Virgin Atlantic is the UK’s second-largest long-haul airline, flying from London Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester to destinations across the USA, Caribbean, India, Middle East, and beyond. The Virgin Atlantic baggage allowance varies significantly by fare type, so it pays to understand what you get before booking.
I have flown Virgin Atlantic to New York and the Caribbean several times. The difference between Economy Light (no checked bag) and Economy Classic (23kg included) can easily add £60-80 to your trip cost if you need to add bags later.
Virgin Atlantic Baggage Allowance Summary
| Fare Class | Cabin Bag | Personal Item | Checked Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Light | 56 x 36 x 23 cm (10kg) | Yes | None |
| Economy Classic | 56 x 36 x 23 cm (10kg) | Yes | 1 x 23kg |
| Economy Delight | 56 x 36 x 23 cm (10kg) | Yes | 1 x 23kg |
| Premium | 56 x 36 x 23 cm (10kg) | Yes | 2 x 23kg |
| Upper Class | 2 bags (16kg combined) | Yes | 2 x 32kg |
Cabin Baggage
All Virgin Atlantic tickets include cabin baggage.
Economy and Premium:
- Cabin bag: 56 x 36 x 23 cm (including handles and wheels)
- Weight: 10kg maximum
- Personal item: Handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack (must fit under seat)
Upper Class:
- Cabin bags: 2 bags allowed
- Combined weight: 16kg maximum (no single bag over 12kg)
- Personal item: Also allowed
The cabin bag dimensions are similar to British Airways. A standard carry-on suitcase will fit without issues.
Recommended: Cabin Max Metz 30L Backpack
The Cabin Max Metz 30L at 45 x 36 x 20 cm fits comfortably within Virgin Atlantic’s 56 x 36 x 23 cm cabin bag allowance. At just 0.5kg, it maximises your usable weight from the 10kg limit. Opens flat like a suitcase for easy packing, with a padded laptop compartment and organiser pockets. A practical alternative to rigid cabin cases for long-haul flights.
Checked Baggage by Fare Class
Economy Light
No checked bag included. This is Virgin Atlantic’s cheapest fare but you pay extra for hold luggage.
Adding a bag:
- 23kg bag: £60-80 (online at booking)
- 23kg bag: £85-120 (at airport)
Economy Light works for short trips where you can manage with cabin baggage only. For longer holidays, Economy Classic is usually better value.
Economy Classic
One checked bag included:
- Weight: 23kg
- Dimensions: Max 90 x 75 x 43 cm (including handles and wheels)
Exception: On routes to India, Nigeria, and South Africa, Economy Classic and Delight passengers receive 2 x 23kg checked bags instead of one.
This is the standard Economy fare and includes everything most travellers need for a transatlantic trip.
Economy Delight
Same baggage as Economy Classic, plus:
- Extra legroom seat
- Premium check-in
- Priority boarding
The baggage allowance is identical — the premium is for the seat and service.
Premium
Two checked bags included:
- Weight: 23kg each (46kg total)
- Dimensions: Max 90 x 75 x 43 cm each
Premium passengers also get larger seats, premium meals, and priority services.
Upper Class
Two checked bags included:
- Weight: 32kg each (64kg total)
- Dimensions: Max 90 x 75 x 43 cm each
Upper Class is Virgin Atlantic’s business class, with lie-flat beds and lounge access.
Adding Extra Baggage
If you need more than your fare includes:
| Route | Online Price | Airport Price |
|---|---|---|
| UK to USA/Caribbean | £60-80 per 23kg bag | £85-120 |
| UK to India/Middle East | £55-75 per 23kg bag | £80-110 |
| UK to South Africa | £65-85 per 23kg bag | £90-130 |
Always add bags online. Airport prices are significantly higher. You can add bags through Manage My Booking up until online check-in closes.
Excess Baggage Fees
| Issue | Fee |
|---|---|
| Overweight bag (24-32kg) in Economy/Premium | £65-100 |
| Extra bag at airport | £85-130 |
| Oversized bag | Contact Virgin Atlantic |
Overweight fees: Apply to bags weighing between 23kg and 32kg in Economy and Premium cabins. Upper Class bags are already allowed up to 32kg.
Maximum weight: 32kg per bag. No single item can ever exceed 32kg — you must repack into multiple bags.
Flying Club Benefits
Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club members earn extra baggage benefits:
Gold Members
- 1 extra checked bag (up to 23kg) regardless of cabin class
- Priority check-in and boarding
- Lounge access
Benefits apply to the member only, not companions on the same booking.
Travelling with Infants
Infants travelling on an adult’s lap (without their own seat) receive:
- 1 x 23kg checked bag included (except on Economy Light tickets)
- Fully collapsible pushchair — free, checked at gate
- Car seat — free, checked at gate
Economy Light infant tickets do not include a checked bag — you must purchase one if needed.
Sports Equipment and Special Items
| Item | Price (online) |
|---|---|
| Golf clubs | £50-70 |
| Skis/snowboard | £50-70 |
| Bicycle | £65-90 |
| Surfboard | £50-70 |
| Musical instrument (large) | £65-90 |
Book special items online before your flight. Maximum dimensions for sports equipment: 190 x 75 x 65 cm.
Pushchairs and car seats: Free. Checked at the gate and collected at baggage reclaim.
Virgin Atlantic Routes from UK
Virgin Atlantic operates from three UK airports:
London Heathrow (LHR):
- USA: New York (JFK), Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Boston, Washington DC, Las Vegas, Seattle, Atlanta, Orlando
- Caribbean: Barbados, Antigua, Jamaica, Grenada, Bahamas, St Lucia, Tobago
- India: Delhi, Mumbai
- Middle East: Dubai, Tel Aviv
- Africa: Johannesburg, Cape Town
London Gatwick (LGW):
- USA: Orlando, New York (JFK)
- Caribbean: Barbados, Antigua, Jamaica, St Lucia, Grenada, Tobago
Manchester (MAN):
- USA: New York (JFK), Orlando, Las Vegas, Barbados, Atlanta
Virgin Atlantic vs Other Airlines
| Airline | Cabin Bag | Size | Weight | Free Checked Bag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virgin Atlantic | Yes + personal item | 56 x 36 x 23 cm | 10kg | Depends on fare |
| British Airways | Yes + personal item | 56 x 45 x 25 cm | 23kg combined | Depends on fare |
| United Airlines | Yes + personal item | 56 x 35 x 22 cm | No limit | Depends on fare |
| American Airlines | Yes + personal item | 56 x 36 x 23 cm | No limit | Depends on fare |
| Delta | Yes + personal item | 56 x 35 x 23 cm | No limit | Depends on fare |
Virgin Atlantic’s cabin allowance is competitive with other transatlantic carriers. The 10kg weight limit is more generous than most US airlines enforce in practice.
Tips for Flying Virgin Atlantic
1. Compare Economy Light vs Classic carefully. If you need a checked bag, Classic is almost always better value than Light plus bag fee.
2. Weigh your cabin bag. The 10kg limit is enforced, especially on busy routes.
3. Book bags at booking time. Prices increase closer to departure.
4. Join Flying Club before booking. Even basic membership earns points, and Silver/Gold status adds baggage benefits.
5. Use the personal item allowance. A laptop bag or backpack under the seat frees up space in your main cabin bag.
6. Check your route. Baggage prices vary by destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Virgin Atlantic Economy Light include a checked bag?
No. Economy Light is cabin baggage only. Add a checked bag online when booking to avoid higher airport prices.
What size cabin bag can I take on Virgin Atlantic?
The maximum cabin bag size is 56 x 36 x 23 cm with a 10kg weight limit. You also get a personal item that fits under the seat.
How much does Virgin Atlantic charge for extra bags?
Extra checked bags cost £60-85 online or £85-130 at the airport, depending on route. Always book online for the best price.
Can I take two cabin bags on Virgin Atlantic?
Only in Upper Class, which allows two cabin bags with a combined weight of 16kg (no single bag over 12kg). Economy, Economy Delight, and Premium passengers get one cabin bag plus a personal item.
What is the maximum bag weight on Virgin Atlantic?
32kg per bag. Bags over 32kg will not be accepted. You must repack into multiple bags.
Does Virgin Atlantic allow sports equipment?
Yes. Golf clubs, skis, bicycles, and surfboards can be checked for £50-90 depending on the item. Book online before your flight.
