Delta Airlines Carry-On Size, Weight, & Liquids Policy

If you’re planning a trip to the beautiful islands of Hawaii, there’s a good chance you’ll have a combination of checked bags and carry-on items to deal with on your flight.

If you are flying Delta, you’ll need to be up to speed with Delta Airlines’ checked baggage and carry-on policies.  This article will cover the Delta Airlines Carry-On size and weight limits, as well as what you can bring on in terms of food, liquids, etc.

Delta Airlines Carry-On Baggage

Delta Airlines allows each passenger one personal item and one carry-on bag at no charge.

Carry-On Size

Delta Airlines’ size requirements for a carry-on are 22″ x 14″ x 9″.

If you aren’t sure what size your carry-on is, Delta Airlines has “size check templates” located at their ticketing counters and (occasionally) at the departure gates. But if you wait until you get to either of these locations and have an issue, it’s too late.

Carry-On Weight

Delta does not specify a weight limit for carry on bags

Personal Item Size

Delta Airlines does not have size requirements for a personal item, the item just has to be able to fit under the seat in front of you.

Personal items are generally such things as a purse, briefcase, laptop computer, small backpack, etc.

Other items you can carry on with you

In addition to your one carry-on bag and personal item, you can bring the following items on board when flying Delta Airlines:

• A jacket and/or umbrella
• Food or drink purchased past the security checkpoint
• Duty-free merchandise
• Special items like strollers, wheelchairs, child safety seats or assistive devices like crutches.

What if You Have a Basic Economy Ticket?

There is no charge to carry a bag when you buy a Basic Economy fare.  The carry-on rules are the same for all classes of service. 

The main difference is with a Basic Economy ticket, you’ll be one of the last to board, so overhead space will be limited.

Delta Liquid Allowance

The rules for carry-on liquids are set by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration), not by the airline.  Delta Airlines enforces the rules and policies of the TSA.

It’s also important to note that the rules for bringing a “liquid” in your carry-on bag are different from the rules that govern what you can bring in your checked luggage. Liquids in a carry-on bag must be 3.4 ounces or smaller and fit in a 1 quart-sized container. Anything larger must be placed in your checked luggage.

The TSA 3-1-1: (Rules for Carry-on Liquids)

Each passenger may carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels, and aerosols. Everyday travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, perfume, mouthwash, deodorant, and lotion.

Exceptions to this rule are certain medications and baby food/child nourishment.

Food Restrictions

Delta Airlines follows the rules stated by the TSA regarding what type of food you can and cannot bring on the plane.

Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.

The general rule is “If you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it, or pour it, then it’s considered a liquid or gel”.   

This means things like yogurt, soup, jelly, and spreadable items like nut butter, cream cheese, and hummus are considered liquids and cannot be brought through security unless they are in a container of fewer than 3.4 ounces.

Prohibited and Restricted Items on Delta Airlines

There are certain items that are considered dangerous and classified as hazardous goods. These items are prohibited from your carry-on and checked bag on all flights.

Hazardous materials include, but are not limited to Explosives, Gases, Flammable Liquids and Solids, Oxidizers, Toxic and Infectious Materials, Radioactive Materials, Corrosives, and many other items that can endanger the traveling public when not handled correctly.

The rules for restricted items are not specific to Delta Airlines.  The Federal Aviation Administration mandates them.

Here’s a video from the FAA to help illustrate this:

The Transportation Security Administration also has rules on “prohibited items” that pose a security threat. Though they sometimes overlap, the TSA security rules are separate from the FAA dangerous goods safety rules; go to the TSA Prohibited Items web page.

A complete list can be found on the FAA and TSA websites. 

Please note, this is just a listing of common dangerous goods; if you don’t see your item here it doesn’t mean it’s allowed in baggage. When in doubt, leave it out!

Concluding Thoughts About Delta’s Carry-on Policy

To sum it up, it’s really important to understand Delta’s rules for carry-on bags when you’re flying to Hawaii. Knowing these rules can make your trip go more smoothly and potentially save you from paying extra fees. So, take a moment to learn about Delta’s carry-on policy before you go, and you’ll have a better time exploring the beautiful Hawaiian islands without any unnecessary worries.

Here is a link to Delta Airlines Carry-On page to make sure you have the most up-to-date information regarding what you can and cannot bring on the plane.