Jun 15, 2020, 4:03 pm
Last edit by: Zorak
AMEX T&C (key points bolded):
First Checked Bag Free
Benefit is limited to Basic Card Members (not Additional Card Members) with the Delta SkyMiles® Gold, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum or Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Cards. Reservation must include the Basic Card Member's SkyMiles number. Fee waiver also available for passengers traveling in the same reservation as the Basic Card Member. Maximum nine waivers per reservation. New Card Members and Card Members upgrading from another Delta SkyMiles Card product will be eligible for the checked baggage fee waiver benefit after receiving their Card from American Express. The first checked bag fee waiver will only be applied on flight segments which originate on a Delta or Delta Connection® carrier when you check-in with Delta for both a Delta marketed and Delta operated flight. Waiver is only for normal bag fee, if any, for the first checked bag that is not overweight and not oversize under Delta's applicable rules as set forth in Delta's contract of carriage. Additional terms, conditions and restrictions may apply. See delta.com/firstbagfree for details.
Benefit is limited to Basic Card Members (not Additional Card Members) with the Delta SkyMiles® Gold, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum or Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Cards. Reservation must include the Basic Card Member's SkyMiles number. Fee waiver also available for passengers traveling in the same reservation as the Basic Card Member. Maximum nine waivers per reservation. New Card Members and Card Members upgrading from another Delta SkyMiles Card product will be eligible for the checked baggage fee waiver benefit after receiving their Card from American Express. The first checked bag fee waiver will only be applied on flight segments which originate on a Delta or Delta Connection® carrier when you check-in with Delta for both a Delta marketed and Delta operated flight. Waiver is only for normal bag fee, if any, for the first checked bag that is not overweight and not oversize under Delta's applicable rules as set forth in Delta's contract of carriage. Additional terms, conditions and restrictions may apply. See delta.com/firstbagfree for details.
- the primary cardholder must be traveling in order for the benefit to apply. (You may be able to get waived bag fees if traveling on different reservations, and in extreme cases even different itineraries, depending on the agent)
- you do not need to use the card to book the trip, so long as it is associated with your SkyMiles account
- for Silver Medallions only, this stacks with the Silver benefit, for a total of two free checked bags (per posts in 2019 this used to be explicitly spelled out on the web site but I cannot find it on the current version; if you can find a mention please edit the wiki)
- Gold and higher do not get any additional free checked bags from holding the AMEX card
Delta Amex "First Checked Bag Free" Consolidated Thread
Jun 14, 2020, 9:42 am
#76
Join Date: Nov 2009
Programs: DL PM 1MM
Posts: 3,439
Think of the "first bag free" Amex benefit as an attribute of the SkyMiles account that is tied to a qualifying DL Amex card. If you think of it that way, it makes sense. It does not matter how a ticket is paid for. It only matters whether there is an individual traveler in a reservation who's SkyMiles account is tied to a qualifying DL Amex card. If MIL is the only person holding a qualifying DL Amex, and neither of the two people traveling in a reservation themselves hold a qualifying DL Amex tied to their own SkyMiles accounts, there is no "first bag free" benefit.
Jun 14, 2020, 9:56 am
#77
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: LAS, MPL
Programs: DL Platinum, 1 MM
Posts: 1,320
Jun 30, 2020, 8:09 pm
#79
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 1
1st bag free *before* receiving the AmEx Delta Gold card?
I just applied & got approved for the AmEx Delta Gold card today. And we have an already booked flight in 3 days, until which it is impossible to receive the physical card.
I did get however the instant card number.. not sure if that matters. From what I can see in delta.com on "My SkyMiles" page (left side, below the side menu), it shows the following, so it seems it knows that I am a gold card member already. Not sure what the 'Eligible For' means, maybe it should also show '1st bag free' ?
"Delta SkyMiles Gold Card Member
Eligible For:
Pay with Miles"
I checked my spouse's skymiles account and at the very same page, it has the following (eg, clearly not a delta card member):
"EARN MORE MILES. Earn 3X miles on Delta purchases and at hotels with the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card.Terms apply. APPLY NOW"
What do you think, will I be able to check in the 1st bags for free (I am on the same confirmation number trip as my spouse and my skymiles nr. is attached to the itinerary) without the card ?! Do they usually ask for the card at check-in to make the 1st bags (for me + each companion) free? Or if not, could it be a problem that the physical card has not been activated yet?
Thanks!
I did get however the instant card number.. not sure if that matters. From what I can see in delta.com on "My SkyMiles" page (left side, below the side menu), it shows the following, so it seems it knows that I am a gold card member already. Not sure what the 'Eligible For' means, maybe it should also show '1st bag free' ?
"Delta SkyMiles Gold Card Member
Eligible For:
Pay with Miles"
I checked my spouse's skymiles account and at the very same page, it has the following (eg, clearly not a delta card member):
"EARN MORE MILES. Earn 3X miles on Delta purchases and at hotels with the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card.Terms apply. APPLY NOW"
What do you think, will I be able to check in the 1st bags for free (I am on the same confirmation number trip as my spouse and my skymiles nr. is attached to the itinerary) without the card ?! Do they usually ask for the card at check-in to make the 1st bags (for me + each companion) free? Or if not, could it be a problem that the physical card has not been activated yet?
Thanks!
Jun 30, 2020, 8:56 pm
#80
Join Date: May 2013
Location: RMS
Programs: DL Plat, UA Gold, Bonvoy Titanium, Hilton Credit Card Diamond
Posts: 8,782
What do you think, will I be able to check in the 1st bags for free (I am on the same confirmation number trip as my spouse and my skymiles nr. is attached to the itinerary) without the card ?! Do they usually ask for the card at check-in to make the 1st bags (for me + each companion) free? Or if not, could it be a problem that the physical card has not been activated yet?
Jun 30, 2020, 10:48 pm
#81
Join Date: Sep 2012
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 755
I just applied & got approved for the AmEx Delta Gold card today. And we have an already booked flight in 3 days, until which it is impossible to receive the physical card.
I did get however the instant card number.. not sure if that matters. From what I can see in delta.com on "My SkyMiles" page (left side, below the side menu), it shows the following, so it seems it knows that I am a gold card member already. Not sure what the 'Eligible For' means, maybe it should also show '1st bag free' ?
"Delta SkyMiles Gold Card Member
Eligible For:
Pay with Miles"
I checked my spouse's skymiles account and at the very same page, it has the following (eg, clearly not a delta card member):
"EARN MORE MILES. Earn 3X miles on Delta purchases and at hotels with the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card.Terms apply. APPLY NOW"
What do you think, will I be able to check in the 1st bags for free (I am on the same confirmation number trip as my spouse and my skymiles nr. is attached to the itinerary) without the card ?! Do they usually ask for the card at check-in to make the 1st bags (for me + each companion) free? Or if not, could it be a problem that the physical card has not been activated yet?
Thanks!
I did get however the instant card number.. not sure if that matters. From what I can see in delta.com on "My SkyMiles" page (left side, below the side menu), it shows the following, so it seems it knows that I am a gold card member already. Not sure what the 'Eligible For' means, maybe it should also show '1st bag free' ?
"Delta SkyMiles Gold Card Member
Eligible For:
Pay with Miles"
I checked my spouse's skymiles account and at the very same page, it has the following (eg, clearly not a delta card member):
"EARN MORE MILES. Earn 3X miles on Delta purchases and at hotels with the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card.Terms apply. APPLY NOW"
What do you think, will I be able to check in the 1st bags for free (I am on the same confirmation number trip as my spouse and my skymiles nr. is attached to the itinerary) without the card ?! Do they usually ask for the card at check-in to make the 1st bags (for me + each companion) free? Or if not, could it be a problem that the physical card has not been activated yet?
Thanks!
Jul 1, 2020, 9:39 am
#83
formerly jackvogt
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Atlanta, GA
Programs: Delta SkyMiles,
Posts: 822
Here's a few things that have worked for me and my family members and friends. This is not a policy and was only our experiences so don't expect this to happen to you.
Scenario 1: I am traveling with a family member or friend, and we are on separate reservations. I walk up to the ticket counter and explain I am a SkyMiles AMEX cardholder and I was wondering if my friend could use that benefit even though we are on separate reservations. 9 times out of 10 the agent has no issue waiving the bag fee.
Scenario 2: A family member is traveling by themselves and would like a free checked bag. I added the family member as an authorized user on my account. They now have a physical card. They show up to the ticket counter and request a free checked bag. This hasn't been as successful, but in my experience it's been 75% successful. Of course I'm not going to add just anyone to my credit card account because I'm on the hook for any charges they rack up. But the few times I've done this, it has worked.
I know this is relying on a nice and helpful agent...which I have had no problem finding but I realize not every agent will be willing to be this accommodating. Most of the time, we try to put everyone on the same reservation, but sometimes it's easier for each person to pay for their own tickets.
Scenario 1: I am traveling with a family member or friend, and we are on separate reservations. I walk up to the ticket counter and explain I am a SkyMiles AMEX cardholder and I was wondering if my friend could use that benefit even though we are on separate reservations. 9 times out of 10 the agent has no issue waiving the bag fee.
Scenario 2: A family member is traveling by themselves and would like a free checked bag. I added the family member as an authorized user on my account. They now have a physical card. They show up to the ticket counter and request a free checked bag. This hasn't been as successful, but in my experience it's been 75% successful. Of course I'm not going to add just anyone to my credit card account because I'm on the hook for any charges they rack up. But the few times I've done this, it has worked.
I know this is relying on a nice and helpful agent...which I have had no problem finding but I realize not every agent will be willing to be this accommodating. Most of the time, we try to put everyone on the same reservation, but sometimes it's easier for each person to pay for their own tickets.
Jul 1, 2020, 3:51 pm
#84
Join Date: Nov 2009
Programs: DL PM 1MM
Posts: 3,439
I just applied & got approved for the AmEx Delta Gold card today. And we have an already booked flight in 3 days, until which it is impossible to receive the physical card.
I did get however the instant card number.. not sure if that matters. From what I can see in delta.com on "My SkyMiles" page (left side, below the side menu), it shows the following, so it seems it knows that I am a gold card member already. Not sure what the 'Eligible For' means, maybe it should also show '1st bag free' ?
"Delta SkyMiles Gold Card Member
Eligible For:
Pay with Miles"
I checked my spouse's skymiles account and at the very same page, it has the following (eg, clearly not a delta card member):
"EARN MORE MILES. Earn 3X miles on Delta purchases and at hotels with the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card.Terms apply. APPLY NOW"
What do you think, will I be able to check in the 1st bags for free (I am on the same confirmation number trip as my spouse and my skymiles nr. is attached to the itinerary) without the card ?! Do they usually ask for the card at check-in to make the 1st bags (for me + each companion) free? Or if not, could it be a problem that the physical card has not been activated yet?
Thanks!
I did get however the instant card number.. not sure if that matters. From what I can see in delta.com on "My SkyMiles" page (left side, below the side menu), it shows the following, so it seems it knows that I am a gold card member already. Not sure what the 'Eligible For' means, maybe it should also show '1st bag free' ?
"Delta SkyMiles Gold Card Member
Eligible For:
Pay with Miles"
I checked my spouse's skymiles account and at the very same page, it has the following (eg, clearly not a delta card member):
"EARN MORE MILES. Earn 3X miles on Delta purchases and at hotels with the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card.Terms apply. APPLY NOW"
What do you think, will I be able to check in the 1st bags for free (I am on the same confirmation number trip as my spouse and my skymiles nr. is attached to the itinerary) without the card ?! Do they usually ask for the card at check-in to make the 1st bags (for me + each companion) free? Or if not, could it be a problem that the physical card has not been activated yet?
Thanks!
Jul 2, 2020, 11:21 pm
#85
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 1
I'm glad I found this forum. I have AMEX Gold Delta card.
Question about this flight: ORD-JFK-CDG-WAW where first two legs are operated by Delta, the last one from Paris to Warsaw by Air France. Do I qualify for a free checked bag? Thanks for info!
Question about this flight: ORD-JFK-CDG-WAW where first two legs are operated by Delta, the last one from Paris to Warsaw by Air France. Do I qualify for a free checked bag? Thanks for info!
Jul 15, 2020, 3:09 pm
#86
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 106
Delta Gold Card w/ free checked bag
Hello, I have the Delta Gold card which provides the benefit of first checked bag free. I assume that I will get this perk if I book a basic economy ticket (which normally would NOT come with a free checked bag) as long as I use the gold card to book the flight? If someone could confirm that would be great. Thank you all!
Jul 15, 2020, 4:48 pm
#88
Join Date: May 2013
Location: RMS
Programs: DL Plat, UA Gold, Bonvoy Titanium, Hilton Credit Card Diamond
Posts: 8,782
Hello, I have the Delta Gold card which provides the benefit of first checked bag free. I assume that I will get this perk if I book a basic economy ticket (which normally would NOT come with a free checked bag) as long as I use the gold card to book the flight? If someone could confirm that would be great. Thank you all!
Jul 15, 2020, 9:34 pm
#89
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 106
thank you very much! appreciate it
Jul 17, 2020, 9:26 pm
#90
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: MCO
Programs: AA,DL,F9,UA,WN
Posts: 582
Yes, if you are checking in with Delta at O'Hare, you should get a free checked bag. I don't think you get a free bag on the return because you'll be checking in at WAW with Air France, not with Delta. This could differ if the roundtrip airfare you purchased included a checked bag. Then you'll get one anyway.