How thin is thin?

[purpleparrot]

I'm due to take some Virgin flights for the first time in a while.

Along with my 7kg carry-on I was planning on taking a separate laptop bag. The VA website states that a "laptop computer, handbag, pocketbook or purse (of reasonable size) is permissible" on top of the 7kg bag.

It then goes onto say that a laptop in a "thin satchel-style laptop bag" is considered a personal item (i.e OK) but a "larger laptop bag" is not.

Does anyone know how they define "thin" and "larger"? I'm assuming mine (similar to the one shown in the link) is thin.

https://www.kmart.com.au/product/15in.-padded-laptop-bag-black-canvas/1897891

 

[RooFlyer]

Does anyone know how they define "thin" and "larger"? I'm assuming mine (similar to the one shown in the link) is thin.

i don't know their definitions, sorry, but before i clicked your link I was thinking that sort of bag was a 'larger laptop bag' and a 'thin bag' would be just a sleeve.

 

[deejo77]

I agree this is thin......yours is not, with them weighing things at the moment I wouldn’t risk it

 

[Daver6]

Ask on Twitter if unsure.

 

[drron]

Though my comparable computer bag in size to the Kmart ad got nary a look at checkin and boarding on my 2 VA flights in november.

 

[Blinky]

I doubt your bag would pass muster. You can fit quite a lot in a proper thin satchel though. I put my laptop, paperwork I need and sometimes my iPad as well in my carry-under-my-arm satchel.

 

[Blinky]

Though my comparable computer bag in size to the Kmart ad got nary a look at checkin and boarding on my 2 VA flights in november.

I’m sure that’s true. Just today I saw someone carry on a bag which took up almost all of a bin. But in the context of Virgin saying they are getting serious about carry on limits, it’s not something I would risk.

 

[Harthagan]

Ive never had an issue taking a regular size laptop bag as well as my carry on. Never even realised that it could potentially be an issue!

 

[Blinky]

Ive never had an issue taking a regular size laptop bag as well as my carry on. Never even realised that it could potentially be an issue!

Same here, but the guidelines are pretty clear on the VA website, so if anyone gets pinged, they can’t say they weren’t given notice.

 

[moa999]

I'd call that thin, as long as not overstuffed with gym gear or something.

A Tri-fold garment bag that you happen to put your laptop into, would not be classed as thin.

 

[odysseus]

While I'd agree the satchels are fine, I'd also think the kmart one pictured is also fine, as it's still really only for the laptop.

My take is they're just trying to weed out those 'laptop bags' that are proper bags in their own right e.g. https://www.ebags.com/product/clairechase/jumbo-executive-laptop-briefcase/212255?productid=10130864

 

[RooFlyer]

I'd call that thin, as long as not overstuffed with gym gear or something.

While I'd agree the satchels are fine, I'd also think the kmart one pictured is also fine, as it's still really only for the laptop.

FWIW I have one of those satchels for a 15" laptop and I can get a heap of other stuff into it as well . Not for travel, but if going into Uni library - 2 or 3 other books if needs be. A good 4-5 kg. At a stretch ( of the satchel) I could make it an overnight bag including the laptop.

 

[clipped_wings]

@purpleparrot, are you willing to take a hit for the team? Buy the bag - and let us all know how you fared.

 

[Ausbt]

Glad you asked this. My thinking was VA would allow a sleeve-type bag, which of course would not have a strap or even handles, and if so I'll be on the lookout to buy a decent-sized one. A lot of laptop bags do have detachable straps too. My expandable Flylite has been the laptop-bag-of-choice for a good while now and it can approach 10 kgs really.

 

[purpleparrot]

@purpleparrot, are you will to take a hit for the team? Buy the bag - and let us all know how you fared.

Challenge accepted

 

[Harthagan]

Challenge accepted

Lol its not that risky. I'd like to know if anyone has ever experienced an issue with their regular laptop bag being classed as their carry on luggage with virgin? But hey you could always be the first!

 

[purpleparrot]

Just boarded a PER-MEL flight. The flight is almost full. Had absolutely no issues with my laptop bag.

I think it was the extra effort I made to dress like a pro, including my favourite bowtie. The only downside is that two pax have asked me for water and I'm going to get looks of expectation if there's a medical emergency on board.