc.)
• Carry-on weight limit: Delta doesn’t publish a numeric carry-on weight limit, but you must be able to lift and stow it overhead without assistance
• Small Delta Connection flights: On some Delta Connection aircraft (including certain flights with 50 seats or fewer), Delta notes that only personal items may be allowed onboard due to limited overhead space
• For quick comparisons across airlines, keep my carry-on size by airline guide bookmarked.

Delta carry-on size limit (overhead bin)

Delta’s maximum carry-on size is:

• 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (56 x 35 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels
• 45 linear inches total (length + width + height)

Delta’s practical enforcement tip is also the one that matters most: if you’re close to the limit, it’s usually overstuffed exterior pockets and bulky wheel/handle housings that push a bag from “fine” to “doesn’t fit.”

A simple way to avoid problems

Measure your bag fully packed, from the outside, including wheels/handles and anything that sticks out.

Delta personal item rules (under-seat bag)

In addition to your carry-on, Delta allows one personal item that must fit under the seat in front of you. Delta’s guidance focuses on the fit (under-seat) and gives common examples like a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, small backpack, camera bag, diaper bag, etc.

If you want a simple packing habit that prevents gate-area stress: keep essentials in your personal item (medications, chargers, travel documents, valuables), because that’s the bag that stays with you even if your carry-on ends up getting gate-checked.

Delta Connection flights and limited overhead space

Delta notes that on some Delta Connection aircraft—especially those with 50 seats or fewer—overhead space may be limited enough that only personal items are permitted onboard, and larger carry-ons may be tagged and placed in the cargo bin (then returned to you after landing).

Weight Restrictions for Carry-on Bags

Delta does not publish a numeric carry-on weight limit on its carry-on guidance page. Instead, the real-world standard is practical: your carry-on should be manageable enough that you can lift it into the overhead bin safely.

Delta also notes that flight attendants are generally unable to proactively assist customers with placing carry-ons in overhead bins, so it’s worth packing with thatin mind.  

There are a couple of international exceptions to this rule, including:

• Singapore – Changi International Airport (SIN): Carry-on bags cannot exceed 15 lbs. (7kgs)
• Beijing – Capital International Airport (PEK): Carry-on bags cannot exceed 22lbs. (10kgs)
• Shanghai – Pudong International Airport (PVG): Carry-on bags cannot exceed 22lbs. (10kgs)

I fly Delta almost every week into and out of many airports, and I have never had them weigh my carry-on bag for domestic or international flights. I have not flown to Singapore, Beijing, or Shanghai on Delta, so I can’t speak to the weight restrictions on those routes.

My Recommended Carry-On

If you are looking for a great carry-on bag when flying Delta, I recommend the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Expandable Spinner. I have used this carry-on for years and brought it with me on many Delta flights.

It’s durable, reasonably priced, and holds everything I need for shorter trips (3-4 days). Plus the spinner wheels make it very easy to get through the airport quickly and effortlessly.

Manufacturer dimensions:

• Overall dimensions (includes wheels and carry handles): 23″ H x 14.5″ W x 9″ D
• Case dimensions (the main body): 21″ H x 14″ W x 9″ D

Delta’s published carry-on maximum is 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (including wheels/handles), so this is one where I recommend using it the “smart” way:

• Keep it unexpanded
• Don’t overstuff exterior pockets
• Be prepared for a gate-check on very full flights or smaller regional aircraft

Delta Connection Flights

If you happen to be flying on a Delta Connection flight with fifty seats or less (such as a CRJ 200), Delta’s policy states that you can bring a personal item with you, but not a carry-on bag, due to limited overhead space.  Personal items must be able to fit under the seat in front of the passenger.

All carry-on bags within Delta’s size restrictions will be gate checked, free of charge, during the boarding process and returned upon deplaning.   

However, despite this “official rule” there are some bags you can carry on a regional jet.  Check out our article on the best carry-on luggage for regional jets for a list of options, including under-seat luggage.

Delta Liquid Policy for Carry-On’s

The rules for carry-on liquids are set by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration), not by the airline.  Delta doesn’t have its own specific Liquids Policy, they just enforce the rules and policies of the TSA.

It’s also important to note that the rules for bringing a “liquid” in your carry-on bag differ from those that govern what you can bring in your checked luggage. Liquids in a carry-on bag must be 3.4 ounces or smaller and fit in a 1 quart-sized container. Anything larger must be placed in your checked luggage.

• All liquids, gels, pastes, and aerosols must be in a container of 3.4 ounces or smaller.
• All liquids must be in a resealable quart-sized clear plastic bag removed from your carry-on during the TSA screening process. 
• Special exceptions are in place for items such as medication, formula, breast milk, etc.
• Food and Drinks purchased once you have cleared TSA checkpoints are not included in these restrictions.

Exceptions to this rule are certain medications and baby food/child nourishment.

Delta Pet Policy

Delta may not charge for your carry-on bag, but they will charge for your carry-on pet.

If you are going to bring a pet on board with you, it must be able to fit in a small, ventilated pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. You will also have to call Delta in advance to tell them you are bringing a pet with you and confirm that they are allowed on your flight.

Delta generally allows up to 2 pets in business/first class and up to 4 in the main cabin. Pets are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. So if your pet meets Delta’s pet requirements, contact Delta Reservations in advance to arrange to bring your pet on board.

Pets in cabin kennels will count as your one carry-on item.  In addition to the kennel, you can bring one personal item onboard the aircraft.

TSA-Approved Pet Carrier for Delta Airlines

If you do plan on bringing your pet with you, make sure you follow TSA’s pet policy and have an airline-approved Pet Carrier that conforms to Delta’s pet policy.

I have traveled with 2 dogs over the last 10 years, one was a 20 lb. Shih Tzu-Bichon (in the picture above) and another is a 12lb. Chihuahua mix. We used the Sherpa pet carrier when bringing them on a flight with us and it worked great!

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Articles

1. Delta Delay and Cancellation Compensation
2. How to get a Refund from Delta
3. Delta Premium Select Review (DTW to HND)
4. Guide to Delta Airline Hubs
5. Delta Airlines Standby Policy