The First Checked Bag Free is signature benefit included with most Delta American Express cards. But how much is the perk worth? How many people get free bags? Can the benefit really offset a card’s annual fee?
Let’s tackle those questions and more!
What is the First Checked Bag Free Benefit?
The First Checked Bag Free is Delta Amex perk waiving the bag fee for the first piece of checked luggage — provided it weighs under 50 pounds or less and is not oversized.
The benefit is valid only on Delta or a Delta Connection carrier when you check-in with Delta for both a Delta marketed and Delta operated trip.
Codeshare flights are not eligible the benefit.
How Many People Can Get the Free First Checked Bag?
The cardholder and up to eight others traveling on the same reservation/PNR as the cardholder may receive their first bag checked free.
So How Much Money Can That Save?
Delta charges $30 for a passenger’s first checked bag. So if you travel with eight more people, you save $270 in baggage fees each way. Roundtrip, your savings is $540.
As another example, a family of four with one checked bag per person would save $240 per roundtrip.
If you travel with a family, sports team, organization, party, etc., the benefit can save a lot of money. Even the card_name or card_name earn back their annual fees during just a few trips. (See rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. See rates and fees for the card_name.)
Which Delta Amexes Have the First Checked Bag Free Benefit?
All Delta Amexes except the Delta Blue card give the cardholder the First Checked Bag Free. Terms apply.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
- card_name
- card_name
- card_name
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card
If you travel with family, consider getting the card_name or card_name, which not only include the First Checked Bag Free benefit but also have the companion certificate perk.
How Can I Make Sure My Checked Bag Will Be Free?
Add your Delta Amex credit card number to your virtual wallet on Delta.com or the Fly Delta app. Then make sure all your Delta reservations have your SkyMiles number attached. Everything should work fine.
Can Authorized/Additional Cardholders on My Account Receive the Benefit If I’m Not Traveling?
No. Only the primary cardholder receives the benefit.
What If I Didn’t Use My Delta Amex Card to Pay for My Flight? Will I Still Get the First Checked Bag Free?
Yep, you’re fine — as long as your Delta Amex card number is in your Delta wallet and SkyMiles number is linked to your reservation.
In fact, you’re probably better off using one of these cards:
- The Platinum Card® from American Express (5X on purchases made directly with airlines, up to $500,000 in these purchases each year. Terms apply.)
- card_name (3X on airfare purchased directly from airlines. Terms apply.)
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® (3X on travel purchases)
- American Express® Green Card (3X on travel purchases. Terms apply. All information about the American Express® Green Card has been independently collected by Eye of the Flyer and not reviewed by the card issuer.)
Questions?
Ask away in the Comments section below!
— Chris
To see rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express, please visit this link. Terms apply.
To see rates and fees for the card_name, please visit this link. Terms apply.
To see rates and fees for the card_name, please visit this link. Terms apply.
To see rates and fees for the card_name, please visit this link. Terms apply.
To see rates and fees for the card_name, please visit this link. Terms apply.
To see rates and fees for theDelta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, please visit this link. Terms apply.
To see rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card, please visit this link. Terms apply.
To see rates and fees for the card_name, please visit this link. Terms apply.
To see rates and fees for the card_name, please visit this link. Terms apply.
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thanks for sharing.
I pack light and never check my bag.
@anon – I take it you never go on golf trips or ski trips? Or do you rent equipment on arrival?
My daughter flies at least twice a year on Delta (home to visit us, if nothing else), and frequently more than that. I recommended that she get the Delta American Express® Gold Card to save money on baggage fees and get the Main 1 boarding slot. Just two flights a year will pay for the annual fee in saved checked bags. Plus, she signed up during a bonus period and the extra miles got her two free flights. Up until now her strategy has been to take her bag to the gate and wait for the inevitable announcement that they would waive checked baggage fees for volunteers checking their bags. She reports that this nearly always worked. Now she can check her bag and avoid lugging it to the gate.
@Rene
No, I don’t golf, and yes I do always rent ski equipment. If I ever have to fly with something large, I guess I’ll suck it up and pay (if I’m not flying in a class or to a destination that includes a free checked bag).