DL vs TP · 2026 comparison
Delta vs TAP
Delta wins on a bigger carry-on and a more generous carry-on weight limit; TAP doesn't clearly win any category. 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 bigger carry-on
- A more generous carry-on weight limit
TAP
TPNo clear category wins
Quick verdict
Delta wins on a bigger carry-on and a more generous carry-on weight limit; TAP doesn't clearly win any category. Both include a carry-on on every fare.
- Carry-on size
- Delta: 22 × 14 × 9 in · TAP: 55 × 40 × 20 cm
- Carry-on on the cheapest fare
- Delta: Included on every fare · TAP: Included on every fare
Side by side
| Delta | TAP | |
|---|---|---|
| Bags | ||
| Carry-on size | 22 × 14 × 9 in | 55 × 40 × 20 cm |
| Carry-on on the cheapest fare | Included on every fare | Included on every fare |
| Carry-on weight limit | None published | 8 kg (17.6 lb) |
| Personal item | Must fit under the seat | 40 × 30 × 15 cm |
| Network | ||
| Alliance | SkyTeam | Star Alliance |
| Loyalty program | SkyMiles | TAP Miles&Go |
| Main hubs | ATL, DTW, MSP, SLC, JFK | LIS, OPO |
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 TAP up to 55 × 40 × 20 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 in), so Delta's is roomier.
Both include it on their cheapest fares.
TAP caps carry-ons at 8 kg (17.6 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 TAP.
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.
TAP (Discount): Discount fares include the carry-on and a personal item but no checked bag.
Loyalty and where they fly
Delta is in SkyTeam and TAP is in Star Alliance.
Loyalty programs: SkyMiles (Delta) and TAP Miles&Go (TAP).
Delta's main hubs are Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), Minneapolis (MSP), Salt Lake City (SLC), New York (JFK). TAP's are LIS, OPO. The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.
Which should you book?
Choose Delta if you want…
- a bigger carry-on
- a more generous carry-on weight limit
- to earn and use SkyTeam miles and status
- nonstops from ATL, DTW, MSP
Choose TAP if you want…
- to earn and use Star Alliance miles and status
- nonstops from LIS, OPO
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 TAP FAQ
It depends on what matters most to you. Delta wins on a bigger carry-on and a more generous carry-on weight limit; TAP doesn't clearly win any category. If they fly the same route, compare the total price with bags included.
Keep comparing
Bag rules and fees
Other comparisons
Connecting at their hubs
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
- TAP Air Portugal official baggage policy
- Upgraded Points: TAP Air Portugal baggage fees
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
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