Anyone done carry-on only on Delta lately?

[Robin in NC]

I just looked up Delta's carry-on policies...and was surprised that they allow one carry-on, not two (one 45" carry-on and one "personal item") as we've done on American in the past. This is what their Web site says:

"Delta Air Lines accepts one carry-on item per passenger, the approximate dimensions of the baggage (length + width + height) must not be greater than 45 inches per piece and weight must not exceed 40 lb. per piece. In addition, each passenger is allowed to carry on the following:

Purse (for male or female)
Sky deli snack to be consumed on board
Assistive devices such as wheelchairs, canes, crutches, and respirators
Purse

"A purse is a small item generally kept on the person at all times. The following items are not to be considered as purses:

Briefcases
Laptops
Tote bags
Shopping bags"

Question is: How strictly does Delta police the one bag only rule?

[rpplano]

In my experiences this year, it's the same as American. One real wheeled carry-on luggage type and a briefcase style bag or computer bag. A woman's purse is the equiv. of a briefcase or computer. My wife wears a small backpack instead of a purse.
No issues with any of the airlines as long as her personal item fits under the seat.

[cptnkirk]

We did Delta in November and they didn't check. We were concerned about weight cause one of our carryons was over but we risked it, all was ok Two good size backpacks too, as long as they fit underneath your seat all should be ok.

[Greenskeeper]

We did carry on only for 2 legs of our trip with Delta last week. We had big carry ons and our personal items were very large- all 4 of them. They all fit under our seats. No one gave us any trouble. The overhead bins were filled to the brim and the crew was taking items to stow elsewhere.

On the way home we used USAir- totally different story. They were yelling at people before they got on the plane about carry ons. They were asking people to voluntarily check items (at no charge) at the gate to save room. Flights were overbooked because they cancelled flights without warning and bumped people around. We met one family who was flown to NH instead of Boston and the airline paid for a taxi to get them home- 1 hour away.

Looks like the airlines have shot themselves in the foot on this one.

[Nannerz]

I never check bags. EVER. I guess that's the airline employee in me. My last 2 trips on Delta to STT (in the last 6 months) I brought my suitcase and my laptop, had no problems. Boyfriend brought suitcase and large backpack, no problem.

[Robin in NC]

Thanks, everyone, for your quick responses. You've eased my anxiety...

Robin

[Pianogrl]

We're flying Delta down this next time in May & I'm taking my roll-on & a backpack. Hubby will probably take his roll-on & snorkel gear in it's own snorkel shoulder-type carry on.

[DuxDweller]

My family and I just flew in on Delta last night (STT to BOS). We each had a full size carry on along with a "personal item." Mine was a small backpack; my wife a beach bag type thing and a camera bag. No problems at all. As long as it will fit under the seat, I don't see them giving you any trouble.

Enjoy!

Dux

[emptynester]

Just flew Delta to STT Feb 13-21 and no trouble with two carry-ons a wheeled one and a 12-can polar cooler. The weekend before we flew American to Albuquerque and the gate attendents were extremely rude about carry-ons-practically screaming at everyone before boarding. The flights on Delta were great also- on time and they serve great cookies as a snack on board!
Sharon