Delta Amex Cards May Add a Free Second Checked Bag Benefit
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Delta and American Express may soon improve one of the most valuable perks on Delta co-branded credit cards: free checked bags.
According to multiple industry reports and airline insiders, select Delta SkyMiles American Express cardholders could begin receiving a free second checked bag on domestic Delta flights starting June 6, 2026.
While Delta has not officially announced the change yet, the rumor comes from sources with a strong track record of accurate airline leaks (Eye Ofthe Flyer, Danny Deal Guru and other).
What Delta Amex Cardholders Get Today
Currently, eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express cards offer:
- First checked bag free
- For the primary cardholder plus up to 8 companions on the same reservation
- On eligible Delta-operated flights
Delta says this perk can save up to $90 roundtrip per traveler based on current baggage fees.
The benefit currently applies to these cards:
- Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
- Business versions of those cards
What May Be Changing
The new rumor suggests Delta may soon waive the fee for a second checked bag for eligible cardholders on domestic flights.
That matters because Delta recently increased baggage fees again:
| Bag | Current Domestic Fee |
|---|---|
| First checked bag | $45 |
| Second checked bag | $55 |
If this new perk launches, travelers checking two bags could potentially save:
- $100 roundtrip per person
- More for families traveling together
For a family of four, avoiding second-bag fees alone could mean roughly $440 in roundtrip savings.
Limitation
At the moment, reports suggest the free second checked bag may apply only to the primary cardholder — not necessarily companions traveling on the same reservation.
That would be different from the current first checked bag benefit, which extends to up to 9 travelers total on one reservation.
Why This Matters
This move comes as airlines continue raising ancillary fees, especially baggage charges. Delta increased checked bag pricing earlier in 2026, with the second checked bag on many domestic routes now costing $55 each way.
A free second checked bag would make Delta’s premium co-branded cards more competitive — especially for:
- Families
- Long trips
- Ski and golf travelers
- International travelers connecting domestically
It would also give Delta a stronger differentiator against competing airline cards that typically only waive the first checked bag.
Final Thoughts
For now, this remains unofficial until Delta or American Express formally confirms it. But if the change launches in early June as expected, it could become one of the more valuable practical airline credit card perks added this year.
With checked bag fees continuing to rise across the airline industry, even occasional Delta flyers may find the savings quickly offset annual card fees.
