Virgin Atlantic Check-in
The airline advises that you check in at least two or three hours before the scheduled departure of your flight. Airport check-in desks close 60 minutes before departure. Online check-in is available from 24 hours until two hours before scheduled departure.
Virgin Atlantic baggage allowance
Carry-on: One piece of carry-on luggage is allowed, with total linear dimensions of 45in and a maximum weight of 13lbs. Another handheld personal item is also permitted.
Checked: For standard economy, one bag is allowed with a maximum weight of 50lbs.
Excess: There is a $60 charge for the first extra bag and $140 for each bag after that. If a bag is heavier than 50lbs, there is a $50 charge.
Virgin Atlantic legroom
Pre-arranged seating
Seats can be pre-booked online when making the flight reservation, when using the Update Booking tool or during online check-in. You can also call the Virgin Atlantic reservation line up to 336 days before departure.
Passenger change details
If after purchasing a flexible ticket online, you wish to request changes to your flight details, contact Virgin Atlantic’s reservation line. No name changes are allowed. Depending on your ticket, you may not be able to make any changes.
Child fares
There are Infant/Child Seats available in all cabins for newborn babies, infants, and children up to 44lbs in weight or 40in in height. Contact reservations for availability and booking.
Senior fares
Pets
Pets can travel on Virgin Atlantic to and from Boston, Barbados, Chicago, Cape Town, Dubai, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York-JFK, New York-Newark, Orlando, San Francisco, Sydney and Washington.
Carrying musical instruments
Standard baggage allowances apply. A separate seat may be purchased to carry a large or fragile musical instrument instead of checking it, subject to Virgin Atlantic’s prior approval and in accordance with regulations.
In-flight service
Virgin Atlantic offers a full range of in-flight services, including fine meals and drinks, individual seatback TVs and an amenity kit containing postcards, eyeshades, earplugs, socks, and Virgin Vie lip balm. Virgin even provides goodie bags for kids.
Air miles
The frequent flier program, Flying Club, lets you collect air miles to redeem on flights, hotels, upgrades, and even a visit to Richard Branson's Necker Island.
Airline food link
Check out Virgin Atlantic’s menu online before taking off. Or see photographs taken by fellow fliers of meals they’ve been served and read reviews at AirlineMeals.net.
In-flight magazine
The airline's in-flight magazine, Seatback, is published four times each month and is available on every flight.
Airline alliances
Virgin Atlantic is not a member of a specific airline alliance, but has partnerships with many airlines.
Airline overview
Billionaire Richard Branson's first airline venture, Virgin Atlantic, flies long-haul routes from the UK to many destinations around the globe. Virgin, the first airline to introduce seat-back televisions, has hubs at Heathrow and Gatwick, with a secondary base at Manchester. The airline is part of the vast Virgin group.