Ah, the elusive free checked bag! Nothing quite takes the sting out of airline fees like knowing your luggage is flying for free. If you're a Delta American Express cardholder, you're in luck, as this is one of the most valuable perks offered. Let's break down exactly how you can get your free checked bag on Delta with your American Express card, step-by-step.
Step 1: Confirm You Have an Eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card
Before we dive into the specifics, let's make sure you're holding the right plastic! The free checked bag benefit is a signature perk of several Delta SkyMiles American Express cards that carry an annual fee.
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| How Do I Get My Free Checked Bag On Delta American Express |
What Cards Are Eligible?
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Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
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Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
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Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
This benefit also extends to the business versions of these cards (e.g., Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card). Unfortunately, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, which has no annual fee, does not offer the free checked bag benefit. So, if you're rocking the Blue card and want this perk, it might be time to consider an upgrade!
Step 2: Link Your SkyMiles Number to Your Reservation
This is perhaps the most crucial step. Your Delta SkyMiles number is the key that unlocks your free checked bag. Delta needs to know you're an eligible cardholder to waive those fees.
How to Link Your SkyMiles Number:
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When Booking Your Flight: The easiest way to ensure your SkyMiles number is linked is to input it when you are booking your flight on Delta.com or through the Fly Delta app. If you're logged into your SkyMiles account while booking, it often gets added automatically.
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Adding After Booking: If you forgot to add it during booking, don't worry! You can usually add your SkyMiles number to an existing reservation by logging into "My Trips" on Delta.com or the Fly Delta app. Look for an option to "Add Loyalty Program #" or similar.
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At Check-in: While not ideal, as you want to ensure it's linked beforehand, sometimes the system will recognize your linked card and SkyMiles number at check-in. However, it's always best practice to have it associated with your reservation well in advance.
Pro Tip: Make sure the name on your Delta SkyMiles account exactly matches the name on your flight reservation to avoid any glitches.
Tip: Stop when confused — clarity comes with patience.
Step 3: Understand Who Benefits From Your Free Bag Perk
One of the best aspects of this benefit is that it's not just for you! Your free checked bag perk can extend to others traveling on the same reservation.
The Power of Sharing:
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You (the Basic Card Member): As the primary cardholder, your first checked bag is free.
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Up to Eight Additional Passengers: This is where the real value comes in! Up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation as the Basic Card Member will also receive their first checked bag free. This can lead to significant savings for families or groups traveling together.
Important Note: All passengers receiving the benefit must be on the same reservation and have the Basic Card Member's SkyMiles number associated with it.
Step 4: Be Aware of Limitations and Exclusions
While the free checked bag benefit is fantastic, there are a few important rules and restrictions to keep in mind.
Key Limitations:
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Delta-Operated and Delta-Marketed Flights: The free checked bag waiver is generally only applied on flight segments that originate on a Delta or Delta Connection® carrier. This means the flight must be both operated by Delta (or a regional partner) and have a Delta flight number (e.g., DL123). Codeshare flights marketed by other airlines (e.g., AF for Air France, KL for KLM) but operated by Delta, or vice versa, may not be eligible.
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Standard Bag Fees Only: The waiver applies to the standard first checked bag fee. It does not cover overweight or oversize baggage fees.
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Standard Weight Limit: Your free checked bag must generally be 50 pounds (23 kg) or less. Bags over this limit will incur additional fees, unless you have Medallion Status that allows for heavier bags.
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Standard Size Limit: Baggage size must not exceed a total of 62 linear inches (length + width + height).
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Not Stackable with Other Waivers: If you are already receiving a free checked bag due to your Medallion Status (e.g., Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond Medallion), itinerary purchased (e.g., First Class, Delta One fares), or active duty military status, you won't get an additional free bag from your American Express card benefit. The highest applicable benefit will generally apply.
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New Card Members/Upgrades: If you're a new card member or have upgraded from another Delta SkyMiles card, you'll typically be eligible for the benefit after you receive your physical card from American Express.
Tip: Focus more on ideas, less on words.
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Step 5: Check-in and Enjoy the Savings! ✅
Once you've followed the previous steps, the process at the airport should be seamless.
At the Airport:
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When you check in for your Delta flight (either online, via the app, or at the airport kiosk/counter), the system should automatically recognize your eligible card and SkyMiles number, waiving the first checked bag fee for you and up to eight companions on the same reservation.
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Confirm with the agent or on your boarding pass/bag tag that the fee has been waived.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to confirm if my Delta Amex card is eligible for a free checked bag?
You can confirm eligibility by checking the benefits section on the American Express website for your specific Delta SkyMiles credit card or by reviewing your cardmember agreement. Eligible cards typically include the Delta SkyMiles Gold, Platinum, and Reserve American Express Cards (and their business versions).
How to ensure my SkyMiles number is linked to my flight reservation?
Log in to your Delta SkyMiles account on Delta.com or the Fly Delta app, go to "My Trips," and locate your reservation. There should be an option to view or add your SkyMiles number. Ideally, add it when booking your flight.
QuickTip: Read with curiosity — ask ‘why’ often.
How to get a free checked bag for my family members on the same reservation?
As the Basic Card Member, ensure your SkyMiles number is linked to the reservation. Up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation as you will automatically receive the first checked bag free benefit.
How to handle overweight or oversized bags with the free bag benefit?
The free checked bag benefit only covers the standard first checked bag fee. If your bag is overweight (over 50 lbs / 23 kg, unless you have higher Medallion status) or oversized (over 62 linear inches), you will still incur additional fees, even with the card benefit.
How to tell if my flight is Delta-operated and marketed?
Check your flight number. It should start with "DL" (e.g., DL123). Also, verify the operating carrier listed on your itinerary. The free bag benefit applies to Delta and Delta Connection® operated and marketed flights.
How to get the free checked bag if I paid for my ticket with a different card?
You generally don't need to pay for your flight with your Delta SkyMiles American Express card to receive the free checked bag benefit. The key is that your eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card must be linked to your Delta SkyMiles account, and your SkyMiles number must be attached to your reservation.
Tip: Reread the opening if you feel lost.
How to know if the benefit applies to international flights?
The free checked bag benefit generally applies to Delta-operated and marketed flights, regardless of whether they are domestic or international, as long as they originate on a Delta or Delta Connection carrier. However, always double-check Delta's baggage fee calculator for your specific itinerary, as some international routes might have different standard allowances.
How to get a free checked bag if I have Medallion Status AND an Amex Delta card?
If you have Delta Medallion Status, you already receive checked bag benefits (e.g., Silver Medallion gets one free bag, Gold gets two, Platinum/Diamond get three). The American Express card benefit will not provide additional free bags beyond what your Medallion Status grants. You'll receive the best benefit you qualify for.
How to troubleshoot if I'm charged for my bag despite having the card?
First, double-check that your SkyMiles number was correctly linked to your reservation. If it was, and you believe you were incorrectly charged, save your receipt and contact Delta's customer service or American Express customer service after your trip to inquire about a refund.
How to upgrade my Delta SkyMiles Blue card to an eligible card for the free bag benefit?
You can typically upgrade your Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card to an eligible card (Gold, Platinum, or Reserve) by logging into your American Express online account or by calling American Express customer service. Be aware that upgrading usually involves an annual fee for the new card.
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