• Extra allowance for passengers with sporting equipment
• Only UK long-haul airline to carry surfboards
• Flying Club Gold Card holders can take one additional bag in any cabin

Virgin Atlantic, the award-winning long-haul airline, today unveiled its new baggage policy – making it as easy as 123 for travellers. From 25 November 2009, Virgin Atlantic will be introducing a “piece system” across its network for all tickets booked after that date.

The changes are easy for passengers to remember:

Economy 1 – passengers can check-in 1 bag weighing up to 23 kilos
Premium Economy 2 – passengers can check-in 2 bags each weighing up to 23 kilos
Upper Class 3 – passengers can check-in up to 3 bags each weighing up to 23 kilos

Virgin Atlantic is also continuing to offer one of the airline industry’s most generous sporting bag allowances, enabling all passengers to check-in one additional bag weighing up to 23 kilos that contains sporting equipment, such as a golf bag, scuba diving equipment, or ski equipment. Virgin Atlantic is the only UK long-haul airline enabling passengers to check-in surfboards.

In addition, Flying Club Gold Card holders are entitled to take one additional bag on top of their free allowance, in any cabin. If travelling in Upper Class, this means Gold Card passengers can check-in up to four bags. 

Passengers wanting to check-in extra bags will pay for each piece, with each extra bag costing £32/US$48 if paid for online. Higher charges will apply at airport check-in.

Chris Birch, Head of Product, Virgin Atlantic, said:

“Passengers can now benefit from one of the simplest and most generous baggage policies in the industry. It means lower charges for passengers wishing to take additional bags and a great allowance for those going on a sporting trip.”

Economy passengers travelling between Heathrow and Nairobi, and Heathrow and Lagos, will continue to be able to check-in two bags if travelling in economy.

Any passenger holding a ticket booked and ticketed before 25 November 2009 will be entitled to Virgin Atlantic’s existing baggage allowance. Any bags weighing over 32 kilos will not be accepted.