Unlocking the Free Checked Bag Benefit: A Guide for Delta American Express Cardholders
Planning a trip with Delta? As a Delta SkyMiles American Express Card Member, you have a valuable benefit that can save you a significant amount of money: a free checked bag. But the rules can sometimes be a little confusing, and the last thing you want is to be caught off guard with a baggage fee at the airport. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from which cards are eligible to how to ensure you receive your benefit every time.
Are you ready to start traveling smarter and saving money? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Identify Your Eligible Card
The first and most crucial step is to determine if you have a card that qualifies for the free checked bag benefit. Not all Delta SkyMiles cards offer this perk.
Sub-heading: The Qualifying Cards
The following Delta SkyMiles American Express cards (and their business counterparts) typically include the first checked bag free benefit:
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
If you hold one of these cards, you are eligible! If you have a different Delta SkyMiles card, or a general American Express card that is not co-branded with Delta, you will not receive this specific benefit.
Step 2: Understand the "Free Checked Bag" Policy
The term "free" is fantastic, but it's important to know exactly what it entails. This benefit applies to the first standard checked bag, and it comes with specific conditions you need to meet.
Sub-heading: What You Get
One Free Bag: The benefit covers your first checked bag for free. This is a one-way benefit, meaning you get it on both your departing and returning flights.
The Weight and Size: The bag must adhere to Delta's standard checked baggage rules. This generally means it must be under 50 pounds (23 kg) and not exceed a combined linear dimension of 62 inches (157 cm). Bags that are overweight or oversized will still incur additional fees.
For You and Your Companions: This is where the benefit really shines. The free checked bag benefit extends to the Basic Card Member and up to eight additional passengers traveling on the same reservation. That's a potential total of nine people who can each check their first bag for free!
Step 3: Ensure a Seamless Check-In Process
To make sure you don't get charged at the counter, you need to follow a few simple but essential steps before you even get to the airport.
Sub-heading: The Golden Rules for a Smooth Trip
Enter Your SkyMiles Number: This is the most critical step. Your Delta SkyMiles number, which is linked to your American Express card, must be included in your flight reservation. If you booked your flight while logged into your SkyMiles account on Delta's website or app, this should be automatic. If you booked through a third-party site or forgot to add it, be sure to add your SkyMiles number to your reservation before you check in.
Fly on Delta-Operated Flights: The free checked bag benefit is only valid on flights that are both marketed and operated by Delta or a Delta Connection carrier. This means the flight number on your ticket should start with "DL." If your itinerary includes flights with a partner airline (e.g., Air France or KLM), the benefit may not apply to those legs of the journey. Always double-check your flight details.
Use Your Card (Optional, but Recommended): While some users report receiving the benefit even without paying for the flight with their Delta SkyMiles Amex, the official terms often state that the flight should be booked with your card. To be safe, and to earn those valuable SkyMiles, it's a good practice to use your eligible card for the purchase.
Step 4: What to Expect at the Airport
When you arrive at the airport, the process should be straightforward and automated.
Sub-heading: The Check-In Experience
Online/App Check-in: When you check in online or through the Fly Delta app, the system should recognize your cardholder status and automatically waive the fee for your first checked bag. You should see a $0 charge for the first bag for each eligible passenger on your reservation.
In-Person Check-in: If you check in at the counter or a kiosk, the system will also automatically apply the waiver as long as your SkyMiles number is attached to the reservation. The agent will confirm the number of free bags you are entitled to.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get a free checked bag on Delta with my Amex card?
To get a free checked bag, you must have an eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card, have your SkyMiles number linked to your flight reservation, and be traveling on a Delta-operated flight.
How to add my SkyMiles number to an existing reservation?
You can add your SkyMiles number to an existing reservation by logging into your account on delta.com or the Fly Delta app and managing your trip. You can also ask a Delta agent to add it at the check-in counter.
How to know if my flight is Delta-operated?
Look at your flight number. If it starts with "DL," it is a Delta-operated flight. If it starts with another airline's code (e.g., "AF" for Air France), the free checked bag benefit may not apply.
How to get the free checked bag for my family members?
Your family members must be on the same reservation as you, the primary cardholder. The benefit extends to up to eight additional passengers on that reservation.
How to ensure I am not charged for an overweight bag?
Before you leave, weigh your bag at home. The standard limit is 50 lbs (23 kg). If your bag is over this limit, you will be subject to a fee, even with the free bag benefit.
How to use the free bag benefit on an international flight?
The benefit applies to international Delta-operated flights, but remember that the baggage allowance and fees can vary by route. The benefit waives the fee for the first bag, but if your specific itinerary already includes a free bag, the benefit does not add a second one for free.
How to check if my specific Delta Amex card is eligible?
You can check the benefits page for your specific card on the American Express website. The eligible cards are the Delta SkyMiles Gold, Platinum, and Reserve cards (and their business equivalents).
How to get the free bag if I booked my flight with miles?
Yes, the free checked bag benefit is still valid on award tickets booked with miles, as long as your SkyMiles number is on the reservation and you're flying on a Delta-operated flight.
How to get the free bag if I booked through a third-party site like Expedia?
You can still get the benefit. The key is to add your SkyMiles number to the reservation after you have booked. You can usually do this on delta.com by looking up your reservation with the confirmation code.
How to get reimbursed if I was incorrectly charged for a checked bag?
If you believe you were wrongly charged, you should contact Delta's customer service with your reservation details and a copy of your charge to request a refund.
