Intro
Master the art of traveling with gear in tow. Discover the top 5 tips for navigating Deltas military baggage policy, including allowances for active duty personnel, veteran discounts, and special equipment transport. Learn how to pack smart, avoid extra fees, and make the most of your military travel benefits with our expert guide.
Delta Air Lines is one of the largest and most popular airlines in the world, offering flights to numerous destinations globally. For military personnel, traveling with Delta can be a convenient option, especially with the airline's military baggage policy. However, understanding the intricacies of this policy is crucial to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Delta's military baggage policy is designed to support the unique needs of military personnel and their families. The policy offers several benefits, including free baggage allowance, reduced baggage fees, and special handling for military equipment. In this article, we will delve into the details of Delta's military baggage policy, highlighting five essential tips to help military travelers make the most of their benefits.
Tip 1: Understand the Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for Delta's military baggage policy, travelers must meet specific criteria. The policy applies to:
- Active-duty military personnel
- Reserve military personnel
- National Guard personnel
- Military dependents (spouses and children)
- Retired military personnel (with a valid military ID)
It's essential to note that military personnel must present a valid military ID at check-in to receive the benefits of the military baggage policy.
Tip 2: Know the Free Baggage Allowance

Delta offers a generous free baggage allowance for military personnel, which includes:
- 2 checked bags (up to 50 pounds each)
- 1 carry-on bag
- 1 personal item
Additionally, military personnel can also check in up to 5 special items, such as surfboards, bicycles, or musical instruments, without incurring additional fees.
Special Items and Equipment
Delta's military baggage policy also includes special provisions for military equipment and gear. Military personnel can check in items like:
- Firearms (with a valid permit)
- Ammunition (in checked baggage)
- Tactical gear (such as body armor and helmets)
- Musical instruments (in hard cases)
It's crucial to note that these items must be properly packaged and declared at check-in to avoid any issues during transit.
Tip 3: Be Aware of Baggage Size and Weight Restrictions

While Delta's military baggage policy is generous, there are still size and weight restrictions to be aware of:
- Checked bags: 50 pounds (23 kg) and 62 linear inches (157 cm)
- Carry-on bags: 22 inches (56 cm) tall, 14 inches (36 cm) wide, and 9 inches (23 cm) deep
- Personal items: 18 inches (46 cm) tall, 14 inches (36 cm) wide, and 8 inches (20 cm) deep
Exceeding these restrictions may result in additional fees or, in some cases, the bag being checked as cargo.
Tip 4: Take Advantage of Reduced Baggage Fees

Delta's military baggage policy also offers reduced baggage fees for military personnel and their families. These fees are significantly lower than those for civilian travelers:
- 1st checked bag: free
- 2nd checked bag: free
- 3rd checked bag: $75
- 4th checked bag: $100
Additionally, military personnel can also enjoy reduced fees for overweight and oversized bags.
Tip 5: Plan Ahead and Check with Delta

To ensure a smooth travel experience, it's essential to plan ahead and check with Delta's customer service team regarding any specific requirements or restrictions:
- Verify the military baggage policy and any updates
- Confirm the free baggage allowance and special item requirements
- Ask about any additional fees or charges
By planning ahead and understanding the intricacies of Delta's military baggage policy, military personnel and their families can enjoy a stress-free travel experience.
What is the free baggage allowance for military personnel on Delta?
+Delta offers a free baggage allowance of 2 checked bags (up to 50 pounds each), 1 carry-on bag, and 1 personal item for military personnel.
Can I check in special items like firearms and ammunition?
+Yes, Delta allows military personnel to check in special items like firearms and ammunition, but they must be properly packaged and declared at check-in.
Do I need to present a valid military ID to receive the benefits of the military baggage policy?
+Yes, military personnel must present a valid military ID at check-in to receive the benefits of the military baggage policy.
We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights into Delta's military baggage policy. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Happy travels!