Virgin Atlantic’s Business Class (Upper Class) baggage policy is as follows:
Checked Baggage:
Allowance: Upper Class passengers can check up to 2 bags, each weighing up to 32 kg (70 lbs), at no additional charge. For tickets booked before December 9, 2019, the allowance was 3 bags up to 32 kg each.
Size Limit: Each checked bag must not exceed 90 x 75 x 43 cm (35.5 x 29.5 x 16 inches). Oversized bags incur a fee of £200/$300 per bag, and bags over Ascent/Descend List: 0 32 kg are not accepted as travel baggage and must be shipped via Virgin Atlantic Cargo.
Excess Baggage Fees: Additional bags (up to 10 per person) cost approximately £60/$100 each way, with discounts if purchased online. Overweight bags (23–32 kg) incur a £65/$100 fee per bag. If a bag is both oversized and overweight, both fees apply.
Flying Club Benefits: Flying Club Gold or Silver members can check an additional bag (up to 23 kg) for free on Virgin Atlantic-operated flights, regardless of cabin class.
Carry-On Baggage:
Allowance: Upper Class passengers can bring 2 carry-on bags with a combined weight of up to 16 kg (35 lbs), with no single bag exceeding 12 kg (26 lbs). Each bag must not exceed 23 x 36 x 56 cm (9 x 14 x 22 inches). Additionally, one personal item (e.g., handbag, laptop bag) that fits under the seat is allowed. A garment bag (max. 20 cm/8 inches thick, up to 12 kg) can count toward the two-bag limit.
Exceptions: Items like coats, umbrellas, cameras, binoculars, reading material, duty-free goods, infant food, or mobility aids (e.g., folding manual wheelchairs) do not count toward the carry-on limit. Wedding dresses/suits can be carried in addition to the allowance, but space to hang them is not guaranteed.
Liquid Restrictions: Liquids, gels, aerosols, etc., under 100 ml must be in a single, transparent, resealable bag (max. 20 x 20 cm/8 x 8 inches) that can close fully.
Special Items:
Sports Equipment: Equipment under 23 kg and 90 x 75 x 43 cm counts within the baggage allowance. Items over these limits incur a fee (e.g., £60/$100 for extra bags, higher for specific items like surfboards or bicycles). Prior notification is required for some items.
Musical Instruments: Instruments within carry-on size/weight limits can be brought on board. Larger instruments can be checked within the allowance or for a fee, or carried on an extra seat with prior approval. They must be carried through security and collected at the gate for hold storage.
Infants: Infants under 2 without a seat can check one bag up to 23 kg (50 lbs), plus a collapsible stroller and car seat. Foldable strollers (max. 23 x 36 x 56 cm) can be carried in the cabin as part of the hand baggage allowance.
Pets: Virgin Atlantic only accepts cats and dogs. Pets up to 8 kg (including carrier) can travel in the cabin on some routes with prior approval and a fee. Larger pets (up to 75 kg) travel in the hold.
Additional Notes:
Route-Specific Rules: Flights to/from Ghana, India, Nigeria, South Africa, or Pakistan may have different allowances (e.g., two 23 kg bags for Economy Classic/Delight on UK/US/Canada to India routes). Always check the specific itinerary.
Codeshare Flights: If traveling on a codeshare flight, the operating carrier’s baggage policy may apply. Confirm with the operating airline.
Priority Services: Upper Class passengers receive priority check-in, security (at select airports), boarding, and baggage handling.
Baggage Fees: Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, charged per flight. Pre-paying online can save time and money.
Restricted Items: Prohibited items include weapons, explosives, and certain lighters. Liquids over 100 ml must be checked. Check Virgin Atlantic’s restricted items list for details.