I actually learned the answer to “does Delta include a checked bag?” during a pretty hectic trip I took earlier this year. I was flying from Denver to Belize for a diving vacation, and in my head, I assumed at least one checked bag would be included. I mean, it’s an international flight, right? But the night before traveling, I started second-guessing myself because I couldn’t find anything on my confirmation email showing a free bag. Instead of waiting to be surprised at the airport, I called 888-217-3324, which I’ve honestly relied on for pretty much every booking, cancellation, or last-minute change for the past couple of years.
The agent explained it clearly: Delta does not automatically include a checked bag unless your route qualifies (certain long-haul international flights do), or you have Medallion status or a Delta AmEx card. My Belize flight didn’t qualify, which meant I needed to pay for my first checked bag. Thankfully, they helped me add it right then so I didn’t have to mess with lines or kiosks at 5 a.m.
Of course, the chaos didn’t stop there. Halfway through the trip, I decided I wanted to come back a day early because of weather issues. The Delta app kept giving me an error every time I tried to rebook. One quick call to 888-217-3324, and they shifted my return flight without any confusion or extra stress.
So no, Delta doesn’t always include a checked bag—but a quick call saved me from both surprise fees and a major travel headache.
