Virgin to cut carry-on baggage allowance to one bag per passenger
This week, the company will launch its first flight with pets for customers who prefer to travel with their small dogs or cats in the cabin.
“While these changes will not go into effect for our guests until February 2026, we wanted to give our loyal guests advance notice and give our team members time to understand and implement the change,” Snook said.
Virgin customers in Business Class, Gold, Forever Gold, Platinum and Platinum Plus Speed members can take two handbags weighing a total of 14 kilograms on their flights, as well as one small personal item, such as a handbag that can fit under the front seat.
Chrystal Zhang, professor of aviation at RMIT University, said Virgin’s decision would be a “cost-saving game changer” for the airline.
“By streamlining the carry-on baggage allowance, it will likely speed up the turnaround time between flight legs (expedited boarding and disembarkation), which can ultimately increase aircraft utilization, reduce delay and improve overall operational efficiency,” Zhang said.
Virgin said the carry-on change also covers short-haul international flights to Bali, Fiji and New Zealand.
Check-in baggage allowances will depend on the terms of the fare purchased.
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