Delta Is Experimenting with Free Checked Bags to Speed Up the Boarding Process

The airline, which typically charges $30 for checked bags, is offering the deal to flights out of Boston.

Izusek/E+/Getty Images
Izusek/E+/Getty Images
Editor's Note: We know COVID-19 is continuing to impact your travel plans. Should you travel now, be sure to familiarize yourself with the CDC’s latest guidance on domestic and international travel as well as local requirements, protocols, and restrictions for both your destination upon your arrival and your home city upon your return. Be safe out there.

Ever feel like the plane boarding process takes forever? Well, it just might be because everyone and their mom boarding the plane is struggling to shove their overstuffed carry-on luggage into the overhead bins. I mean, it makes sense. Who wants to pay for their flight, plus an additional $35 (or more) to check a bag? Delta Air Lines is launching an experiment to see if free checked bags could speed up the boarding process.

Delta Air Lines confirmed to the Thrifty Traveler that it would be offering some travelers flying out of Boston Logan International Airport the opportunity to check a bag for free. The budget-friendly airline is investigating whether minimizing the carry-on luggage aboard will lead to quicker boarding times.

A Delta spokesperson told the Thrifty Traveler that "Select customers who have shared contact information with Delta will receive a text message before arriving at the airport with a proactive offer to check their carry-on bags." The carrier also added, "customers will not be required to pay any additional bag fees associated with checking the bag."

Currently, checking a bag with Delta Air Lines under 50 pounds costs $30. The airline does allow passengers one free carry-on along with a personal item, though. For now, the trial is only available for flights out of Boston and will last through February.

Want more Thrillist? Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat.

Janae Price is a News Staff Writer at Thrillist. She's a native New Yorker and loves all things cheese, K-pop, and culture. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @janae_larie.