In this guide, I detail Virgin Atlantic’s baggage allowance, covering hand luggage size and weight limits for different fare classes. I also explain rules regarding contents and liquids. Additionally, discover top product recommendations fitting Virgin Atlantic’s specs and find answers to common questions about their baggage policy.
Contents
- 1 Virgin Atlantic Hand Luggage
- 2 Virgin Atlantic Checked Baggage Allowance
- 3 Virgin Atlantic Underseat Bag 40x30x15
- 4 Virgin Atlantic Cabin Bag 56Ă—36Ă—23
- 5 Best Suitcases for Virgin Atlantic
- 6 Prohibited Items in Virgin Atlantic Cabin Bags
- 7 Liquids in Virgin Atlantic Hand Luggage
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions
Who’s behind these travel insights?
I’m Sebastian, your luggage expert since 2017. I help you choose the perfect travel gear and navigate baggage rules with ease.
Virgin Atlantic Hand Luggage
The amount of luggage you can bring on your flight depends on the fare you’ve booked:
Economy (Light, Classic & Delight) or Premium
Upper Class
Additional Items for All Passengers
- Overcoat or wrap
- Umbrella or non-sharp walking stick
- Small camera or binoculars
- Flight reading material
- Infant food for flight
- Duty-free items (small quantity)
- Headphones
Economy & Premium
If you’re travelling in Economy (Light, Classic or Delight) or Premium with Virgin Atlantic, you’re allowed one piece of hand luggage up to 56×36×23 cm, weighing no more than 10 kg.
Additionally, you may bring one personal item up to 40×30×15 cm. There is no weight limit on this item, as long as it fits comfortably under the seat in front of you.
Upper Class
If you’re flying Upper Class with Virgin Atlantic, you’re allowed two pieces of hand luggage, each measuring up to 56×36×23 cm. The combined weight must not exceed 16 kg, and no single item may weigh more than 12 kg.
Additionally, you may bring one personal item up to 40×30×15 cm. There is no weight limit on this item, as long as it fits comfortably under the seat in front of you.
Source: help.virginatlantic.com
All details are given without warranty.
Virgin Atlantic Checked Baggage Allowance
The number and weight depend on the fare:
For those flying with Virgin Atlantic, the checked luggage allowance varies depending on the fare type. If you need more than what’s included in your allowance, you can pay to add extra baggage, with the option to add up to seven extra bags per person when you check in online.
The maximum allowed size for Virgin Atlantic checked baggage is up to 90Ă—75Ă—43 cm (35.5Ă—29.5Ă—16 in).
Source: help.virginatlantic.com
All details are given without warranty.
Virgin Atlantic Underseat Bag 40x30x15
Recommendations for the personal item
Looking for the perfect small bag for your Virgin Atlantic flight? The options below are tailored to fit the exact size allowance of 40×30×15 cm for your personal item. These bestsellers make the most of the available space and fit neatly under the seat in front of you.
Last update on 2025-12-13 at 21:15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Partnernet
Virgin Atlantic Cabin Bag 56Ă—36Ă—23
Recommendations for the perfect carry-on suitcase
When choosing the larger Virgin Atlantic hand luggage, I recommend a suitcase measuring 55×35×20 cm. While this doesn’t fully utilise the allowed dimensions, it ensures compatibility with most other airlines, as the generally accepted standard size for hand luggage is 55×40×20 cm.
Last update on 2025-12-13 at 21:15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Partnernet
Best Suitcases for Virgin Atlantic
My Recommendations for Check-In Luggage
For those flying with Virgin Atlantic, finding the perfect check-in suitcase is key. I’ve sifted through the current bestsellers and selected the 10 best suitcases, detailing their pros and cons to help you choose with confidence.
Prohibited Items in Virgin Atlantic Cabin Bags
Heed these hand luggage restrictions
Confused about what’s not allowed in your Virgin Atlantic hand luggage? Like all airlines, Virgin Atlantic prohibits carrying items deemed dangerous or weapon-like. Sometimes, it’s not always clear if certain items fall into these categories. In these cases, airport security personnel make the final call. Below is an initial list of items to be aware of:
A detailed list with explanations and graphics can be found in this post:
Liquids in Virgin Atlantic Hand Luggage
What is allowed?
When packing liquids in your hand luggage, be aware of the 100ml Airport Rule that restricts each container to a maximum of 100ml. In the UK, this regulation is currently changing: a few airports, such as Birmingham, Edinburgh and the two Belfast airports, have already lifted the limit and now allow containers of up to two litres. At most other UK airports, however, the 100ml restriction still applies until the nationwide rollout of new scanners is completed.
However, as many international airports haven’t yet upgraded to the necessary technology, the 100ml rule will also remain vital for future travel outside the UK. Here’s a brief overview of the 100ml rule:
- Only containers with a maximum capacity of 100ml are allowed.
- All containers must be packed in a transparent, resealable 1-litre plastic bag.
- The plastic bag must be fully sealed.
- Each passenger is allowed only one bag.
- The number of containers is not limited as long as the total volume does not exceed 1 litre.
To adhere to the 100ml rule as effectively as possible, consider purchasing dedicated toiletry bags for your liquids. Bags that come equipped with bottles are particularly useful for decanting personal care products.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Clear Toiletry Bag 20x20 cm | £5.98 | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2025-12-13 at 21:15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Partnernet
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
MOCOCITO Toiletry Bag with 8 Bottles | £9.98 £7.98 | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2025-12-13 at 20:15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Partnernet
Frequently Asked Questions
About Virgin Atlantic hand luggage
How strict is Virgin Atlantic with their carry-on baggage policy?
Virgin Atlantic’s enforcement of hand luggage regulations can vary, influenced by factors like the airport, the discretion of staff, flight occupancy, and the time available for checks. To avoid the risk of having to check in your luggage with associated fees, it’s best to comply strictly with the airline’s size and weight limits for carry-on items.
What happens if hand luggage is too big?
If your hand luggage exceeds Virgin Atlantic’s size limits, even slightly, you may be required to check it in and pay additional charges. The degree of leniency shown by staff can vary, so it’s advisable to adhere closely to the specified dimensions. While minor excesses in size are often overlooked and not every bag is measured, it’s unpredictable how staff will act in any particular case. Assess the risk for yourself when deciding whether to push the size limits.
How is the hand luggage size checked?
The size and weight of hand luggage for Virgin Atlantic flights are usually checked at the check-in counters, often using a baggage sizer to ensure compliance with the airline’s dimensions. While rigorous checks on every item are not always conducted, staff judgement plays a significant role. Be prepared for luggage checks that may also happen during boarding or when entering the aircraft, as the exact procedure can differ based on the airport and the staff involved.
Does hand luggage size include wheels?
Yes, the size specifications for hand luggage with Virgin Atlantic include wheels, handles, and any other external parts of the luggage. It’s important to consider these elements when selecting a bag to ensure it fits within the airline’s size restrictions.
