Delta Airlines is often considered a family-friendly airline, and its stroller policy reflects that. If you're travelling with a young child, you’ll generally have flexible options, including free stroller check-in and family boarding.
Here’s how it works.
The Quick Answer
Delta allows strollers to be checked for free at the kerbside, ticket counter, or gate. Gate-checked strollers are typically returned to you at the jet bridge on arrival. Strollers and car seats do not count toward your standard baggage allowance.
Compact strollers that meet carry-on size limits can be taken onboard and stored in the overhead bin, though this will count as your carry-on item and is subject to available space.
Delta Stroller Policy At A Glance
|
Rule |
Detail |
|
Carry-on dimensions (max) |
22" × 14" × 9" / 56cm × 35cm × 23cm (including wheels and handles) |
|
Stroller as carry-on |
Permitted if it collapses within carry-on dimensions — counts as your carry-on bag |
|
Gate check available |
Yes — free, at the gate before boarding |
|
Where to check |
Kerbside, ticket counter, or gate — all free |
|
Car seat (free) |
Yes — one per child, free, separate from baggage allowance |
|
Extra infant items in cabin |
Booster seat, infant seat, bassinet, or breast pump — free, in addition to carry-on allowance |
|
Family boarding |
Yes — after first class and diamond medallion, before general boarding |
Gate Checking Your Stroller
Gate checking is the most common option. You can use your stroller through the airport, hand it over at the aircraft door, and it will be placed in the hold.
On arrival, it’s typically returned at the jet bridge, so you don’t need to go to baggage claim.
You can also check it earlier at the counter if preferred, though in that case it will be returned at baggage claim.
Can You Take A Stroller In The Overhead Bin?
Yes, if it fits within Delta’s carry-on dimensions of 22" × 14" × 9"/56 × 35 × 23 cm when fully collapsed.
This allows you to keep the stroller with you throughout the journey, rather than waiting for it after landing.
However, there are a few important considerations:
-
It will replace your standard carry-on bag
-
Overhead space is not guaranteed, especially on smaller aircraft
-
Even compliant items may be gate-checked if bins are full
Extra Items Delta Allows In The Cabin
In addition to your standard carry-on and personal item, Delta allows certain infant-related items onboard at no extra cost, including:
-
Breast pumps and associated equipment
-
Infant seats or bassinets (where available)
Note: diaper bags typically count toward your carry-on allowance.
Regional Aircraft Considerations
On smaller regional flights, overhead space is more limited. Even if your stroller meets carry-on size requirements, it may still need to be gate-checked.
Airline staff will usually return these items to you at the aircraft door after landing.
Bassinets on Delta flights
On select international routes, Delta offers bassinets for infants (generally up to around 9kg), though availability is limited and not guaranteed.
It’s best to request this when booking and confirm again before your flight.
Why Some Families Avoid Gate Checking
While gate checking is free and convenient, it still means handing over your stroller before boarding and waiting for it after landing.
For parents managing luggage and a child, this can add extra steps, particularly during busy travel periods.
The TernX Carry On Stroller is designed to fit within most airline carry-on size limits, including Delta’s standard dimensions, while offering built-in luggage space.
This allows it to be stored in the overhead bin on compatible flights, helping reduce the need to gate check and simplifying the travel experience, though acceptance is always subject to airline discretion and available space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Stroller Free On Delta?
Yes. Strollers can be checked for free and do not count toward your baggage allowance.
Does a Stroller Count as Carry-On?
No. Delta lists strollers as special items that don’t count toward your baggage allowance. If you want it in the overhead bin, it must fold within 22 x 14 x 9 inches and there must be space.
Can I Bring a Diaper Bag for Free?
Yes. Delta counts a diaper bag as your personal item, so you can bring it alongside your carry on bag.
Does Delta Offer Family Boarding?
Yes, families are invited to board before general boarding.
Where Do I Collect a Gate-Checked Stroller?
Usually at the aircraft door. Some airports send gate checked strollers to baggage claim, so ask the gate agent when you hand it over.
Can I bring a car seat onboard Delta?
Yes, if it’s FAA approved and your child has a purchased seat, or there’s an empty seat in your row. Otherwise Delta will gate check it for free.
Can I bring a breast pump on Delta?
Yes. A breast pump and its cooler bag are free extra items, on top of your carry on and personal item.
Does Delta have bassinets?
Yes, free SkyCots on widebody international flights and widebody domestic flights over 1,500 miles. Babies must be under 25 lbs (11.3 kg) and 26 inches (66 cm). There are only two per plane, so request one through Reservations before you fly.
Can I take a wagon or travel cot on Delta?
Yes, but wagons, playpens and portable cribs count toward your checked baggage allowance. Check them in before security.
Does a lap infant fly free on Delta?
On domestic flights, yes, for children under 2. On international flights, lap infants pay a reduced fare, generally 10% of the adult fare plus taxes. One adult can only hold one lap infant. A second infant needs their own seat.
How old does my baby need to be to fly Delta?
Babies under 7 days old can only fly with a letter from a physician who has examined them.
Other Airline Stroller Policies
Flying with a different carrier? Read our guides to the British Airways stroller policy and the United Airlines stroller policy.
