With over 6 million passengers choosing to fly with them in 2014, Virgin Atlantic is the United Kingdom’s 7th largest airline in terms of passenger volume. Founded in 1984 and with headquarters in Crawley, England, Virgin Atlantic uses a mixed fleet of 39 Airbus and Boeing wide-body aircraft to service 31 international destinations in Europe, North America, the Caribbean, Africa, The Middle East and Asia. In 2015, the airline was recognised as Europe’s Leading Airline to North America at the World Travel Awards, and in 2014 Virgin Atlantic won the title for Best Passenger Assistance Initiative at the Future Travel Experience Awards. These awards along with many others won by the airline, demonstrate Virgin Atlantic’s dedication to offer passengers with the best flying experience possible, a point further endorsed by the company’s operating motto, “Embrace The Human Spirit And Let It Fly”.

Online check-in

Online check-in is available for all Virgin Atlantic flights excluding those to and from Nigeria, or simply from India or the Caribbean. For international flights, check-in opens 24 hours before the scheduled flight departure time, and closes 2 hours before take-off. For domestic flights check-in opens 24 hours before the scheduled flight departure time, and closes 65 minutes before take-off.
Passengers with a valid Virgin Atlantic booking reference as well as travel documentation required for international flights such as passports and visas are able to check in online.
During the check-in process, passengers are able to select their preferred seat on the aircraft as well as change their baggage details.
Airport check-in is also possible for all Virgin Atlantic flights at no additional cost.

Cabin luggage allowance

The maximum dimensions of any cabin luggage carried on board a Virgin Atlantic flight must not exceed 23cm x 36cm x 56 cm. Additional items such as laptop bags or large handbags must be placed within the cabin luggage when boarding.
All items of cabin luggage are subject to a weight limit of 10kg, though this can be increased to 16kg for a fee.
Each passenger may carry 1 item of cabin luggage on board the flight. A 2nd item can also be added for a fee during the check-in process.
Passengers travelling with infants or children can bring a fully collapsible pushchair and car seat, in addition to their luggage allowance.

Checked baggage allowance

The dimension allowance for all checked baggage on Virgin Atlantic flights is 90cm x 75cm x 43cm. This also applies to all infant travellers. If your bags exceed the size limitations, you will be charged additional fees.
The standard weight limitation for each item of checked baggage is 23kg, though this can be upgraded to 32kg for a fee during the check-in process. This weight restriction also applies to all infant travellers. If you bags exceed weight restrictions you will be charged additional fees.
Each passenger is entitled to 1 item of checked baggage, though this can be increased to 2 or more for a fee. On flights from the UK to India, flights from the North America to India, flights from the US to South Africa and flights from the UK/US to Lagos, the allowance is 2 bags.
Virgin Atlantic will carry most items of sports equipment in addition to the set baggage allowances for no extra charge provided they weighs less than 23kg.