Virgin Atlantic Baggage Policy
Traveling by air can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but navigating the maze of baggage policies and fees can quickly turn it into a stressful one. That’s why it’s important to understand the Virgin Atlantic baggage policy.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at Virgin Atlantic international baggage policy, including their limits on carry-on and checked baggage, fees for excess baggage and overweight baggage, and rules for transporting special items such as sports equipment and musical instruments.
What is Virgin Atlantic Carry on baggage policy?
Here’s everything you need to know about Virgin Atlantic carry on baggage policy –
- Each passenger is allowed to bring one piece of carry-on baggage on board
- The maximum weight of the carry-on baggage is 10 kg or 22 lbs
- The maximum dimensions of the carry-on baggage are 23 cm x 36 cm x 56 cm (22 in x 14 in x 9 in)
- Passengers flying on Economy and Premium cabins can take up to 1 piece of hand luggage per passenger up to 10 kg.
- All Class of service above Premium fare can carry up to 2 carry-on bags per passenger. The combined weight of two bags must be within 16 kg.
- Infants up to 23 months of age are allowed to bring 1 carry-on bag up to 6 kg.
- Passengers are also allowed to bring one personal item, such as a handbag or laptop bag, in addition to their carry-on baggage
- The personal item must fit under the seat in front of the passenger
- Virgin Atlantic Cabin Baggage Policy restricts certain items are not allowed as carry-on, including sharp objects, flammable items, and liquids over 100 ml (3.4 oz)
- Passengers traveling in Upper Class (Virgin Atlantic’s business class) are allowed to bring two pieces of carry-on baggage with them.
Personal item – Besides there are other additional or personal items, that passengers can bring on board –
- Handbag
- Laptop bag
- Small backpack
- Duty-free shopping bag
- Umbrella or walking stick
- Infant food and bag
- Reading material (books, magazines, etc.)
- A small camera or binoculars
- Overcoat or wrap
Restricted items as carry-on – Here is a list of carry-on items that are restricted on Virgin Atlantic flights:
- Weapons and firearms (including toy guns)
- Explosives and flammable substances (e.g. fireworks, flares, gasoline, etc.)
- Sharp objects (e.g. knives, scissors, razors, etc.)
- Catapults
- Billiard, snooker, or pool cues
- Blunt objects that could cause injury (e.g. baseball bats, golf clubs, hockey sticks, etc.)
- Chemical and toxic substances (e.g. bleach, pepper spray, tear gas, etc.)
- Liquids and gels in containers larger than 100ml/3.4 oz
- Hoverboards and other self-balancing scooters
- Sporting bats
- Replica guns
- Other items that may be considered dangerous or hazardous by Virgin Atlantic
Passengers are not allowed to bring any of these items on board as carry-on baggage, and they may be confiscated by airport security.
What is Virgin Atlantic Checked Baggage Policy?
Here are the details of Virgin Atlantic Checked Baggage policy:
- Virgin Atlantic Check-In Baggage Policy allows up to 10 bags per person.
- The maximum weight for each checked bag is 23 kg or 50 lbs in Economy and Premium cabins, and 32 kg or 70 lbs in Upper Class
- The maximum dimensions for each checked bag are 90 cm x 75 cm x 43 cm (35.5 in x 29.5 in x 16 in)
- Baggage allowance would be the same as adults for passengers under the Virgin Atlantic unaccompanied minor policy.
- Passengers may be charged an additional fee for excess baggage (over 10 bags per person or over the weight limit per bag)
- Passengers may also be charged an additional fee for overweight or oversized baggage
- Special rules and fees apply for transporting sports equipment, musical instruments, and other items
- Passengers traveling with infants are allowed to bring one additional bag weighing up to 23 kg (50 lbs) for the infant’s belongings
- Flying Club Gold and Platinum members, as well as Delta SkyMiles Diamond, Platinum and Gold Medallion members, are allowed to check in one extra bag for free
Baggage allowance according to your class of service – Here’s a table showing Virgin Atlantic baggage allowance according to a class of service:
Cabin | Checked baggage |
Economy Light | No checked baggage included |
Economy Classic and Delight | 1 piece, up to 23 kg (50 lbs) |
Premium | 2 pieces, each up to 32 kg (50 lbs) |
Upper Class | 2 pieces, each up to 32 kg (70 lbs) |
Children baggage allowance – The previously mentioned baggage allowances will apply to children and sitting infants. The Virgin Atlantic baggage allowance for lap infants, or kids who don’t need a seat, is one 23kg (50lb) bag in every cabin, with the exception of Economy Light, where there is no baggage limit.
As always, it’s important to note that Virgin Atlantic baggage policy may be subject to change, and passengers should always check the airline’s website for the most up-to-date information before packing for their trip.
Items that are restricted as per Virgin Atlantic Checked Baggage policy – Here is a table of items that are restricted as checked baggage on Virgin Atlantic flights:
Item | Restrictions |
Alcoholic beverages | Only allowed in retail packaging and must not exceed 70% alcohol |
Ammunition | Not allowed, except for small arms ammunition in checked baggage |
Compressed gases | Certain gases are prohibited, including butane, propane, and oxygen |
Explosives | Not allowed, including fireworks, flares, and detonators |
Flammable liquids and solids | Certain items are prohibited, including gasoline and matches |
Lithium batteries (spare) | Not allowed, except for medical devices with special approval |
Magnets | Not allowed if the magnetic field strength exceeds a certain limit |
Poisons | Not allowed, including rat poison and arsenic |
Radioactive materials | Not allowed, except for medical or scientific purposes |
Vehicles with fuel tanks that aren’t dry | Not allowed, unless approved by the airline in advance |
Note – This table is not comprehensive and other items may also be restricted or prohibited by Virgin Atlantic.
What is Virgin Atlantic Excess Baggage Policy?
Passengers on Virgin Atlantic flights may be charged an additional fee for each piece of excess baggage they check in beyond the permitted baggage allowance.
The exact fee varies depending on the route and destination, so passengers should check with the airline for the specific fee for their itinerary. In addition –
- The maximum weight limit for any checked bag is 32 kg (70 lbs). Bags weighing more than this will be considered overweight and may be subject to additional fees, as per Virgin Atlantic excess baggage policy.
- The maximum size limit for any checked bag is 90 cm x 75 cm x 43 cm (35.5 in x 29.5 in x 16 in). Bags larger than this will be considered oversized and may be subject to additional fees.
- Passengers are responsible for ensuring their baggage meets the weight and size requirements before arriving at the airport. If a bag is found to be overweight or oversized at check-in, the passenger may be charged an additional fee.
- If a passenger’s total checked baggage weight exceeds the permitted allowance, the excess baggage fee will be charged for each additional piece of luggage.
- Sports equipment, musical instruments, and other special items may also be subject to additional fees and restrictions.
- Passengers should always check the airline’s website or contact customer service for the most up-to-date information about excess baggage fees and policies
Below is the overview of the extra baggage allowance on the selected routes –
Route | Cabin | Extra baggage allowance |
To/from India | Upper Class | 2 x bags (maximum 32kg each) |
Premium, Economy Classic or Economy Delight | 2 x bags (maximum 23kg each) | |
Economy Classic or Economy Delight (UK/USA to India or India to UK/USA) | 2 x bags (maximum 23kg each) | |
To/from Nigeria | Upper Class | 2 x bags (maximum 32kg each) |
Premium, Economy Classic or Economy Delight | 2 x bags (maximum 23kg each) | |
Economy Light (US-Nigeria) | 1 x bag (maximum 23kg each) | |
To/from South Africa | Upper Class | 2 x bags (maximum 32kg each) |
Premium | 2 x bags (maximum 23kg each) | |
Economy Classic or Economy Delight | 1 x bag (maximum 23kg each) | |
Economy Light (US-South Africa) | 1 x bag (maximum 23kg each) | |
Economy Delight or Economy Classic (US-South Africa) | 2 x bags (maximum 23kg each) | |
To/from Pakistan | Upper Class | 2 x bags (maximum 32kg each) |
Premium, Economy Classic or Economy Delight | 2 x bags (maximum 23kg each) |
What is Virgin Atlantic Oversized Baggage Policy?
Virgin Atlantic Oversized Baggage Policy specifies the maximum dimensions and weight for checked baggage. If a piece of baggage exceeds the limits set by the airline, it is considered oversized and additional fees may apply. In addition –
- The maximum dimensions for a checked bag on Virgin Atlantic are 90cm x 75cm x 43cm (35.5″ x 29.5″ x 16″), with a maximum weight of 32kg (70 lbs).
- If a bag exceeds these dimensions or weight limits, it may still be transported but additional charges will apply.
- Oversized baggage fees on Virgin Atlantic vary depending on the route and class of travel.
- In general, fees for oversized bags range from 85 -170 per bag, depending on the route and class of travel.
It’s important to note that oversized baggage must be approved in advance by the airline. Customers are advised to contact Virgin Atlantic’s customer service department prior to travel to obtain approval for oversized baggage, as well as to confirm any fees that may apply.
What is Virgin Atlantic Baggage Policy for special items like sports equipment and musical instruments?
Here’s an overview of Virgin Atlantic baggage policy for special items like sports equipment and musical instruments:
Sports equipment:
- Virgin Atlantic allows passengers to carry certain types of sports equipment as part of their checked baggage allowance or as an additional piece of luggage.
- Examples of sports equipment that can be carried as part of the checked baggage allowance include golf clubs, bicycles, and scuba diving equipment.
- Passengers can also purchase an additional piece of luggage allowance for larger items such as windsurfing equipment, kayaks, and surfboards.
- The fees for transporting sports equipment as additional luggage vary depending on the route and destination, so passengers should check with the airline for the specific fee for their itinerary.
- All sports equipment must be properly packed and meet Virgin Atlantic’s size and weight restrictions.
Musical instruments:
- Virgin Atlantic allows passengers to carry certain musical instruments as part of their carry-on or checked baggage allowance.
- Smaller musical instruments, such as violins and guitars, may be carried on board as part of the carry-on baggage allowance, provided they meet size and weight restrictions.
- Larger musical instruments, such as cellos, must be checked in as part of the checked baggage allowance, and passengers may need to purchase an additional seat for the instrument.
- Passengers should contact the airline in advance to arrange for the transportation of larger musical instruments, as certain restrictions may apply.
Here’s a table outlining the fees for additional sports equipment allowance:
Item | Fee (in USD) |
Windsurfing/kitesurfing board | 78 each way |
Surfboard | 78 each way |
Kayak/canoe | 78 each way |
Bicycle | 78 each way |
Scuba diving equipment | Included as part of checked baggage allowance |
Golf clubs | Included as part of checked baggage allowance |
How to report the lost baggage with Virgin Atlantic?
To report lost baggage with Virgin Atlantic, passengers can follow these steps:
- Report the lost baggage immediately.
- Provide the necessary information
- Obtain a Property Irregularity Report (PIR)
- Check online
- Follow up with the airline
- Claim compensation
It is important to note that the process for reporting lost baggage may vary depending on the airline and destination, so passengers should check the airline’s website or contact customer service for specific instructions.
How much is the Virgin Atlantic Baggage Fees?
Virgin Atlantic baggage fees depend on a few factors such as the route, class of travel, and the weight and number of bags being checked. Here’s a general overview of the baggage fees for Virgin Atlantic:
Number of bags being checked in | Economy Light | Economy Classic & Delight | Premium | Upper Class | Overweight | Oversized |
Bag 1 | 200 USD | Included | Included | Included | 100 USD | 300 USD |
Bag 2 | 100 USD | 100 USD | Included | Included | 100 USD | 300 USD |
Bag 3 | 200 USD | 200 USD | 200 USD | 200 USD | 100 USD | 300 USD |
Bag 4 | 200 USD | 200 USD | 200 USD | 200 USD | 100 USD | 300 USD |
Overall, being informed about the Virgin Atlantic baggage policy can help passengers enjoy a comfortable and stress-free journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Virgin Atlantic allows one carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger. The maximum dimensions for the carry-on bag are 56cm x 36cm x 23cm (22in x 14in x 9in), and the personal item should be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.
The Virgin Atlantic baggage fees vary depending on the route, class of travel, and the weight and number of bags being checked.
Virgin Atlantic charges a fee for excess baggage if the weight or size of the baggage exceeds the permitted limit. The fees vary depending on the route and the weight of the excess baggage.
Passengers can report lost baggage to the Virgin Atlantic baggage service desk or the airport Lost Property office.
Passengers can bring small musical instruments as carry-on baggage, as long as they meet the size and weight restrictions for carry-on baggage. Larger musical instruments may need to be checked as special items.
Virgin Atlantic allows certain pets to travel in the cabin or in the hold, depending on the size and weight of the pet and the destination
Passengers must follow Virgin Atlantic pet policy which can be found on the airline’s website.
Yes, passengers can prepay for excess baggage online through the Manage My Booking section of the Virgin Atlantic website. Pre-paying can often be cheaper than paying at the airport.
If your baggage is overweight or oversized, you will need to pay a fee for excess baggage.
Yes, passengers can carry liquids in their carry-on baggage as long as they comply with the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule. This means that each container must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and all containers must fit into a single quart-sized plastic bag.
Passengers may be eligible for compensation if their baggage is lost or delayed on a Virgin Atlantic flight, as per Virgin Atlantic lost baggage policy.