Virgin Atlantic was ranked the 13th best full-service airline in the world and the number one in the UK.
But what about their baggage rules? How strict is Virgin Atlantic with carry-on and checked baggage?
Keep reading to learn more about Virgin Atlantic’s baggage allowance and regulations.
Let’s dive right in.
How Strict Is Virgin Atlantic With Carry-On Bags?
Does Virgin Atlantic Weigh Carry-On Bags?
Yes, Virgin Atlantic does weigh carry-on bags.
The allowance is included with your ticket, but it depends on the cabin class so you may be allowed more than just one bag.
Economy and Premium:
Guests traveling in Economy (Light, Classic, and Delight) or Premium cabins can bring one piece of hand baggage weighing up to 10kg (22lb).
Upper Class:
Upper Class guests can bring up to two pieces of hand baggage, with a maximum weight of 12kg (26lb) for one bag, or up to 16kg (35lb) combined.
For example, you could bring one 12kg bag and a smaller 4kg bag.
Can you take a handbag on Virgin Atlantic?
Yes. In addition to your cabin bag, Virgin Atlantic allows the following personal items free of charge:
- A handbag, small backpack, pocketbook, or purse (used normally, not just to carry extra luggage)
- An overcoat or wrap
- An umbrella or walking stick (non-pointed)
- A small camera and / or binoculars
- A reasonable amount of reading material for the flight
- Infant food for consumption during the flight
- A small amount of duty-free goods
- Headphones with a standard 3.5mm jack for onboard use
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How Strict Are Virgin With Hand Luggage Size?
The maximum dimensions for hand luggage on Virgin Atlantic are 23 x 36 x 56cm (approximately 9 x 14 x 22 inches).
Hand baggage is included with all tickets, but the number and weight allowance vary by cabin class.
What Is Virgin Atlantic Lap Infant Baggage Allowance?
Infants and toddlers aged 0–23 months are allowed one bag up to 6kg (13lb).
Children aged 2 years and above receive the same baggage allowance as adults.
You can use a collapsible pushchair or car seat up to the gate, where it will be taken and placed in the hold.
Foldable strollers allowed in the cabin include:
- GB Pockit
- Britax Holiday
- Silver Cross Jet
- BabyZen YoYo
Virgin Atlantic Checked baggage Rules
What Are the Virgin Atlantic Checked Baggage Rules?
All Virgin Atlantic tickets include a free checked baggage allowance except Economy Light, which does not include any free checked bags.
Economy Class:
- Economy Classic and Delight: One checked bag up to 90 x 75 x 43cm (35.5 x 29.5 x 16in) and 23kg (50lb)
- Economy Light: No free checked bag; additional baggage can be purchased during check-in
Note: Allowance may differ on flights to / from Delhi, Mumbai, Lagos, and Johannesburg.
Premium Class:
- Two checked bags, each up to 90 x 75 x 43cm and 23kg (50lb)
Upper Class:
- If booked before December 9, 2019: Up to three bags, each up to 32kg (70lb)
- If booked on or after December 9, 2019: Two bags, each up to 32kg (70lb)
Virgin Atlantic Extra Baggage Rules
Virgin Atlantic Baggage Fees
You can purchase up to 7 extra checked items per guest when checking in online. Fees apply per flight segment.
Standard Baggage Charges:
| Bag | Economy Light | Economy Classic & Delight | Premium | Upper Class | Overweight | Oversized |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Bag | £45 / $60 | Included | Included | Included | £65 / $100 | £200 / $300 |
| 2nd Bag | £65 / $100 | £65 / $100 | Included | Included | £65 / $100 | £200 / $300 |
| 3rd Bag | £140 / $200 | £140 / $200 | £140 / $200 | £140 / $200 | £65 / $100 | £200 / $300 |
| 4th Bag | £140 / $200 | £140 / $200 | £140 / $200 | £140 / $200 | £65 / $100 | £200 / $300 |
Virgin Atlantic Oversized Baggage
Bags larger than the standard 90 x 75 x 43cm may incur an oversized baggage fee.
If your bag exceeds 190 x 75 x 65cm (75 x 29.5 x 25.5in), it cannot be checked and must be shipped as cargo. Contact a freight forwarder in this case.
Oversized Baggage Fees:
- Outside the UK / US: Fees converted to local currency
- Booked before December 9, 2019: £65 / $100 per item
- Booked on or after December 9, 2019: £200 / $300 per item
For safety reasons, certain items are restricted or prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage.
Items Not Allowed in Carry-On Bags:
- Smart bags (unless batteries are removable)
- Torch-style cigarette lighters
- Non-safety matches
- Toy or replica guns
- Catapults
- Sharp items (e.g., cutlery, knives, darts, razor blades)
- Hypodermic syringes (unless medically necessary)
- Scissors (only short, blunt-tip scissors allowed)
- Sporting bats
- Pool, billiard, or snooker cues
- Tradesmen’s tools (some hand tools allowed in the US under 7 inches)
- Explosives, flammables, corrosives, poisons, radioactive materials, firearms
Read more about what you can and can’t take in carry-on baggage in this post.
Items Not Allowed in Checked Bags:
- Ammunition
- Blasting caps
- Detonators and fuses
- Explosive military stores
- Fireworks and pyrotechnics
- Smoke-generating canisters or cartridges
- Dynamite, gunpowder, and plastic explosives
Find more about what to not take in checked baggage in this post.
Final Thoughts
It’s best to stay within Virgin Atlantic baggage size and weight limits to avoid any surprises at the airport.
If you arrive at the airport with an oversized or overweight bag, you may be subject to significant fees.
Use a standard suitcase that complies with most airlines’ carry-on dimensions.
I hope this helps
Happy travels
Sources
- Virginatlantic.com
- Virgin Atlantic miles & benefits
- Excess baggage alternative
- Find a carry-on bag that fits your needs
