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Questions concerning luggage and check-in information.
Q. Are Virgin Atlantic Flights affected by the additional security checks at the airport?
A. All flights are operating to the normal 'on time' performance levels and no major delays are expected.
Q. What time is flight check-in?
A. For all long-haul destinations - we advise to check-in 3 hours prior to departure. If you check in on-line with Virgin Atlantic this is reduced to 2 hours prior to departure.
Q. In the UK, which terminal do Virgin Atlantic fly from?
A. For Virgin Atlantic flights - London Gatwick is South terminal; London Heathrow is Terminal 3 and Manchester is Terminal 2.
Q. I want to know more about Twilight Check-In where I can check-in for my flight the night before departure!
A. If you are flying with Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick, you can take advantage of the
Twilight Check In ServiceQ. How long is the check-in time?
A. We suggest checking in a minimum of 3 hours before departure and being at the departure gate at the required time. Check-in closes 1 hour before departure and the gate closes 30 minutes before departure. Q. What is the luggage allowance on Virgin Atlantic?
A. Virgin Atlantic Baggage Policy
Currently we have a number of different polices for baggage allowances and excess charges, which are increasingly difficult to understand. We want to simplify them so our customers are clear on their entitlements and what excess charges apply should they go over their free baggage allowance. The revised policy is in line with the current market and will enable us to remain competitive.
At the moment a customer’s free baggage allowance varies according to cabin and route, and could be either a weight allowance, or a piece allowance. The change to the policy will simplify this allowance so that it is based on a piece allowance for all routes.
For those of you who make your booking on or after the 25 November 2009, you'll
be allowed the following luggage allowance:
VAA Baggage Allowance
| VAA Checked Baggage Policy (Piece) |
Number of bags within the free allowance |
| Economy |
Premium Economy |
Upper Class |
| Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana |
2 x 23 kilos
|
2 x 23 kilos
|
3 x 32 kilos
|
| All other routes |
1 x 23 kilos
|
2 x 23 kilos
|
3 x 32 kilos
|
If an Upper Class passenger wishes to go over this allowance, the standard extra baggage charges will apply with a weight limit of 23 kilos then per bag.
If the weight of the extra bag goes over this then the excess weight charges will apply at the airport.
VAA Infants
| Infants (under 2's) travelling without a seat |
1 x 23 kilos
They are also entitled to one piece of hand luggage weighing no more than 6 kilos. Extra baggage cannot be purchased for infants on any route.
|
Exceptions
Passengers travelling in Economy between the USA and India - one additional bag at 23 kilos.
Gold card holders - one additional bag at 23 kilos, irrespective of the cabin flown.
Sporting allowance - 1 additional bag up to 23 kilos, irrespective of the cabin flown. (Sporting Equipment allowance).
VAA Baggage Allowance
| |
Excess charges from 25th November 2009* |
| Online:** |
Airport: |
1st Extra Bag |
GBP32/USD48 |
GBP40/USD60 |
| 2nd Extra & Subsequent Bags |
GBP72/USD112 |
GBP90/USD140 |
| Overweight (23-32kg) |
Not available |
GBP30/USD50 |
| Oversized Bags |
Not Available |
GBP40/USD60 |
If a bag is overweight and also oversize, both the overweight and oversize charges shown above will apply.
Any bags weighing over 32 kilos will not be accepted. Passengers can pay to check in up to 10 extra bags at maximum 23 kilos each.
The above fees will be converted into the local currency where applicable.
*Charges quoted are each way.
**Online payments will be available from 25th November 2009 at www.virginatlantic.com
Bag dimensions
A standard size bag must not exceed 90cm x 75cm x 43cm (35.5ins x 29.5ins x 16ins), including the handle, pockets and wheels.
We will accept bags above this but they will be considered 'non standard' and must fall with the restrictions below and an additional charge will apply.
A non-standard sized bag must not exceed 190cm x 75cm x 65cm (75ins x 29.5ins x 25.5ins), including the handle, pockets and wheels.
VAA Baggage Allowance
| |
Oversize charges from 25th November 2009* |
Less than 90cm x 75cm x 43cm (35.5ins x 29.5ins x 16ins) |
No Charge |
| Larger than 90cm x 75cm x 43cm (35.5ins x 29.5ins x 16ins) and less than
190cm x 75cm x 65cm (75ins x 29.5ins x 25.5ins) |
GBP40 flat fee (USD60) |
| Larger than 190cm x 75cm x 65cm (75ins x 29.5ins x 25.5ins) |
Not accepted as checked baggage. Freight or Cargo
only. |
If a bag is overweight and also oversize, both the overweight and oversize charges shown above will apply. The above fees will be converted into the local currency where applicable.
For full details of the policy, please visit www.virgin-atlantic.com
today
Q. Do infants have a baggage allowance?
A. Infants not entitled to a seat are entitled to 1 piece of hand baggage. One piece weighing no more than 6 kilos. Infants are also entitled to one piece of checked baggage 35.5 x29.5 x 16" or 90x75x43cm weighing no more than 23kg.
Passengers travelling with children or infants will be entitled to take one fully collapsible pushchair or a car seat in addition to their free checked baggage allowance.
Q. What is the current hand baggage policy for Virgin Atlantic flights?
A. Premium Economy/EconomyEconomy and Premium Economy passengers may take 1 piece of hand baggage on board. Individual dimensions not to exceed 23 x 36 x 56cm, (approx 9 x 14 x 22 inches) and 13lb/6kg in weight.
Infants are entitled to one piece of hand luggage weighing no more than 6kg. This is over and above the buggy or bassinet or car seat, which are carried free of charge.
Upper ClassUpper Class passengers may take two pieces of hand baggage onboard. Individual dimensions not to exceed 23 x 36 x 56cm, (approx 9 x 14 x 22 inches) and 16kg (35lbs) in combined weight, with no bag weighing more than 12kg. This can include 1 garment bag, 20cm (8ins) thick when folded, not exceeding 12kg in weight.
In addition to the cabin baggage allowance, the following personal items may be carried on board:
A handbag or purse, an overcoat, an umbrella (pointed or/and sharp prohibited) or walking stick, a small camera, reading matter for the flight, infants food for consumption in flight, a small amount of duty free goods.
Personal headphones may be used as long as they are fitted with the standard 3.5mm jack.
ITEMS NOT PERMITTED
Torch or Zippo style cigarette lighters, non-safety matches, toy guns (plastic or metal), catapults, sharp items (including household cutlery, paper knives, razor blades, darts), hypodermic syringes (if you have a medical reason that means you need to inject during the flight you are permitted to carry syringes in the cabin, you must be able to produce medical evidence indicating the name of the person to whom the equipment is prescribed), scissors, sporting bats, bBilliard, snooker, pool cues, tradesmen's tools or any dangerous articles such as flammables, erosives, poisons, radioactive materials, ammunition, firearms or explosives.
Q. What is the maximum size and weight of hand luggage aboard Virgin Atlantic?
A. Economy and Premium Economy: The hand luggage should not exceed 23 x 36 x 56cm, (approx 9 x 14 x 22 inches) and weigh no more than 6kgs (13lbs)
Upper Class: 2 pieces of hand baggage. Individual dimensions not to exceed 23 x 36 x 56cm, (approx 9 x 14 x 22 inches) and 16kg (35lbs) in combined weight, with no bag weighing more than 12kg.
Q. How much is it to transport golf clubs on Virgin Atlantic flights?
A. All items of sporting equipment such as golf clubs, skis (with one pair of poles and one pair of boots), rucksacks, sleeping bags, and bicycles will be considered as one piece of luggage. Excess charges will apply, please click on this link to find out more information on charges
Virgin Atlantic - Excess Q. Can a handbag or camera case be taken on board as well?
A. Yes, passengers may also carry onboard a small handbag (not exceeding 1kg) and a small camera.
Q. Will x-ray machines (airport screening) harm undeveloped camera film?
A. Passengers on flights departing from the US need to be aware of stringent new security checks being introduced, which could cause problems with undeveloped rolls of film. This is a potential problem for holiday snaps as well as for professionals. All checked in baggage has to be screened for explosives. Most checks are carried out by EDS (Explosive Detection System) using x-rays, which can cause fogging or white lines to appear on the film once it's developed.
We would advise passengers to carry all film in hand luggage. Since hand-luggage is also subject to x-ray scanning at security checkpoints, passengers should ask for the film to be checked by hand. It's a good idea to put it in an easily removable, separate bag inside the hand luggage. If the bag and film canisters are clear all the better. To be specific the following films are particularly at risk: film rated at ASA/ISO 800 or higher, and x-ray, scientific, sheet, large format, medical, motion picture and professional film. As a guide, most standard films are usually ASA/ISO 100 - 200, but even these may be affected if they are repeatedly checked by x-ray. One way to avoid problems is to get exposed films developed locally.
Q. Is baggage checked straight through off of a UK domestic flight?
A. This depends on the airline and the day of departure. We suggest asking at the airport before check-in.
Q. Can I take a portable CD / Cassette player or MP3 as hand luggage?
A. Only if it can be carried within hand luggage and it does not exceed the specified dimensions and weight.
Q. Will I be able to carry things that I need for my young child?
A. Yes, however, these should be accommodated within the one piece of hand luggage.
Q. Are electrical items or aerosols allowed in hold luggage?
A. As these items are generally not required for during a journey they can be placed within hold luggage. We recommend that they are carefully packed in the centre of the case wrapped in something to protect them.
Q. Are cameras, camcorders, mobile phones, gameboys or laptops allowed in the cabin?
A. Yes, these items can be taken in the cabin. Cameras should have films rewound to avoid the pictures already taken being ruined as they may be subject to inspection. All electronic equipment may be subject to x-ray examination. Mobile phones should be switched off at all times.
Laptops should be removed from bags / carry cases and placed on the x-ray machine separately.
Q. Should fragile or valuable items be stored in hold luggage?
A. No, these should be packed in hand luggage. If this is not possible, please consider whether it is essential to take the items. If items are placed in hold luggage, it is unlikely you will be covered by any travel insurance and equally we will not be able to accept any liability.
Q. How is wedding attire transported?
A. Whatever is going to be worn on the big day, it should be carried as part of the hold baggage allowance. Please check baggage allowance if travelling with an airline other than Virgin Atlantic. For Virgin Atlantic travel we highly recommend, that any garments are packed in a separate hard suitcase, which will be placed in the hold. We would suggest placing layers of white non-acidic tissue paper between the folds of each article of clothing to help prevent creasing. The check-in staff will be happy to label the case as fragile to ensure safe carriage from the UK to the onward destination. Virgin Atlantic are precluded from hanging garments in the cabin as the CAA state that this would impede an emergency exit.
Q. Will the hand luggage requirements detailed above be the same for the return flight?
A. Yes
Q. Will the check-in queues be longer?
A. The check-in shouldn't take any longer than usual, however the security screening process may take longer, that is why we ask customers to check-in earlier. Alternatively, if flying from London Gatwick customers can take advantage of Virgin Atlantic's
Twilight Check-In service.
Q. What extra security procedures are in place?
A. The security checks at airports around the world have increased considerably. Expect suitcases to be scanned before check-in, hand luggage X-rayed and manually searched, and a further security check at the boarding gate. These checks vary day to day and airport to airport.
Q. Can passengers still use Virgin's off site check-ins or Twilight Check-In at Gatwick?
A. Disney's Downtown Check-in - The Virgin Valet in Florida has now re-opened. The Virgin Valet is located outside
Cirque du Soleil at Downtown Disney, and is open daily from
8.30am until 1pm (weather permitting).
Check-In-Chill-Out - Virgin Atlantic's
'Check-In-Chill-Out' is operating normally in Barbados, Antigua and St. Lucia - which allows a check-in for your return flight from the comfort of your hotel.
Twilight Check - in - If you are flying with
Virgin Atlantic from
London Gatwick, you can take advantage of the
Twilight Check In service. You can check in for your Virgin Atlantic flight, the night before departure, from 12 pm to 9pm thus avoiding the peak hours of check-in.
Q. What additional security measures have been put in place on board Virgin Atlantic flights?
A. Passenger safety is Virgin Atlantic's primary concern and there are a number of short and long term measures that are already in place, and others planned. The door to the Flight Deck is kept locked at all times and access is vigorously controlled. Sadly that means that no passenger visits to the Flight Deck are permitted, but we are sure our customers will understand. Additional measures are also under discussion with the Government.
Q. What is the best advice you can give to make us feel confident and safe about our travel plans?
A. To check in early, have the correct travel documents to hand and very little hand luggage. Our paramount concern has always been and shall continue to be the safety of our passengers firstly in getting them to their holiday destination, looking after them once they are there and getting them home safely at the end of their holiday. Virgin Holidays maintain our own staff in resorts in the USA and Caribbean and we operate hotel visits in many of the busier areas. In the vast majority of cases, just a local call will put you in touch with our friendly staff. Our "Essentials Guide" book that you will receive with your tickets will have ALL our overseas contact numbers and addresses.
Q. Where can Tickets on Departure (TOD's) be collected at the airport?
A. For bookings made within 10 days of departure, we are unable to send tickets in the post. Therefore tickets will have to be picked up from the departure airport.
For departures from Heathrow, tickets can be collected from the Virgin Holidays desk in Terminal 3.
For departures from London Gatwick, tickets can be collected from the Virgin Holidays desk in the South Terminal
For departures from Manchester, tickets can be collected from the Virgin Atlantic desk in Terminal 2.
If you’re flying with BMI from Manchester, then tickets will need to be collected from the BMI desk in Terminal 3.
TOD's must be collected at least 3 hours prior to departure time, Twilight Check-in is not available to customers picking up TOD's.
Q. What is Check In & Chill out?
A. Virgin Holidays clients can now spend even more time lounging around on the glorious beaches of Barbados, St Lucia, Antigua, Tobago and the Bahamas thanks to Virgin Atlantics Check In and Chill Out service! The service is simple; on your day of departure, a team of Virgin staff will visit the participating hotels, check customers in, issue boarding passes and take meal requests.
Any luggage is then whisked away in secure vans to the airport, leaving customes free to enjoy the last hours of the holiday in true Caribbean and Virgin Holidays style, hassle free! It also means customers need only arrive at the airport
50 minutes before the flight departs, totally relaxed and even more tanned!
Please note that this is a complimentary service provided by Virgin Atlantic.
Q. What is the Baggage Allowance for internal flights within the USA/Florida?
A. Baggage allowance depends on each individual airline and should be verify directly with them. This information is usually published on the airline's website; please see below list of airlines and links to their baggage policies.
Q. What is the Baggage Allowance for internal flights within the Caribbean?
A. Baggage allowance depends on each individual airline and should be verify directly with them. This information is usually published on the airline's website; please see below list of airlines and links to their baggage policies.
Q. Pre-assigned seats confirmation.
A. For passengers flying with Virgin Atlantic, where you have pre-assigned a seat online, check in needs to be completed no later than 2 hours before departure time to enable us to honour this request.
Exception: For passengers travelling in the Economy cabin on all London Heathrow departing flights check in must be completed 13 hours prior to departure to retain pre-assigned seats.
Q. I need extra luggage labels and I'm departing soon, how can I get hold of these?
A. You can order extra luggage labels at our
postbooking siteQ. Can I Check- in online?
A. For passengers flying with Virgin Atlantic, it is possible to use the DIY Check-in service which allows you to check in and pick your own seats before you leave home. From 24 hours to 2 hours before your flight is due to leave you can check in online. For more information please
click hereQ. Carriage of Surfboards
A. Passengers can take one piece of sporting equipment free of charge, in addition to their free baggage allowance. The sporting equipment can weigh no more than 32kg.
If the sports equipment weighs more than 32kg, the item will be treated as two pieces of checked baggage, excess baggage charges will then apply.
Please note: No single piece of baggage weighing more than 32kg will be accepted for carriage without prior consent.
Sporting equipment weighing more than 45kg will need to be transported as cargo.
Sporting wheelchairs are considered sports equipment.
Local transfer charges may apply, please call our Reservations Team at
0844 573 0088 before travel for details.
