Virgin Atlantic Baggage Fees & Tips To Cover The Expenses
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Virgin Atlantic’s baggage policies and fees are some of the clearest we’ve seen, which makes it a heck of a lot easier to determine your total luggage costs than with most other airlines!
Table of contents
Table of Contents
Virgin Atlantic Carry-On Allowance
1 personal item: FREE
1 standard carry-on bag: FREE (Economy Light, Economy Classic, & Premium Economy)
2 standard carry-on bags: FREE (Upper Class)
Size Restrictions
- Personal: undisclosed
- Standard: 9 x 14 x 22 inches (23 x 36 x 56 cm,) 22 pounds (10 kg) economy; 26 pounds (12 kg) individual and 35 pounds (16 kg) combined for upper class
Lap Infant Carry-On Policy
- 1 standard carry-on bag, 9 x 14 x 22 inches (23 x 36 x 56 cm,) up to 13 pounds (6 kg). The following foldable buggies are permitted in the cabin: GB Pocket, Britax Holiday, SIlver CrossJet, and BabyZen YoYo
Stroller Check Policy
- Strollers can be checked in at the ticket counter or can be used up to the boarding gate. If being checked at the gate, the stroller will be put in the hold for the flight and will be ready for you outside of the aircraft doors (however, at some destinations you may have to reclaim it at the baggage hall, due to local customs restrictions).
Virgin Atlantic Checked Baggage Allowance
All checked bags must adhere to a max weight of 50 pounds (23 kg) for Economy and Premium Economy fares, 70 pounds (32 kg) for Upper-Class fares; must adhere to max linear dimensions of 35.5 x 29.5 x 16 inches (90 x 75 x 43 cm).
Economy Light: No checked baggage
Economy Classic/Delight: 1 bag included*
Premium Economy: 2 bags included
Upper Class: 2 bags included (3 bags for passengers that booked before 9 December 2019)
*In Economy, on flights to and from the UK to India, flights from the US & Canada to India, flights from the US to South Africa and flights from the UK & US to Lagos the allowance is two bags.
Additional / Excess Baggage Fees
Please note, Virgin Atlantic charges excess baggage fees on a per flight basis.
Economy Light:
1st additional bag: £45 / $60
2nd additional bag: £65 / $100
3+ additional bags: £140 / $200
Economy Classic/Delight
1st bag: included
2nd additional bag: £65 / $100
3+ additional bags: £140 / $200
Premium:
1st and 2nd bag: included
3+ additional bags: £140 / $200
Upper Class
1st and 2nd bag: included
3+ additional bags: £140 / $200
Excess fees for tickets purchased before 9 December 2019
Overweight Fee: £65 / $100
Oversized Fee: £65 / $100
Excess fees for tickets purchased after 9 December 2019
Overweight Fee: £200 / $300
Oversized Fee: £200 / $300
*If a bag is both overweight and oversized, both fees will apply.
Lap Infant Checked Bag Policy
- Infants too young for their own seat on the aircraft (traveling on the lap of a parent or carer) can have one piece of hold baggage weighing up to 50 pounds (23 kg).
For baggage fees related to special luggage (sporting equipment, musical instruments, etc.) please refer to Virgin Atlantic’s policy here.
Can I Pre-pay for Baggage?
Virgin Atlantic does allow passengers the ability to pre-pay for luggage online or via their mobile app when you check-in from 24 hours before the flight departure.
Here are the ways you can pre-pay:
- Check in for your flight on the Virgin Atlantic website via the ‘Check-in’ tab where you can add baggage
- Download the Virgin Atlantic app to check-in and add baggage
Credit Cards That Reimburse You For Checked Bag Fees
Virgin Atlantic has a better-checked bag policy than most airlines, but if you need an additional checked bag, these 2 cards will reimburse you.
| Capital One® VentureOne® Rewards Credit Card - This no annual fee card comes with a 20,000 bonus mile offer after spending $500 in the first 3 months. When you use your card for travel purchases (e.g. baggage fees), use your miles to pay off all, or part of, your statement balance! We've highlighted 30+ benefits of the card. |
| Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card - The "big brother" card to the VentureOne with a 60,000 bonus miles when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. This card is full of benefits and perks and you can redeem your miles on travel (flights, hotels, even paying for baggage fees etc) or transfer your miles to over 10+ travel loyalty programs. |
Exclusions & Waivers
Flying Club Gold members can check in an extra piece of luggage on all Virgin Atlantic operated flights for no extra charge, weighing up to 50 pounds (23 kg). It doesn’t matter which cabin you’re flying in.
If traveling on ‘Economy Light’ can you take hand luggage free to the USA?
Hi Mike! Yes, Economy Light passengers are allowed one personal item and one carry-on item free of charge. We’ve updated our piece above to reflect the information… thanks so much for weighing in!
Hi Michelle,
I am flying to Belgium on Virgin Atlantic with a connecting flight in London on British Airways. I am taking my road bike in a bike case, the dimensions are 50 x 34 1/4. I would like to know what it could cost? I am flying economy light. Will I have to pay two different fees?
Thank you
Aldo
Hi Aldo,
Did you book the entire journey on 1 ticket or as 2 separate tickets? Are you only taking the bike box or another piece of checked luggage as well?
Hello. I am flying economy from the USA to Nigeria. I know I am allowed to check in 2 bags for free (23kg each). What would the cost of a third bag be?
Thank you
Hi Queen,
The cost of the third bag would be $200.
Hi, if you are flying Economy Light, is the baggage allowance you need to pay (ie.£45.00) for the 1st suitcase only one way? So it would be £90.00 for outward and return flight, or £45.00 for both?
Please confirm.
Many thanks
Michelle
Hi Michelle, almost every airline charges baggage fees on a one-way basis. Meaning, you would pay £45 for the outbound flight and another £45 for the incoming flight, for a total of £90. Hope this helps!
I’m traveling from India to USA. How many checked bags are allowed for free?
Hi Naren,
Flights from India to the US are permitted an additional checked bag for Economy or Premium Economy passengers (as long as there is not a stopover of more than 24 hours between flights). Therefore, Economy passengers (Classic or Delight) are permitted to bring a total of 2 checked bags and Premium passengers can bring a total of 3 checked bags.
I am traveling from India to the USA. I know 2 checked bags of 23 kg is allowed. If my checked luggage is overweight by 1-2 kg, how much will I have to pay?
Hi Prachi,
The overweight baggage charge with Virgin Atlantic should be $100. Thanks for reading!
If I am traveling from the UK to South Africa, can I take two checked bags?
Hi Sam, what cabin class are you flying?
Hi
I booked Virgin Atlantic from Dublin to New Delhi For 1 Adult and 1 child
On the ticket, it says bags departure 2, returns 2.
What does that mean please
If I am not wrong, does this mean 2 checked in bag for each person and 1 cabin bag and 1 hand bag?
Or what?
Thanks
Hi Sangeeta,
This will likely mean 2 checked bags per passenger as Virgin Atlantic allows 2 bags from the UK to India (and I assume you’ll be connecting at London Heathrow from Dublin). However, as we’re not Virgin Atlantic we cannot confirm this for you 100% so you will need to contact the airline.
We are traveling from USA to the UK on Virgin. Is it cheaper to check in excess baggage online before we travel or not?
Hi Mary, Virgin doesn’t report a difference in fees whether you pay for your luggage in advance or at the airport – costs should be the same either way. If anything, pre-paying may just save you some time and stress.
Hello. I will travel from UK to USA and I booked a economy light ticket. Am I allowed a free checked in bag or do I have to pay for it?
Hi Saifullah,
Economy Light tickets do not include any checked luggage so you will need to purchase this separately. The first bag on an economy light ticket costs £45 / $60.
I am traveling from India to Boston, via London, my carry on luggage is Skybag Tropper hard luggage. As mentioned the allowed dimensions for carry on bag is 56*36*23 cm, but the sky bag dimensions are 55*38*21 cm, is this a problem 2 cm larger.
Hi Rishabh,
Any airline that imposes size restrictions for carry-on luggage may measure and reject a bag that exceeds these restrictions, so if you choose to take this bag, you would need to be prepared to check the item if requested.
Hi. Any idea if booking with Delta using an Amex Skymiles, will I be able to receive the first bag free allowance that Delta Skymiles Amex allows me? Thank You.
Hello Sebastian. I think you’re asking if you book a Delta ticket will you receive a free checked bag because you have the American Express Delta SkyMiles card? If so, the answer is yes. For more information on Delta baggage fees and tips, check out our article. https://upgradedpoints.com/delta-baggage-fees/ If you’re asking about booking a Virgin Atlantic flight (or partner airline flight) and getting a free checked bag by using your Delta SkyMiles Amex card, the answer is no, as codeshare flights are excluded for the free checked bag per the terms/conditions on the SkyMiles card.
I recently (early October 2020) took a round-trip flight to London from New York through Delta, paid with Delta Skymiles American Express card. I chose the lowest fare classes for each leg, which don’t include a bag, assuming that the Cardmember benefit would cover it. The return flight from London was on Virgin Atlantic, and at check-in Virgin forced me to pay GBP46 for my checked bag, saying they don’t honor the card agreement. I was shocked and am currently contesting this with Delta.
Do active duty military get free baggage?
Hi John, we can’t confirm that Virgin Atlantic allows free baggage for active duty U.S. military. Generally, we’ve found that most U.S. based airlines DO offer this perk, but many international airlines do not.
I personally can’t find any information about this from researching their website and baggage policies online, therefore I suggest calling Virgin Atlantic’s customer service line to confirm/deny. (1 (800) 862-8621 from the U.S.)
Virgin Atlantic does have a page on Armed Forces Discounts but this appears to apply to the UK Armed Forces community which, if you’re a part of, would be worth looking into.
Does anyone know the maximum weight and size allowed for a personal item on Virgin Atlantic to the UK, like a medium size tote bag. We are flying on Wednesday to the UK and I don’t want to have any problem going through security or at the gate😉
Hi Dianne, most airlines (Virgin included) are pretty vague in terms of what constitutes a personal item. Virgin Atlantic does not list a size/weight restriction for a personal item and simply states under the heading ‘Additional Items You Can Take With You’: “Your handbag, small backpack/rucksack, pocketbook or purse, as you would normally use it (in other words, not just being used to contain items that would otherwise be regarded as baggage)”.
Maybe some other readers have some advice, but when in doubt, I’d say call the airline’s customer service number. It’s unlikely they’ll be more helpful since they don’t actually like max weight/size online but you never know… sorry we can’t be of more help!
Hi, I just wanted to ask whether the provision of carrying checked in baggage is instated for a person flying through economy lite from India to the UK and vice versa?
Hi Samita,
No checked baggage is included with an Economy Lite ticket to any destination. This would need to be purchased, with the 1st bag costing £45, 2nd bag £65, and any further bags costing £140 each.
Hello,
I’m flying Virgin Atlantic from SFO to Milan July 3rd. I want to check my bike but I can’t find clear info on whether I can. From what I read it’s linear inches are larger than allowed. It measures 47 1/2 “ x 29 1/2” x 10” which equals 87”. Your max baggage limit says 80”.
I would imagine you take bike carry cases. It’s a plastic case that I would have my lightweight road bike in… thinking 35-40 lbs.
Thanks
Mark
Hi Mark! This is the information Virgin Atlantic lists on their website regarding transporting sporting equipment, specifically bicycles:
“If you’re planning a cycling trip and only your own ride will do, you’ll be glad to know you can bring your bicycle with you, as part of your baggage allowance – as long as it doesn’t weigh more than 23kg.
This applies to non-motorised bicycles (including tandems), which should be transported in a protective box or bag – which you will need to provide yourself.
You should also take the following measures to protect your trusty steed:
Partially deflate the tyres to reduce the risk of damage.
Turn the handlebars so they’re in line with the frame.
Remove any attachments, including pedals.
Ensure the gearing is especially well protected.
Protect the frame with bubble wrap.
As with all your luggage, we’ll treat your bicycle with lots of care, but note that we can’t consider compensation claims for cosmetic damage such as paint chips. We recommend you specifically insure your bicycle for extra peace of mind.
Happy riding!”
I bought a ticket from UK-US – US-MEX in upper class and I have been charged GBP 284,90 when it should be GBP 140,00 as per the information above.
Could you please explain to me why there is such a difference in the amount?
Does the amount vary either I buy the baggage in advance or buying before the actual flight?
Hi Ana, Virgin Atlantic charges excess fees on a PER FLIGHT basis. So, if you have one flight UK to US then another flight US to MEX, that’s two flights so would be GBP 140×2… and then I’m assuming maybe the extra 4.90 is taxes?
If you are flying on a non-direct flight in economy light do you pay £45 baggage fee for both of the flights or just pay the once?
Hi Lauren,
On a non-direct flight, you would only pay once.
Hi there, i need to take a large tent to Bali, it is approx 60 kg..how much would i need to pay to add this on my flight? Thank you
Hi Shradha,
Virgin Atlantic will not accept a single piece of luggage that weighs more than 32kg so you will need to contact the airline to discuss your options for sending this as cargo.
Hi. My husband & I fly home with Virgin Atlantic on Monday. We’re in economy classic in the bubble & we flew out with the 23kg hold luggage each and the 10kg carry on each. We’ve bought gifts and personal items so we want to put another piece of luggage up to 23kg in hold (so 3 cases in total). Are we correct in thinking a third case will be free for Economy Classis or are we miss understand the above info and will need to pay an additional £65? Thank you.
Hi Alison,
I don’t know where you’re flying back from but if it is any of the below routes, then your standard checked baggage allowance is 2 x 23kg bags (per passenger):
UK or US – India
UK or US – Lagos
US – Johannesburg
For any other routes you would need to purchase an additional bag for 65 GBP / 100 USD.
Here is my situation,
I will be flying to Geneva from New York. My itinerary has a connecting fight in London and I will fly with British airways from London to Geneva.
I have to carry 2 guitars and 3 suitcases.
I read that I can carry a guitar as a carry on bag. Thus I was planning to check in my 3 suitcases + 1 guitar.
As I am flying in Economy Classic I already have a checked bag. This means that I have to buy 3 extra bags.
My estimated cost of extra bags is $500 (100 + 200 + 200).
Can you confirm that I can indeed proceed as follow?
The charges for additional baggage is PER FLIGHT. Does this means that I’ll have to pay $1000 because I have a connecting flight?
Thank you
Hi Tristan,
Please be aware that we are not Virgin Atlantic – we are UpgradedPoints.com. Airlines have different policies for musical instruments so you would be best to contact both Virgin Atlantic and British Airways to confirm this.
If I am flying to London on a premium flight, how much carry on baggage am I allowed?
Hi Michelle,
Are you flying Virgin Atlantic? If so, are you flying Premium Economy or Upper Class? If you’re flying Premium economy you may bring 1 carry on bag. If you’re flying Upper Class, you may bring 2 carry on bags.
Thanks for reading!
Hi, I will be traveling from London to Los Angeles and back from New York to Los Angeles on economy class. (Not specified which economy-booking being done through Jetabroad). Is check in luggage free or is it payable and if so, how much ?
Hi Kim,
You’ll need to check with Jetabroad which Economy ticket has been booked for you as Economy Light does not include any checked luggage. Which airline are flying with from New York to Los Angeles?
I am traveling from London to India and three connective flights.
Please could you tell me if I need change luggage myself or they’ll give me last stop.
Hi Tejal,
This can depend on the connecting airlines and destinations so you would be best to get in touch with Virgin Atlantic to confirm what the policies are for your connecting airports.
Hi there,
I am flying UK to India in September.
And i have got 2 check in bags 23 kg as free allowance.
If i want to check in an additional 25 kg bag please let me know the fees for that.
Thanks
Hi Sumit,
To check a 3rd bag, the cost would be £140 / $200 (23 kg). If your bag is 25 kg, then you would also incur an additional fee of 65 GBP / 100 USD.
Hi, my brother is flying to London from USA (New Jersey) in economy light ticket could you tell us if there is a free hand luggage allowance?
Thanks
Hi Luz,
Economy light tickets can bring 1 personal item and 1 carry-on bag weighing up to 12 kgs.
Thanks for reading!
I am booked to fly to London from New Delhi in mid-October, and back to Delhi in November. Just looking for confirmation that I can take two checked bags, each not more than 23 kg, and one carry-on of your
given specification, weighing up to 10 kg, and one lady’s bag, or a laptop bag.
Hi Mala,
If you are flying Premium Economy then yes, you can bring 2 checked bags up to 23kgs each. If you are flying in classic economy then you may only check 1 bag up to 23kgs.
Thanks for reading!
What is Virgin Atlantic baggage allowance for active duty military and dependents?
Hi Sheena,
Virgin Atlantic doesn’t disclose any details about baggage allowance for active military. They do offer a military discount for members of the UK Armed Forces community who are registered with the Defence Discount Service. This applies for flights departing the UK only. You’ll need to contact Virgin to confirm any baggage allowance or perhaps one of our readers can help from their own experience.
I am traveling from India to UK with economy classic. Can i bring 2*23(Kg) as checked in luggage and one laptop bag as carry on bag.
Hi Anuja,
Passengers traveling between the UK and India are permitted to bring 2 x 23kg checked luggage. Your carry-on allowance is 1 standard carry-on (10kg) and 1 personal item, so a laptop bag would be fine.
Hey there,
I’m travelling from Dublin to Mumbai with my layover at London Heathrow. My flight from Dublin is with Aer Lingus and from London, it is with Virgin Atlantic. While I was told that my luggage would be directly transported to my final destination (Mumbai), does that mean the baggage allowance I have is the one provided by Virgin Atlantic? (2×23 kg check-in with one personal item and one hand luggage of 10kg)
I contacted Aer Lingus, but they asked me to contact Virgin Atlantic regarding baggage. Was just confused if I would qualify for the UK-India allowance.
Many thanks in advance!
Hey Jim! Good question — so long as all of your flights are on the same ticket, your baggage allowance on Aer Lingus should be the same as your Virgin Atlantic ticket.
Hello,
I’m flying back to the UK in Premium Economy and I have one bag that likely weighs more than 23 kg. Do I have to bring another bag or will they allow one bag that weighs a bit more than 23kg?
Thanks!
Hey Hamza, good question. I recommend that you check with Virgin Atlantic on this one — it will likely be up to the gate agent. Per the rules though, you will likely be asked to pack two bags. Thanks!
Hi there
I am flying Virgin economy class to Trinidad and Tobago
Besides my hand luggage and check in luggage I now have a package (box) containing a chocolate fountain – dimensions 82x66x34 cm weighing 12kg
How much will that cost please
Also, will I need to pay anything in Trinidad customs?
Thanks
Hi Cindy,
An extra checked bag should cost $100. In regards to any customs fees, I recommend you use the duty calculator on their website for the most accurate figure.
Hi
I’m travelling ‘economy light’ to the US next week. If I chose to add a checked bag (one way only) can I pay the £45 using my flying club air miles?
Thanks!
Hi Ian,
I don’t think it’s possible to purchase baggage with miles. As we’re not Virgin Atlantic, it would be worth you giving the airline a call to confirm.
Good day, my mom is traveling from Peth to Sydney Australia.
How much luggage is she allowed?
She is booked on Australia 562.
Hi Anilda,
For domestic flights with Virgin Australia, the baggage allowance is 1 x 23 kg bag.
Hi, we have booked a cruise and I am sure we are flying from Gatwick to Barbados with Virgin Atlantic. I’ve been told we can take 23kg luggage, but can we take 10kg hand luggage if they have booked us on the cheapest seat thanks.
Hi Bev,
All passengers are allowed to bring carry-on. If they have booked you an economy light ticket then you wouldn’t be permitted any checked luggage and this would need to be purchased separately.
Flying with Virgin, Premium Economy, London Gatwick to Jamaica in November. Any other extra charges for golf clubs, as well as normal luggage?
Hi Robin,
Golf clubs may be checked within your free allowance if you choose to. With premium economy, passengers may check 2 x 23 kg bags. If you’re planning to bring your golf clubs in addition to your 2 checked bags, then this would incur a charge.
Virgin Atlantic states that passengers may bring the following golf equipment within the free checked allowance:
– One bag (containing a maximum of 14 clubs)
– A dozen balls
– One pair of golf shoes
Does Virgin Atlantic have an overweight limit? Like how much over weight is overweight? I am flying economy classic. e.g if a bag is 42kg do you pay the fix overweight price of £65 or do they charge per kg??
Hi Max,
You should pay a flat £65 if your bag is overweight. Thanks for reading!
I’m flying Virgin Atlantic (economy classic) from London to HK and bought extra checked luggage for £65.
Can I distribute the weight so that the 1st checked luggage is 26kg and the 2nd checked luggage is 20kg?
Or is it each luggage must be under 23kg?
Hi Phil,
Each piece of luggage is required to be under 23kgs. Thanks for reading!
I’m looking to purchase an extra bag for economy classic for a flight to South Africa. Are there any additional costs other than the £65 for the extra 23kg bag or does the £65 cover baggage handling fees etc.
Hi Toinette,
Yes, the £65 should be inclusive of all fees.
I am traveling from India to the UK in economy classic. The baggage allowance is 2 bags of 23 kgs? Am I correct?
Hi Malvika,
For economy classic, only 1 checked bag weighing up to 23 kgs is included – not 2.
I am traveling from Lagos Nigeria to London Heathrow, my luggage allowance is 23kg for two bags and hand luggage of 10kg because I’m flying economy premium, but instead of 23kg each I have 24k each, will I still be charged for the extra 4kg?
Hi Raphael,
Yes, if your bags are overweight you will be charged the overweight fee, which is $300 per bag.
I am flying from South Africa to Sweden and I need to transport 2 boxes (60x40x30, weighing approximately 15kg each). I will already have 2 checked bags as well as a hang luggage. Am I able to carry these boxes with me and if so will they be regarded as additional checked luggage?
Hi Cloudia,
Yes, you will be allowed to bring them, but they will be regarded as additional luggage.
I am traveling to Dublin from India, with a layover in London. I opted for 2 checked bags weighing 23kg each.
My question is whether I can bring both a handbag and hand luggage?
Hi Alpa,
Yes, you can bring both a handbag as a personal item, along with your carry-on hand luggage.
I’m flying from the UK to South Africa in economy with a 2year old. Is the carry on and checked bag 23kg each?
Hi Celeste,
Your carry-on can weigh up to 12 kgs and your checked bag can weigh up to 23 kgs. Safe travels!
I am traveling to Nigeria, I have 2 bags already but unfortunately, I have an extra bag of 10kg. I would like to know how much Virgin charges for this additional bag?
Hi Toks,
What cabin class are you flying in? Are the two bags you’re bringing both checked bags or is one a carry-on bag?
I am traveling from Pakistan to London in economy class with my daughter. She is under 2 years old. So how many bags are allowed?
Hi Mian,
You’ll be allowed to bring 1 personal item, 1 carry-on bag weighing up to 22 pounds, and 1 checked bag weighing up to 50 pounds. Since your daughter is on a lap infant ticket you can bring 1 carry-on bag up to 13 pounds for her.
I want to know how much it costs to buy 23kg of luggage from the UK.
Hi Ganiyat,
Where will you be flying to?
I would like to know how much is 23kg of extra luggage from London to Nigeria?
Hi Tayo,
The charge for an extra checked bag should be £65, or about $90.