Virgin Atlantic was founded by Sir Richard Branson over 30 years ago after he decided the UK aviation industry needed shaking up and style injected back into it. He wanted to make air travel exciting and enjoyable again. Every year, Virgin flies more than five million people to over 30 of the best and most loved destinations around the world – the Americas, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Experience irresistible service that’s intuitive and personal, award-winning entertainment, innovative products and stylish comfort in some of the best premium cabins in the sky.

Online check-in opens 24 hours before your flight. With online check-in you can print your boarding pass before heading to the airport or use mobile boarding passes on the Virgin Atlantic mobile app, so you’ll only need to go to the counter if you have luggage to check in.

Airport check-in

Check in counters and bag drop for international flights open 3 hours before departure. Be sure to arrive at least 120 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Bag drop closes 60 minutes before the scheduled departure for long-haul and 45 minutes before short-haul flights.

To start collecting rewards for your miles, join Virgin Atlantic’s frequent flyer programme: Flying Club. Miles can be cashed in on flights, upgrades and more.

  • Start on the Red tier and work your way up!
  • The Silver tier can be reached by earning 400 Tier Points within 12 consecutive months.
  • The Gold tier can then be reached when you earn 1,000 Tier Points within 12 consecutive months.

Carry-on allowance:

Economy and Premium Class

  • 1 carry-on bag
  • Weight up to 10kg
  • 1 additional item, such as a handbag or small rucksack

Upper Class

  • Up to 2 carry-on bags.
  • Weight up to 12kg for one bag, or up to 16kg combined weight.
  • 1 additional item, such as a handbag or small rucksack

Children’s carry-on allowance

  • Babies and toddlers up to 23 months are allowed 1 bag up to 6kg
  • Children aged 2 and over have the standard carry on allowance

Checked baggage allowance:

Checked baggage allowances vary depending on flight routing, cabin class and frequent flyer status. If you are flying on a Virgin Atlantic ticketed operated by a partner airline, the partner baggage allowances may apply.

Economy (Not including Basic fares)

  • 1 piece of baggage Each bag must weigh no more than 23kg

Premium Economy

  • 2 pieces of baggage Each bag must weigh no more than 23kg

Business Class

  • 3 pieces of baggage Each bag must weigh no more than 32kg

Children and Infants

  • Children and seated infants are entitled to the above allowances
  • Lap infants without a seat, can have 1 piece of luggage up to 23kg for any cabin (except Economy Light)

Overweight and Oversized Items

  • The baggage allowance for overweight and oversized items are charged at different rates depending on the passenger’s itinerary and final destination
  • The maximum weight and size for all items is 45kg and 320cm (length + width + height)

Checked baggage

  • If your checked bag weighs more than your allowance you may be charged extra at the airport. Baggage weighing over 32kg are not possible to check in.
  • Sporting or musical equipment can be checked as part of your baggage allowance, but you might need to pay extra if they are too large or heavy.