Delta and American Express may restructure their premium cobranded card benefits to include two free checked bags on domestic flights for cardholders. The change would position the Delta Amex card ahead of competitors in the airline credit card market, where most offerings limit benefits to a single free bag.
Currently, Delta SkyMiles members who hold premium American Express cards receive one free checked bag on domestic flights, along with priority boarding and other perks. Adding a second bag would address a pain point for frequent travelers and families who often face checked bag fees of $35 to $70 per flight.
This potential upgrade signals Delta's strategy to retain elite cardholders and attract new SkyMiles members who might otherwise choose competing programs. United Airlines cardholders through Chase and American Airlines members through Citi currently receive one free checked bag as a standard benefit. Southwest Airlines remains the outlier, including two free checked bags for all passengers regardless of card status.
The timing matters for consumers planning card applications. Cardholders should monitor Delta's official announcement before making decisions about upgrades or new applications, as benefits can shift. Premium Delta Amex cards typically carry annual fees between $250 and $550, depending on the tier.
For families traveling domestically, the expanded checked bag benefit would effectively save $70 to $140 per round trip, making the card's annual fee more justifiable for frequent flyers. The change could prove particularly attractive to leisure travelers who pack checked luggage regularly.
JonNYC, a trusted travel rewards insider, first reported the possibility, though Delta has not yet made an official confirmation. If implemented, the benefit would likely apply to Delta's highest-tier Amex offerings first, with potential rollout to other card levels following. Travelers should expect an official announcement within the coming months as Delta finalizes its benefits strategy for 2024 and beyond.