DL vs KL · 2026 comparison
Delta vs KLM
Delta wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare and a more generous carry-on weight limit; KLM wins on a bigger carry-on. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.
Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction
Delta
DLWins 2 categories
- A carry-on on its cheapest fare
- A more generous carry-on weight limit
KLM
KLWins 1 category
- A bigger carry-on
Quick verdict
Delta wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare and a more generous carry-on weight limit; KLM wins on a bigger carry-on. Check the cheapest fare's bag rules before you compare prices.
- Carry-on size
- Delta: 22 × 14 × 9 in · KLM: 55 × 35 × 25 cm
- Carry-on on the cheapest fare
- Delta: Included on every fare · KLM: Not on some basic fares
- First checked bag (regular economy)
- Delta: $45 · KLM: 1 free bag
Side by side
| Delta | KLM | |
|---|---|---|
| Bags | ||
| Carry-on size | 22 × 14 × 9 in | 55 × 35 × 25 cm |
| Carry-on on the cheapest fare | Included on every fare | Not on some basic fares |
| Carry-on weight limit | None published | 12 kg (26.5 lb) |
| Personal item | Must fit under the seat | 40 × 30 × 15 cm |
| First checked bag (regular economy) | $45 | 1 free bag |
| Network | ||
| Alliance | SkyTeam | SkyTeam |
| Loyalty program | SkyMiles | Flying Blue |
| Main hubs | ATL, DTW, MSP, SLC, JFK | AMS |
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
Delta allows a carry-on up to 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm), and KLM up to 55 × 35 × 25 cm (21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 in), so KLM's is roomier.
Delta includes it on every fare, while KLM's Basic / Light can be personal-item only.
KLM caps carry-ons at 12 kg (26.5 lb); Delta publishes no limit.
Personal items: anything that fits under the seat on Delta, and 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on KLM.
A first checked bag on Delta costs $45 on U.S. and short-haul international flights, and KLM includes one bag with Standard on flights between North America and Europe.
Basic economy
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.
KLM (Basic / Light): The Basic fare on short-haul routes includes only a small under-seat bag. Light fares include a cabin bag but no checked bag.
Loyalty and where they fly
Both are SkyTeam members, so status and miles can work across the two.
Loyalty programs: SkyMiles (Delta) and Flying Blue (KLM).
Delta's main hubs are Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), Minneapolis (MSP), Salt Lake City (SLC), New York (JFK). KLM's are Amsterdam (AMS). The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.
Which should you book?
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
Choose KLM if you want…
- a bigger carry-on
- to earn and use SkyTeam miles and status
- nonstops from AMS
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.
Delta vs KLM FAQ
It depends on what matters most to you. Delta wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare and a more generous carry-on weight limit; KLM wins on a bigger carry-on. 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.
- Delta Air Lines official baggage policy
- CNBC: Delta and Southwest raise checked bag fees $10 (Apr 7, 2026)
- Upgraded Points: carry-on size chart for 63 airlines (updated May 16, 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
- KLM official baggage policy
- Travel-Dealz: Air France and KLM Basic fare without a cabin bag
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
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