Virgin Atlantic Baggage Allowance, Size, Fees

Virgin Atlantic baggage policy offers the most flexible and generous allowance for checked as well as carry-on baggage allowance. The airline also offers fair baggage allowance for extra baggage as well as for musical instruments and sports items.

In this article, we will understand the Virgin Atlantic Baggage Allowance in terms of fares, travel routes, as well for all other circumstances. 

Also Read: Virgin Atlantic Cancellation Policy

Virgin Atlantic Carry-on Baggage Policy

Virgin Atlantic carry-on size must not exceed  23 x 36 x 56cm (approximately 9 x 14 x 22 inches).

Virgin Atlantic carry-on baggage policy varies with the fares offered by the airlines – 

Baggage allowance for kids

Below is the carry-on baggage allowance for infants as well as kids aged between 2 years and above. 

Special baggage allowance as carry-on baggage

A fully collapsible wheelchair is permitted. Also, car seats can also be bought. The baggage allowance with Virgin Atlantic for special baggage also includes – 

• For travel to/from London, upon arrival, a wheelchair won’t be delivered at the aircraft door. Passengers need to collect at the baggage waiting area.
• Foldable buggies are accepted as carry-on baggage. Virgin Atlantic only considers these brands for foldable buggies – GB Pocket, Britax Holiday, Silver CrossJet, and BabyZen YoYo.

Also Read: A Complete Guide to Book Virgin Atlantic Upgrade

Virgin Atlantic Checked Baggage Policy

The airline includes the baggage allowance for all fares except the Economy Light fares. 

On certain travel routes, the Virgin Atlantic international baggage allowance is limited to 2 checked luggage – 

• UK/US to Nigeria
• UK/US/Canada to India
• UK/US to Pakistan
• UK to Australia
• US to Lebanon, South Africa, Ghana, and Senegal

Below is the table for the checked luggage allowance for all fares – 

Baggage allowance for Economy Light fares

Passengers need to purchase the baggage during Virgin Atlantic online check-in or at the airport counter.

Checked baggage allowance for kids

The airline allows 1 checked bag for infants traveling on a lap. Economy light fares do not include free baggage allowance for lap infants. Below is the table for the Virgin Atlantic baggage fees for children – 

Virgin Atlantic Extra Baggage Policy

As per Virgin Atlantic baggage policy, passengers can carry up to 7 extra bags. The excess baggage fee must be payable at the check-in counter.

The Virgin Atlantic extra baggage fee varies with the fares – 

Overweight baggage

The excess luggage fee applies above 23 kg for Economy and Premium fares. For Business Class, the excess baggage fee is charged for luggage exceeding 32 kg.

Oversized baggage

The extra baggage fee is applicable if the size of the checked luggage exceeds 90 x 75 x 43cm (35.5 x 29.5 x 16 inches). A Virgin Atlantic baggage fee of 300 USD per article applies. 

To know about the terms and conditions for the additional baggage allowance on Virgin Atlantic flights, visit the airline’s official website. 

Virgin Atlantic Sports Equipment Policy

Virgin Atlantic baggage allowance permits sports items or gear that must be within the weightage range of 23 kg and 32 kg. 

Please note this is not an exhaustive list of sports items covered here. To know the other sports items, visit the sports equipment page on the official website.

Virgin Atlantic Musical Instrument Policy

The airline allows musical instruments as passengers have three options to carry – 

Carry-on baggage

As a carry-on luggage allowance, the musical instruments must fit the following dimensions – 

Booking adjacent seats

You can also book an adjacent seat to carry your musical instrument with extra care. In this case – 

• Emergency exit seats must not be occupied for musical instruments..
• Musical instruments above 75 kg are not accepted.

In the baggage hold

The instrument can be carried as checked luggage. Additional baggage may apply.

Restricted Items on Virgin Atlantic Flights

Virgin Atlantic baggage policy does not allow –

• Items that are prohibited as carry-on baggage
• Items that are considered dangerous and are permitted as checked luggage
• Items that require prior approval. 

Also Read: Virgin Atlantic Flight Change Policy

Items that are prohibited as carry-on baggage

These items include – 

• Cigarette lighters and matches
• Compressed gasses
• Smart bags
• Explosives
• Corrosives
• Flammable liquids and solids
• Radioactive material
• Oxidizing material
• Weapons and disabling sprays
• Firearms and ammunition
• Electro shock weapons
• Poisons and infectious substances
• Security cases with dangerous goods
• Hoverboards and segway boards
• Shock absorbers

To know what items are covered in the aforementioned category, visit the related page on the airline’s website. 

Items that are considered dangerous and are permitted as checked luggage

These items include – 

Items that required prior approval

Here are the permitted items that requires prior approval – 

• Scissors 
• Safety matches
• Hypodermic syringes
• Tools
• Screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers and certain tools

Restriction on Duty-Free Liquids

At EU airports, including the UK, you can bring any size of liquid items under Virgin Atlantic carry-on baggage allowance. 

The duty-free items must be kept in sealed bags. They are restricted to open on board until you reach the final destination. In addition – 

• You can bring liquid duty-free items above 100ml if purchased in the EU, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
• Up to 1 liter of liquid is allowed on flights to/from China.
• Duty-free liquids are allowed on flights to Delhi.
• For Dubai travel, liquids over 100ml without receipts are not permitted.
•  Duty-free liquids are permitted for flights to Johannesburg or domestic transfers within South Africa. 

Delayed, Damaged, or Lost Baggage With Virgin Atlantic

For delayed baggage, you need to approach the Virgin Atlantic delayed baggage desk immediately upon arrival. 

• You would be asked to complete the  “Claiming Essential Items” form.
• You must attach the receipts for the claim form

Virgin Atlantic lost and found 

Departments offer a reimbursement of 75 USD per daily essential item. 

Claiming for lost baggage

If your baggage hasn’t arrived after 21 days of reporting it missing, follow these steps

• List your lost items in the “Irretrievably Lost Baggage Log.”
• Save the log to your device.
• Complete the “Irretrievably Lost Baggage” form.
• Attach the saved log, receipts, and additional logs to the form.
• Submit the form by clicking “send.”

You can also send the lost baggage form to the following address

Claiming for the damaged baggage

If your baggage arrives damaged or with missing items, here’s what to do – 

• List your damaged and/or missing items in the “Damaged Baggage or Missing Content Log.”
• Save the log to your device.
• Complete the “Damaged Baggage / Missing Contents” form.
• Attach the saved log, receipts, and additional logs to the form.
• Submit the form within 7 days of collecting the baggage.

 Virgin Atlantic baggage policy is straightforward and caters to the diverse needs of passengers. By adhering to the aforementioned restrictions and guidelines, passengers can contribute to the safety and secure flight operations.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs