Delta allows passengers to carry one personal item, such as a purse, laptop bag, or briefcase, and one carry-on bag that meets size guidelines. The personal item must fit under the seat before you and cannot be larger than 14 inches by 9 inches by 7 inches.
This smaller personal item gives flyers the flexibility to bring essential hand-carried articles like smartphones, tablets, eyeglasses, and medications that don’t fit in the larger carry-on suitcase.
However, the personal item must still meet size restrictions to ensure as much luggage as possible can fit in the overhead bins without taking up too much space or crowding out other passengers’ bags. The personal item guidelines are intended to provide passengers with some leeway while maintaining order and efficiency onboard.
Definition of personal item
A personal item is a small bag or other personal belonging that a passenger may bring into the aircraft cabin and place under the seat in front of them during flight. Delta Air Lines defines a personal item as any bag or container that measures no larger than 18 inches high, 14 inches wide and 8 inches deep. This ensures that the item is small enough to easily fit beneath the seat without taking up legroom space needed by other passengers.
Personal items can include common things like purses, laptop bags, backpacks, diaper bags or any other small bag meeting the size criteria. When measuring an individual item, all exterior dimensions of the bag and anything stored inside, such as laptops, books, clothing or other accessories, must fall within the 18x14x8 inch limits. Only one personal item per passenger is permitted, in addition to any carry-on or checked baggage, which is allowed under Delta’s regular baggage policy rules.
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Delta Personal Item Size
Delta Air Lines allows each passenger to bring one personal item in addition to a carry-on bag for flights. The personal item must be small enough to fit safely under the seat in front of the passenger. The maximum size restrictions help ensure as much legroom as possible for all flyers on board. Delta defines a personal item as any bag or other container no larger than 18 inches high, 14 inches wide, and 8 inches deep.
Both the personal item itself and all of its contents must fit within this 18 by 14 by 8 inch space. This includes handles and the bag or case, as well as any items stored inside such as laptops, books, papers, headphones or clothing. Only one personal item per customer is allowed within the set measurements. Bags exceeding these dimensions must be checked as regular baggage for an applicable fee. The clearly defined limits help streamline the boarding and deplaning processes while maintaining passenger comfort.
Is a backpack considered a personal item on Delta?
Many travelers like to use a backpack as their item when flying Delta Air Lines. The good news is that a backpack can be considered a personal item, as long as it meets Delta’s size requirements. As long as the overall dimensions of the empty backpack are no larger than 18 inches high, 14 inches wide and 8 inches deep, it will qualify within Delta’s guidelines for a personal item that can be brought on board.
Both external measurements of the backpack itself and any contents packed inside, such as a laptop, book or clothing, must fit within those limitations. This allows backpacks ranging from small daypacks to mid-sized commuter packs to be safely stowed under the seat. Just be sure to check your backpack’s specs to confirm it falls within the allotted space before flying. Following Delta’s rules ensures smooth travel while still offering the convenience of hands-free carrying with a backpack.
What counts towards the personal item size limit?
- The personal item itself (backpack, purse, laptop bag, etc.)
- External dimensions of the bag being used as the personal item
- The width, height, and depth of the bag must each be within size restrictions
- Contents stored inside the personal item
- Items like laptops, books, clothing, headphones all add to the measured size
- Pockets and compartments inside the bag are included in sizing
- Handles or adjustable straps that add to the bag’s outer width or depth
- Any accessories attached to the outside of the bag (water bottle pockets, etc.)
- All sizing is done using the bag’s maximum dimensions with most items packed inside
- The total of the bag + contents cannot exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches
- Size is enforced to the 1/2 inch to allow for variation in measurements
Examples of allowed personal items
- Backpacks
- Daypacks
- Laptop bags or sleeves
- Messenger bags
- Tote bags
- Purses or handbags
- Fanny packs
- Camera bags
- Diaper bags
- Knapsacks
- Rolling duffel or tote bags
- Small suitcases or luggage bags
- Cabin-sized roller luggage
- Tubs or bins for vanity items
- Small coolers or drink containers
- Collapsible bags or totes
- Large tissue or paper product boxes
- Shopping bags or grocery totes
As long as the item meets the size limit of 18 x 14 x 8 inches including contents, the following types of bags and containers can be accepted as personal items on Delta flights.
Items not allowed as a personal item
- Garment bags or hanging-style bags that do not fit under the seat
- Large plastic or reusable shopping bags
- Boxes or containers longer than 18 inches
- Multi-piece luggage (duffels + laptop bags, etc.)
- Bags with rigid sides or frames that cannot be flattened
- Bags with handles over 4 inches or reinforced carrying straps
- Standard rolling suitcases or large spinner bags
- Musical instruments, like violins or guitars
- Oversized sporting equipment like surfboards or ski poles
- Containers exceeding width/length/height limits of 18x14x8 inches
- Bags or items that cannot be properly secured under the seat
- Non-collapsible items like strollers, umbrellas, or bikes
- Hard-sided or rigid coolers, containers, or chests
- Checking these oversized items is required instead
- These types of oversized or irregularly shaped bags do not qualify as personal items under Delta’s rules.
Checking a bag that exceeds personal item size
If a passenger’s bag or item exceeds the maximum dimensions allowed for a personal item, then it cannot be brought onto the aircraft cabin. In this case, the bag must be checked at the ticket counter rather than carried on board.
Delta has developed efficient systems for transporting checked baggage in the cargo hold of flights. Passengers are allowed one free checked bag on most itineraries, though extra or oversized items will incur additional fees.
These fees provide funds for the baggage handlers and extra infrastructure involved in loading and retrieving checked bags. Upon arrival, checked items can be claimed at the baggage carousel after disembarking from the plane. Checking an overloaded personal item ensures the safety, security and comfort of all flyers by preventing oversized bags in the cabin.
FAQ’s
What are the maximum size dimensions for a Delta personal item?
18 inches high x 14 inches wide x 8 inches deep.
How many personal items can you bring on a Delta flight?
One personal item per passenger in addition to a carry-on bag.
What should you do if your item is larger than the personal item size limits?
You’ll need to check the oversized bag at the ticket counter for an applicable fee rather than bringing it on board as a carry-on.
Conclusion
Delta Air Lines has clear guidelines around what constitutes an acceptable personal item that can be brought into the aircraft cabin. The size limits of 18 x 14 x 8 inches were established to guarantee sufficient legroom for every passenger on board. They also help streamline boarding and exiting processes. While the rules may seem restrictive to some, following them is important to maintain order and comfort during flights.
The majority of common carry-on bags like purses, laptop bags and backpacks fit easily within the personal item specifications. However, overloading or using impractical containers will result in a checked bag fee. Overall, being informed of the restrictions and planning accordingly prevents issues and ensures smooth travel experiences for all customers. Knowing Delta’s personal item size policy is an essential part of crafting an efficient carry-on packing strategy for any upcoming itinerary.
