Flying with Virgin Atlantic soon? Whether you are jetting off to London, New York, or Johannesburg, understanding the baggage rules before you pack is the best way to start your trip stress-free.
Airline policies are notorious for changing, and hidden fees for being just a few kilograms over the limit can ruin your airport experience.
Virgin Atlantic has specific rules depending on whether you are flying Economy Light, Premium, or Upper Class.
At A Glance: Baggage Allowance Summary
If you are in a rush, here is the quick breakdown of what you can bring on board based on your ticket type.
| Ticket Type | Carry-On Allowance | Checked Bag Allowance | Max Weight (Checked) |
| Economy Light | 1 Bag + 1 Personal Item | 0 Bags (Pay to add) | N/A |
| Economy Classic | 1 Bag + 1 Personal Item | 1 Bag | 23kg (50lb) |
| Economy Delight | 1 Bag + 1 Personal Item | 1 Bag | 23kg (50lb) |
| Premium | 1 Bag + 1 Personal Item | 2 Bags | 23kg (50lb) each |
| Upper Class | 2 Bags + 1 Personal Item | 2 Bags | 32kg (70lb) each |
Virgin Atlantic Carry-On Rules
Virgin Atlantic is generally quite strict regarding hand luggage, especially in Economy. Ensure your bags fit the sizer to avoid being forced to check them at the gate.
Dimensions and Weight
For Economy and Premium passengers, you are limited to one carry-on bag.
- Maximum Weight: 10kg (22lb).
- Maximum Dimensions: 23 x 36 x 56 cm (9 x 14 x 22 inches).
For Upper Class passengers, you get two carry-on bags.
- Maximum Weight: 16kg (35lb) combined. However, no single bag can weigh more than 12kg (26lb).
- Dimensions: Same as above (23 x 36 x 56 cm).
The “Personal Item” Rule
In addition to your main carry-on, you may bring one small personal item. This must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. Examples include:
- A handbag or purse.
- A small backpack or laptop satchel.
- An overcoat or umbrella.
- A small amount of duty-free goods.
- Headphones.
Note on Laptops: If you are carrying a laptop in a dedicated bag, this usually counts as your personal item.
If you have a separate large camera bag or a large rucksack, the gate agents may count that as your main carry-on.
Checked Baggage Allowance
Your checked baggage allowance depends entirely on your fare class and your route.
Economy Light
This is the “basic” fare. It does not include a checked bag. If you show up to the airport with a suitcase, you will be charged a fee (details below).
Economy Classic & Delight
You are entitled to one bag weighing up to 23kg (50lb).
- Dimensions: Up to 90 x 75 x 43 cm (35.5 x 29.5 x 16 inches).
Premium
You are entitled to two bags weighing up to 23kg (50lb) each.
Upper Class
You are entitled to two bags weighing up to 32kg (70lb) each.
- This higher weight limit is a significant perk, allowing you to pack heavier items without incurring overweight fees.
Route Exceptions
On certain long-haul routes, Economy Classic/Delight passengers may get two bags instead of one. Common exceptions include flights between the UK/US and:
- India
- Nigeria
- Pakistan (often allows more weight/bags)
- South Africa (on select itineraries)
Always check your specific e-ticket confirmation, as route-specific rules supersede general policies.
Excess Baggage Fees (2026 Rates)
If you need to bring more luggage than your ticket allows, it will cost you. Virgin Atlantic charges extra baggage fees per flight.
Note: Prices listed are standard but can vary based on exchange rates and specific route regulations. It is usually cheaper to book extra bags online before you fly rather than at the airport.
Cost to Add Extra Bags
If you are flying Economy Light and need to add a bag, or if you need a 2nd bag for Economy Classic:
- 1st Extra Bag: £65 GBP / $75 USD
- 2nd Extra Bag: £65 GBP / $100 USD
- 3rd & 4th Bags: £140 GBP / $200 USD per bag
Overweight and Oversized Fees
If your bag is within your allowance quantity but exceeds the weight or size limits, you will face hefty charges.
- Overweight Fee: If your bag weighs between 23kg and 32kg (50-70lbs), the fee is typically £65 GBP / $100 USD.
- Pro Tip: Bags over 32kg (70lb) are generally not accepted as checked luggage due to health and safety regulations for baggage handlers. You must ship these as cargo.
- Oversized Fee: If your bag exceeds standard dimensions (90 x 75 x 43 cm), the fee is £200 GBP / $300 USD.
Traveling with Infants and Children
Virgin Atlantic is family-friendly regarding luggage.
- Lap Infants: If you are traveling with a baby on your lap, you are entitled to one checked bag (up to 23kg), except on Economy Light fares.
- Equipment: You may also check in a fully collapsible pushchair (stroller) and a car seat free of charge in addition to your allowance. This applies to all ticket types, including Economy Light.
- Children (2+): Children with their own seat get the standard baggage allowance associated with their ticket type.
Special Baggage: Sports and Music
Musical Instruments
Small instruments can be brought into the cabin if they fit within the hand luggage dimensions.
If they are larger, you must either check them in (counting toward your checked allowance) or buy an extra seat for the instrument.
Sports Equipment
Virgin Atlantic generally allows you to take sporting equipment in place of one of your checked bags, provided it weighs no more than 23kg (50lb).
- Allowed items: Golf clubs, skis, snowboards, surfboards, and bikes.
- Packaging: Bikes must be in a protective box or bag with handlebars fixed sideways and tires deflated.
- Oversize: If your sports item pushes you over your bag count (e.g., you have a suitcase plus golf clubs on an Economy Classic ticket), you will pay the extra bag fee.
Flying Club Gold Members
Loyalty pays off. If you are a Flying Club Gold member, you get an extra checked bag (up to 23kg) on all Virgin Atlantic-operated flights, regardless of your cabin class.
This means even if you book Economy Light, you get one free checked bag.
5 Tips to Avoid Baggage Fees
Weigh at Home
Luggage scales are cheap. Arriving at the airport with a 24kg bag will cost you £65/$100. Removing 1kg at home is free.
Upgrade Your Class
Sometimes the price difference between Economy Classic and Premium is less than the cost of adding extra bags and buying priority boarding separately.
Buy Online
Adding bags at the airport check-in desk is stressful and often more expensive. Manage your booking online up to 24 hours before departure.
Share the Allowance
If you are traveling with a partner and one of you is Gold status or in a higher cabin, consolidate your heavy items into their allowance.
Wear Your Heavy Items
If your carry-on is overweight, wear your heaviest coat and boots onto the plane.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a laptop bag count as a personal item?
Yes. A laptop bag, handbag, or small backpack counts as your one personal item. You cannot bring a carry-on suitcase, a backpack, and a laptop bag.
What happens if my carry-on is 1kg overweight?
Virgin Atlantic staff can be strict with the 10kg limit in Economy. If it is overweight, they may force you to check it into the hold, potentially charging you a gate-check fee if you have exceeded your checked allowance.
Can I buy extra hand luggage allowance?
No. You cannot pay to add more weight or extra bags to your cabin allowance. If you have too much, it must be checked in.
Is the Economy Light fare worth it?
Only if you can travel strictly with a carry-on. If you think you might need a checked bag, it is usually cheaper to book Economy Classic upfront rather than booking Light and paying for a bag later.
Final Thoughts
Always double-check your specific booking confirmation email for the most accurate allowance for your route, as international regulations can sometimes create exceptions.
Ready to fly? Head over to the Virgin Atlantic ‘My Booking’ page to check your allowance or add a bag today.
Grace Turner is a travel researcher with 5+ years of experience analyzing airline rules and global travel regulations. She specializes in simplifying complex airline policies to help travelers avoid extra fees and fly with confidence. Her work focuses on accuracy, clarity, and up to date information across international carriers.
