The baggage allowances described below and excess baggage rates only apply to flights booked before 25 November 2009 and for the following routes:

• South Africa
  
  
• Australia
  
  
• Asia
  
  
• Mauritius
  
  
• Dubai
  
  

If you are travelling to/from the USA, Caribbean, Kenya or Nigeria, please view our baggage allowances by piece page.

For flights booked after 25 November 2009, our new checked-in baggage policy will apply.

Please note, Virgin Atlantic baggage allowances are not applicable on partner airline/codeshare and connecting flights. Therefore, if you are booked on one of these flights, please check the baggage allowance with the operating airline.

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.

Other sporting equipment such as 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 may apply.

For more details, please see our Sports Equipment policy, or contact Reservations.

All passengers travelling to and from the UK are not permitted to check in any bag that weighs in excess of 32kgs (70lbs). The maximum weight limit of 32kgs relates to single items of luggage and should not be seen as your baggage allowance. This new safety measure, which applies to all airlines and all destinations to/from the UK, is being introduced to reduce strains and injuries amongst baggage handling staff.

Passengers who exceed this maximum weight limit will be asked to repack their luggage into smaller units before they can check in. Excess baggage charges will be applied where applicable.

For the most up-to-date explanation of hand baggage allowances please visit our Carry On Baggage page.