Virgin Atlantic Baggage Policy
From the time passengers pack their bags, Virgin Atlantic Baggage Policy is intended to provide them with comfort, flexibility, and transparency. Knowing your baggage allotment will help you avoid additional costs and have a more comfortable trip, regardless of whether you're traveling in Economy, Premium, or Upper Class. Virgin Atlantic makes sure every passenger knows exactly what to anticipate before takeoff, from ample options for checked baggage to practical hand-luggage limits. Let's examine the specifics.
Carry-On (Hand) Luggage
When boarding a flight with Virgin Atlantic, know that your carry-on allowance (also called hand baggage or cabin baggage) depends on your fare class. According to Virgin Atlantic’s Help Centre, the “free baggage allowance” is set out on your ticket or itinerary.
Here are the key limits:
Dimensions & Basic Allowance
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The maximum size for a carry-on bag is 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm (22 in x 14 in x 9 in) for all classes.
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For Economy and Premium Economy: one bag, max weight 10 kg.
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For Upper Class (business class equivalent): two bags with a combined weight of up to 16 kg, and one bag may not exceed 12 kg.
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On Economy Light fares (the lowest fare tier) you may have only the hand-luggage allowance and no included checked baggage (unless purchased separately).
Checked Baggage (Hold Luggage)
This is the luggage you hand in at check-in and which goes into the aircraft hold. The allowance depends on your ticket type, cabin class and route.
1. Weight & Pieces Allowance
Here is a summary of the typical allowances:
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Economy Classic / Delight: 1 piece, max 23 kg.
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Economy Light: 0 pieces included (you’ll need to pay to add a checked bag).
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Premium Economy: 2 pieces, each up to 23 kg.
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Upper Class: 2 pieces, each up to 32 kg in some cases.
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Size: The maximum dimensions for a checked bag are approx 90 cm x 75 cm x 43 cm (35.5 in x 29.5 in x 16 in).
2. What’s Included / What’s Not
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On many long-haul routes (transatlantic, etc) the above standard allowances apply.
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For infants (lap infants) or children without their own seat, sometimes different rules apply — e.g., infants may get one piece of checked baggage even on Economy Light fares.
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The free allowance only applies if your bag falls within the weight, dimensions and piece number rules. Exceeding any of these often triggers fees. See the Conditions of Carriage for full details.
Special Items & Restrictions
1. Prohibited Items
Per the Conditions of Carriage, you must not include dangerous or prohibited items in either carry-on or checked baggage.
For example: firearms, explosive materials, items unsafe by nature or shape. Checked baggage also should not contain valuable items (money, jewellery, precious metals), medication you might need during the flight, or perishable goods.
Oversize / Overweight / Special Equipment
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If your bag exceeds the weight or size limits, or you have special items like sports equipment or musical instruments, you may be charged additional fees or need special approval.
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Make sure sports gear is pre-notified and packed appropriately as per the airline’s specs.
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Remember that even if you purchase extra allowance, carriage of additional bags is still subject to available space on the aircraft.
Excess Baggage & Fees
If you exceed the free allowance (in weight, size or number of pieces) you may incur significant charges. Some key points:
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For adding extra pieces of checked baggage, do so online in advance to reduce cost.
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Overweight and oversize bags attract higher fees; the exact charge depends on route, class and how far in advance you pay.
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On the Conditions of Carriage, the airline emphasises that extra baggage is only accepted “if space permits” and that they prioritise baggage within the free allowance.
Top Tips for Packing & Flying Smart
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Always check your ticket/itinerary: The baggage allowance may differ by route or fare.
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For flights from other special routes, allowances may differ: Always verify for your specific route.
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Pack a small personal bag under seat: laptop, documents, valuables.
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Use luggage with visible tags and identifiers, and weigh both hand and checked bags at home to avoid extra fees.
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If you’re on an Economy Light fare (or similar) anticipate that you may need to pay for checked baggage.
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For sports equipment, musical instruments or oversized bags: call ahead and make arrangements.
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Attach a label with your contact details inside the bag as well as outside.
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Consider travel insurance that covers baggage loss, damage or delay, given the liability limits.
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For multi-segment flights, make sure you know if your baggage allowance resets or is carried through.
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At the airport, arrive with plenty of time, especially if you have to check bags or purchase extra allowance.
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