2023 Virgin Atlantic Baggage Allowance and Excess Baggage Fees

Check Virgin Atlantic baggage size restrictions and fees before you travel

Virgin Atlantic Baggage Allowance
Virgin Atlantic Baggage Allowance for Hand and Hold Luggage

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Virgin Atlantic Hand Luggage Allowance:

One item of hand luggage up to 10 kg/ 22 lbs, with maximum dimensions of 23 x 36 x 56 cm/ 9 x 14 x 22 in on ‘Economy’ and ‘Premium Economy’ fares. Passengers may also bring a small handbag or small rucksack on board.

The Virgin Atlantic baggage allowance for ‘Upper Class’ passengers is two items of hand luggage with a combined weight of 16 kg/ 35 lbs, with no one item exceeding 12 kg/ 26 lbs. Each item must also not exceed the standard dimensions of 23 x 36 x 56 cm.

Compare Virgin Atlantic's hand luggage allowance to that of other airlines.

Virgin Atlantic Hand Luggage for Infants

The Virgin Atlantic baggage allowance for children is one item of cabin baggage at the standard weight and dimensions. Children over two on an ‘Upper Class’ fare are permitted the baggage allowance of two items of hand luggage to a maximum total weight of 16 kg/ 35 lbs. Infants not occupying their own seat are allowed one item of hand luggage up to 6 kg/ 13 lbs.

Additional Virgin Atlantic Hand Luggage Allowances

In addition to your standard item of hand luggage, you may also bring on board: a coat, an umbrella or walking stick, a camera or binoculars, reading matter, a small amount of duty-free goods, headphones, and an infant's food.

Musical Instruments as Virgin Atlantic Hand Luggage

A small instrument can be brought on board as hand luggage, as long as it does not exceed the standard hand luggage dimensions or weight. Or, you can bring up to two musical instruments on board if you purchase a seat for each of them. Each instrument must not exceed 75 kg/ 165 lbs and its centre of mass must be no more than 30 cm/ 12 in above the top of the seat cushion, so that it does not fall onto another passenger.

Items Not Allowed in Virgin Atlantic Hand Luggage

Certain items cannot be carried in your hand luggage. These include:

Firearms,

Replica or toy guns,

Explosives,

Blunt scissors with blades over 6 cm in length,

Pointed scissors with blades over 3 cm in length,

Tradesmen's tools.

Virgin Atlantic Checked Baggage Allowance:

Passengers with ‘Economy Classic/ Delight’ fares may check in one item of hold luggage with a maximum weight of 23 kg/ 50 lbs, and dimensions up to 90 x 75 x 43 cm/ 35.5 x 29.5 x 16 in. 

'Economy Light' passengers do not receive a free checked baggage allowance. However, an allowance can be purchased online, starting at £45 / $60 for one bag.

‘Premium Economy’ passengers may check two bags of 23 kg/ 50 lbs each.

The free baggage allowance increases on certain routes.

‘Upper Class’ passengers may check two items of luggage, up to 32 kg/ 70 lbs each.

Virgin Atlantic Checked Baggage For Infants

Infants are permitted one 23 kg (50 lbs) bag (except in 'Economy Light') plus a fully collapsible pushchair and car seat. 

Virgin Atlantic Excess Baggage Fees

Overweight bags cost £65/$100 while any bag that exceeds dimensions (90 x 75 x 43 cm) will incur a fee of £200/ $300. 

32 kg/ 70 lbs is the maximum weight allowance for any bag.

Exceptional Items as Virgin Atlantic Checked Baggage

Sports equipment that is under 23 kg/ 50 lbs and not larger than 90 x 75 x 43 cm is typically carried in the hold free of charge, provided it falls within the passenger’s baggage allowance. For items over these dimensions/ weight, an additional baggage fee will be charged.

Information correct as of 14/03/2023.

Virgin Atlantic News

16/06/2020: EasyJet and Virgin Atlantic Ban Alcohol

Two of the UK’s biggest airlines, easyJet and Virgin Atlantic, ban alcohol on all flights in order to reduce contact between passengers and flight crew.

06/05/2020: Virgin Atlantic Cuts 3,000 Jobs

Virgin Atlantic will cut 3,000 jobs and cease operations at Gatwick Airport, the second biggest airport in the UK based on passenger numbers.

20/04/2020: Richard Branson Offers Caribbean Island to Secure Virgin Atlantic Bailout

Sir Richard Branson has offered Necker Island as collateral in a bid to gain a bailout from the UK government to save the struggling Virgin Atlantic.


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Baggage at a glance
Virgin Atlantic Hand Luggage

One cabin bag

23 x 36 x 56 cm; 10 kg

Small personal item

Virgin Atlantic Checked Baggage

One 23 kg bag on most economy fares, free of charge

90 x 75 x 43 cm

£65 per bag if overweight and £200 per bag if oversized.