What is allowed on a carry on bag delta

Knowing your airline's carry-on rules can make the difference between a pre-flight tantrum and a relaxing time at the gate — not to mention having to shell out $25 or more, depending on the airline.

Fortunately, Delta Air Lines' carry-on size and rules are fairly generous, even in Basic Economy.

Delta Air Lines carry on rules

Delta's carry-on policy is straightforward: You're allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item for no extra charge, even on Basic Economy flights. Examples of personal items include:

• A purse, briefcase, camera bag, or diaper bag
• or 1 laptop computer (computers cannot be checked)
• or 1 item of a similar or smaller size to those listed above

Delta personal item

Delta doesn't specify the exact dimension of a personal item, but don't go crazy about pushing the boundaries of what qualifies. All sorts of different things qualify, so long as they fit under a seat; keep in mind, you'll have to leave room for your feet and legs, too. A few bags that fit the bill:

Samsonite Wheeled Underseater

Jansport Backpacks

Away Everywhere Bag

Everlane Day Market Tote

L.L. Bean Everyday Lightweight Tote

Those are just a few examples, but you get the idea — it needs to be smaller than a normal suitcase, but you can still fit plenty in a bag that fits under the seat in front of you.

Delta Air Lines carry on size 

A few airport scenes nobody enjoys:

• Having to put a bag into a carry-on sizing cage
• Paying extra to check your bag
• Your bag not fitting into the overhead bin

Do yourself a favor and bring a bag that fits the Delta carry-on bag size limits. Those are again laid out in pretty plain language:

• Baggage may not exceed 45 linear inches (or 114 cm) in combined length, width, and height, including any handles and wheels, with the exception of small musical instruments that fit in the overhead compartment space or under-seat space available at the time of boarding.
• Baggage must meet carry on size limits (approximately 22" x 14" x 9" or 56 x 35 x  23 cm). Reference size check templates that are located at ticket counters and gates.

Delta Carry On Bags

Of course, you have a multitude of options when it comes to carry-on luggage. This will include some larger backpacks, garment bags, and rolling suitcases with both hard and soft sides.

Away Carry-On

Delsey Paris Helium Titanium Hardside Luggage

Briggs & Riley International Carry-On

J.Crew Ludlow Garment Duffel Bag

Prottoni 44-inch Garment Bag

Delta Air Lines carry on weight limit

Crazy enough, Delta doesn't impose restrictions on carry-on bag weight, except on certain international routes. These include flights to and from Singapore, Singapore; Beijing, China; and Shanghai, China. You can read the full details on Delta's website.

But just because you can bring a weighty carry on, doesn't mean you should. You're the one who has to put it in the overhead bin.

Delta Air Lines carry on liquids

As with all carry on bags on domestic flights, Delta adheres to Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) guidelines. That means Delta follows the 3-1-1 rule:

• All liquids must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less container
• All containers must fit inside one clear quart-sized plastic bag
• Each passenger is allowed only one plastic bag

It's your choice of whether you want to use a plain-old quart-sized Ziplock bag, or if you want to get something specific for traveling:

Container Store 1-quart Clear Zippered Bags

Container Store

containerstore.com

$7.99

Sea to Summit Travelling Light TPU Clear Zip-Top Pouch

3-1-1 toiletry bags on Amazon