Founded in 1984, Virgin Atlantic operates a fleet of 41 aircraft and flies to over 50 destinations in North America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Understanding baggage policy will help keep your luggage costs from skyrocketing.
Virgin Atlantic have several baggage allowances for passengers depending on their ticket type and cabin class which we’ve summarised below.
Cabin Classes and Baggage Allowance
Virgin Atlantic passengers are subject to different baggage allowances based on their cabin class and ticket type.
Economy Light passengers do not get a free checked bag allowance. However, they can purchase an additional bag for £60 each way – the weight and dimensions are below on the Economy Classic rate.
Economy Classic passengers get one free checked bag up to 23kg (50lbs) in weight and 90 x 75 x 43cm (35.5 x 29.5 x 16ins) in size.
Economy Delight passengers get an upgrade in seat size, not baggage allowance – the same weight and dimensions on one free checked bag are the same conditions for Economy Classic.
All Economy classes with Virgin Atlantic get standard delivery of their bags at destination.
Premium passengers get two free checked bags up to 23kg (50lbs) in weight and 90 x 75 x 43cm (35.5 x 29.5 x 16ins) in size.
Upper-Class passengers get two free checked bags up to 32kg (70lbs) in weight and 90 x 75 x 43cm (35.5 x 29.5 x 16ins) in size.
Premium and Upper-Class passengers are promised priority delivery of their bags at destination.
Hand Luggage
In addition to the checked baggage allowance, passengers are also allowed to bring a carry-on bag and a personal item on board the aircraft. The carry-on bag must be no larger than 56 x 45 x 25cm (22 x 18 x 10 inches) and the personal item must be no larger than 40 x 30 x 15cm (15 x 12 x 6 inches).
Adding Baggage
In addition to the free checked bag allowance, passengers can also purchase additional checked bags for a fee. The cost of an additional checked bag varies depending on the cabin class and the route being flown.
For example, the cost of an additional checked bag for an Economy Light passenger flying from London to New York is £100 each way. The cost of an additional checked bag for an Upper-Class passenger flying from London to New York is £200 each way.
Excess baggage
Passengers who exceed their baggage allowance will be charged an overweight or excess baggage fee. The cost of the fee varies depending on the weight and the route being flown.
For example, the cost of an overweight baggage fee for an Economy Light passenger flying from London to New York is £10 per kilogram (2.2 pounds). The cost of an excess baggage fee for an Upper-Class passenger flying from London to New York is £20 per kilogram (4.4 pounds).
Musical instruments
Small musical instruments can be brought as hand baggage if they fit in the overhead bin and weigh no more than 10kg (22lb) in Economy or Premium, or 12kg (26lb) in Upper-Class.
Larger musical instruments can be booked as a seat next to a passenger if it is no larger than 75kg (165lb) and its centre of mass is no more than 30cm (12 inches) above the top of the seat cushion. So, a cello can fit in a seat, but a double bass will need to be stored in the hold.
Larger musical instruments can also be stored in the hold as part of checked baggage allowance or for an additional fee depending on ticket class. To avoid damage, passengers need to carry the instrument through the airport security checkpoint, and it will be collected by airline staff at the departure gate.
These are the general rules for flying with musical instruments on Virgin Atlantic flights, however there may be exceptions, so it is always best to check with Virgin Atlantic before travelling.
Sports equipment
Virgin Atlantic has a proactive stance on carrying sports equipment onboard but do have an extensive section that details the parameters of costs and conditions. Passengers can include sports equipment as part of their checked baggage allowance but would need to pay for an extra bag if it is over 23kg.
As Economy Light tickets do not include a checked bag, any sports equipment would have to be checked in as baggage against a fee. If the sporting equipment is over 32kg, then it cannot travel as baggage and passengers will need to contact Virgin Atlantic Cargo for assistance.
@battleface has some additional tips for flying with sports equipment on all airlines.
Restrictions on liquids
Passengers are allowed to bring duty free liquids on board Virgin Atlantic flights, but there are some restrictions which follow standard airport and airline protocols. Specifically, all passengers are only allowed to bring liquids in containers that are 100ml or less with all liquids must also be packed in a single, transparent, re-sealable bag that is no larger than 1 litre.
Banned and restricted items
There is quite a long list of items that are banned and restricted from being carried on board Virgin Atlantic flights.
Some items are never allowed on board, such as weapons and ammunition, cigarette lighters with a blue flame, compressed gases and other dangerous articles such as magnetised, offensive or irritating materials, while items such as scissors, hypodermic needles, safety matches or tools like pliers and screwdrivers would need permission to carry.
Common sense on what you can and cannot carry into an airplane cabin, or pack into your checked-in luggage that goes in the cargo hold should prevail. If not, check the list! Ultimately, Virgin Atlantic hold the right to deny boarding to passengers who attempt to bring banned or restricted items on board any if their flights.
Checking updates on your Virgin Atlantic baggage allowances via their website is always advisable if you have any doubts on your weight allowance, contents or special requirements.
Baggage requirements can change. Always check with your airline for updates.
