DE vs DL · 2026 comparison
Condor vs Delta
Condor wins on a bigger carry-on; Delta wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare and a more generous carry-on weight limit. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.
Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction
Condor
DEWins 1 category
- A bigger carry-on
Delta
DLWins 2 categories
- A carry-on on its cheapest fare
- A more generous carry-on weight limit
Quick verdict
Condor wins on a bigger carry-on; Delta wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare and a more generous carry-on weight limit. Check the cheapest fare's bag rules before you compare prices.
- Carry-on size
- Condor: 55 × 40 × 23 cm · Delta: 22 × 14 × 9 in
- Carry-on on the cheapest fare
- Condor: Not on some basic fares · Delta: Included on every fare
Side by side
| Condor | Delta | |
|---|---|---|
| Bags | ||
| Carry-on size | 55 × 40 × 23 cm | 22 × 14 × 9 in |
| Carry-on on the cheapest fare | Not on some basic fares | Included on every fare |
| Carry-on weight limit | 8 kg (17.6 lb) | None published |
| Personal item | 40 × 30 × 15 cm | Must fit under the seat |
| Network | ||
| Alliance | None | SkyTeam |
| Loyalty program | None | SkyMiles |
| Main hubs | FRA | ATL, DTW, MSP, SLC, JFK |
Highlighted values are better for travelers. Fees are for U.S. domestic economy flights; on-time data is 2025 U.S. DOT figures for each airline's own flights.
Bags and fees
Condor allows a carry-on up to 55 × 40 × 23 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 in), and Delta up to 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm), so Condor's is roomier.
Condor's Economy Light can be personal-item only, while Delta includes it on every fare.
Condor caps carry-ons at 8 kg (17.6 lb); Delta publishes no limit.
Personal items: 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on Condor, and anything that fits under the seat on Delta.
Basic economy
Condor (Economy Light): Economy Light includes only the personal item on most routes; the cabin bag can be added for a fee. Higher fares include it.
Delta (Delta Main Basic): Main Basic (formerly Basic Economy) includes a carry-on and a personal item on U.S. flights. Checked bags cost extra.
Loyalty and where they fly
Condor is not in an alliance and Delta is in SkyTeam.
Loyalty programs: none (Condor) and SkyMiles (Delta).
Condor's main hubs are Frankfurt (FRA). Delta's are Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), Minneapolis (MSP), Salt Lake City (SLC), New York (JFK). The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.
Which should you book?
Choose Condor if you want…
- a bigger carry-on
- nonstops from FRA
Choose Delta if you want…
- a carry-on on its cheapest fare
- a more generous carry-on weight limit
- to earn and use SkyTeam miles and status
- nonstops from ATL, DTW, MSP
On a route both fly, the cheaper ticket isn't always the cheaper trip: add the bags you'll actually bring, and check the fare rules before you book.
Condor vs Delta FAQ
It depends on what matters most to you. Condor wins on a bigger carry-on; Delta wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare and a more generous carry-on weight limit. If they fly the same route, compare the total price with bags included.
Keep comparing
Bag rules and fees
Other comparisons
Sources
Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Airlines change their rules without notice, so confirm with the airline before you fly.
- Condor official baggage policy
- CAPA: Condor increases its cabin baggage sizes (May 1, 2026)
- Upgraded Points: carry-on size chart for 63 airlines (updated May 16, 2026)
- Delta Air Lines official baggage policy
- CNBC: Delta and Southwest raise checked bag fees $10 (Apr 7, 2026)
- U.S. DOT Bureau of Transportation Statistics: 2025 on-time performance by operating carrier (via AviationDB)
- Your Mileage May Vary: where every major U.S. airline stands on Wi-Fi (Oct 13, 2026)
- Simple Flying: how U.S. airline economy seat pitch compares in 2026
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
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