Burn The Ships Creative Group
Virgin Atlantic aircraft

Virgin Atlantic Media Baggage

Media rate not verified — contact airlineNo public flat media rate could be verified — contact Virgin Atlantic for a quote (its contact form lists "Media baggage"). Until then, budget with additional-baggage prices.

The quick answer

What do I pay per bag?
No verified media price—request a quote. Ordinary extra-bag prices depend on fare, route and bag number.
How heavy can each bag be?
Special media allowance unverified. Current standard weight table was not freshly retrievable; confirm your ticket’s per-bag allowance.
How big can each bag be?
Special media allowance unverified. Have Virgin confirm packed-case dimensions; older trade-guide numbers are not current proof.
Who qualifies?
Media eligibility requires Virgin’s confirmation
What do I show or send?
Request written price, weight, size and equipment approval before departure

Prices are per bag, one way. Weight includes the case. Total inches = length + width + height added together.

All the details

Free allowance
Shown on your ticket
Extra bags
Virgin's additional baggage prices
Published standard extras—not a media price
Overweight £65 / US$100 / CA$110 / €85; oversized £200 / US$300 / CA$330 / €250.

How it works

  1. Check your ticket for your free allowance.
  2. Extra bags are accepted only if there's room on the flight.
  3. Don't pack valuables or electronics in checked bags.

Where the airline says this

Official airline pages and quoted wording to show at check-in. Look for the section named in each link. Highlighting depends on your browser; PDFs may need a search. Reviewed October 28, 2026; any unverified allowance is labeled above.

Guitars & musical instruments

Agent says it can't go onboard? Open these on your phone and show them:

The airline's own instrument policy ↗U.S. law (14 CFR 251.3) ↗

The airline's page says: “We're happy to store larger musical instruments in the hold.”

Neither a flat media price nor a special instrument allowance was verified. The U.S. small-instrument rule cited for U.S. airlines does not automatically apply to Virgin Atlantic.

Can my guitar come onboard?
Do not assume a full-size guitar can stay in the cabin. The current cabin-instrument article was not readable during this review; get Virgin’s written approval for your case.
What does it replace?
An approved cabin instrument must fit Virgin’s cabin allowance or an agreed extra-seat arrangement. Do not assume an extra free carry-on.
What do I pay in the cabin?
Ask Virgin Atlantic for a written price before you fly. There is no confirmed instrument price.
Can I buy my instrument a seat?
Current instrument seat limits and price were not freshly verified. Arrange directly with Virgin before relying on a purchased seat.
What do I pay to check it?
Virgin accepts larger instruments in the hold as part of your checked allowance or for an additional fee. Standard published extras: overweight £65 / US$100 / CA$110 / €85; oversize £200 / US$300 / CA$330 / €250. Get a route-specific instrument quote.
How heavy and big can a checked case be?
Use a rigid protective case. No special instrument weight/size exception was verified; have Virgin approve the packed case. Collection at the gate means it travels in the hold—not beside you.

Weight and size include the case. Cabin space must be available when you board. Use a protective case suitable for checking if the cabin is full.

U.S. law protects your guitar. On U.S. flights, airlines must let a guitar in its case ride in the cabin if it fits safely in the overhead bin or under the seat and there is room when you board. Show this page — the rule itself (14 CFR 251.3) — if an agent says no: Read the rule ↗

Official instrument rules

Original 2024 article (historical)
Virgin Atlantic aircraft

Virgin Atlantic aIRLINES

Media Rate: Conditions & Pricing

Virgin Atlantic Airlines Media Rates

Transporting media equipment in the fast-paced world of production doesn't have to be a headache. With a clear understanding of Virgin Atlantic's media baggage policies, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey from start to finish.

Virgin Atlantic stands out by offering media rates specifically for film, photography, and journalism professionals. This guide details how to qualify for these rates, manage costs, and secure your equipment, providing insight into additional benefits and savings for your media baggage transport.

Understanding Virgin Atlantic's Media Baggage Policy

Virgin Atlantic provides flexibility in how media equipment can be transported, understanding that different assignments may have different requirements. The airline outlines three primary methods for transporting such items: as hand baggage, in the seat next to you, or in the hold as part of checked baggage.

  1. Hand Baggage Option for Compact Equipment

Virgin Atlantic's standard carry-on allowance often suffices for essentials like cameras and laptops, though it's vital to observe size and weight limits to ensure compliance.

  • Size and Weight Restrictions: Media items must fit within the dimensions of 23 x 36 x 56cm (9 x 14 x 22 inches) and adhere to weight limits of 10kg (22lb) for Economy or Premium and 12kg (26lb) for Upper Class, allowing you to keep valuable media equipment close and secure.
  1. Booking Extra Seats for Larger Items

Securing an extra seat for bulky or fragile equipment ensures safety and visibility during the flight. This option requires prior arrangement with Virgin Atlantic to ensure proper accommodation and security of items.

  • Conditions: You may book extra seats for equipment up to 75kg (165lb), placing items beside a window and away from emergency exits for safety and convenience. Securing your equipment with a seatbelt is mandatory.
  1. Transporting in the Hold as Checked Baggage

Larger media equipment that cannot be accommodated in the cabin may be checked into the hold. Virgin Atlantic emphasizes careful handling of such items, advising passengers to present them at the security checkpoint for special attention. While this option is suitable for larger media equipment, it's essential to be aware of the potential for additional fees.

Checked Baggage Allowance and Fees

  • Economy Light: First bag costs £45-£65 ($60-$100), based on booking date, with no initial allowance.
  • Economy Classic, Delight, and Premium: Includes two checked bags, and additional bags at £140 ($200) each.
  • Upper Class: Three bags included, with the same fee for additional bags.

Bag Dimensions and Fees

  • Standard Allowance: Up to 23kg for Economy and Premium, 32kg for Upper Class, with maximum dimensions of 90 x 75 x 43cm (35.5 x 29.5 x 16ins).
  • Overweight/Oversized Bags: Bags exceeding these limits incur a £200 ($300) fee per item. Fees apply per flight and vary by origin. For the most up-to-date rates, check Virgin Atlantic’s website.
  • Extra Bags: Up to seven extra bags can be added online, with a maximum of ten at the airport.

‍Special Considerations

  • Flying Club Gold Members enjoy an extra piece of checked baggage, enhancing travel efficiency without additional costs.

Who Qualifies for Media Bag Rates?

To take advantage of Virgin Atlantic media rates, professionals are typically required to provide valid identification and, in some cases, accreditation that verifies their involvement in the media industry. This could include a press ID, a letter from a media organization, or similar documentation that supports the professional purpose of their travel and equipment transport. 

We encourage you to prepare your documentation in advance to streamline the verification process.

Booking and Preparations

For detailed and up-to-date information, visit Virgin Atlantic’s website or contact customer service. Early booking secures your arrangements and allows for any necessary clarifications regarding equipment transport.