Active US military personnel, including members of the Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force, enjoy special baggage policies when traveling with Delta Airlines. These policies are designed to make it easier for military personnel to travel with important gear and equipment.
One of the most important things to know is that active duty military members are allowed to check up to five bags for free when traveling on Delta. This measure applies to national and international flights. Each piece of luggage can weigh up to 100 pounds, which is significantly more than the 50-pound limit imposed on ordinary passengers.
In addition to the five free bags, members are also permitted to take one carry-on bag and one personal item on board. This means they can take a backpack or other small bag on the plane in addition to their standard hand luggage.
Certain restrictions should be considered when these members take advantage of these baggage policies. For example, bags over 100 pounds or over 80 inches in length and width combined will not be accepted as checked baggage. Additionally, if they are traveling with weapons or ammunition, they must adhere to specific guidelines and restrictions.
To benefit from these baggage policies, the travelers in question are required to provide proof of active military status when checking in for their flight. To do so, they can present a military identity card or other documents.
Checked baggage: Number of pieces, size and weight limit
Here is an overview of the baggage allowances granted by Delta Airlines to military personnel traveling on its flights.
For active duty U.S. military personnel traveling on Delta Airlines, the baggage allowance is five (5) free checked bags in all cabins with the weight of each piece limited to 100 Pounds (45kg) while they must display a height or total dimensions of 62 Linear (157cm). This allowance is extended to dependents traveling with military personnel on the same booking who may also qualify for the same baggage allowance.
For military passengers on a personal trip, what allowance is given to them by the DAL airline?
– Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Delta Comfort +
These fares provide access to two checked bags, each weighing 50 pounds.
– Delta Premium Select
In this cabin it is possible to check in three bags free of charge. Each piece of luggage must not exceed 50 pounds and must not be larger than 62 inches in total dimensions. .
– First Class and Delta One
They are entitled to three free checked bags weighing 50 pounds each and displaying a maximum dimension of 62 inches in total dimensions.
Military travel with their pets
– Carry-On
Military or diplomatic service is often synonymous with frequent transfers and moves, which can be stressful for both the soldier and his family. Delta Air Lines understands the importance of families staying together, including those with furry members. That’s why it offers the ability for serving U.S. military personnel or U.S. Department of State Foreign Service Officers (FSOs) and their spouses with active transfer orders to travel with their pets (1 for each passenger) in the cabin of a Delta Air Lines flight.
– As checked baggage
Delta Airlines now allows active military members to travel with up to two pets on its flights, provided they meet certain conditions.
To benefit from this policy, active military personnel must provide a document certifying that they have received an official mission order.
Excess baggage: Traveling with overweight/oversized baggage or checking in an additional piece?
When traveling with Delta Airlines, you may be charged fees if your baggage exceeds the standard number of pieces or the maximum dimensions and weight, even if you are an active military member. To avoid unpleasant surprises at the check-in counter, it’s important to understand the various additional fees that apply to checked baggage before finalizing your travel plans.
– On domestic flights
Generally, this airline applies fees of:
- $150 USD for the transport of a third piece of luggage
- $200 USD for the transport of a fourth piece of baggage or more (up to 10)
DAL also charges fees for checked baggage by:
- Overweight: $100 USD/CAD for items overweight between 51 and 70 pounds and $200 USD/CAD for baggage weighing between 71 and 100 pounds.
- Oversize: Baggage over 63″ (161) and under 80″ (203cm) (except active military) can only be checked in with a $200 fee. Pieces larger than 80 inches must be transported as freight.
– On international flights
See the following page for details of excess baggage charges applied by Delta Air Lines on international flights.