Virgin check in baggage limits

[SandyS]

Apologies if this has been answered elsewhere but I couldn't find it.

How strictly do Virgin impose their 140cm linear dimension limit on their checked in baggage for trans Tasman flights (weight will be kept under the limit). Friend's son is traveling and just want to avoid any hassle at airport.

I've personally had my hand lugged "assessed" on a domestic flight with them by a rather grumpy check in agent but it was all within their size and weight limits.

 

[SandyS]

Does anyone have any recent experience?

 

[CPMaverick]

I flew TSV-SYD-AKL and AKL-BNE-LAX with luggage that is quite large, right on the limit for sizing and weight. It wasn't checked or questioned at TSV or AKL. That is my only Trans-Tasman experience.

Elsewhere domestically within Australia I've never had an issue with this luggage either. So that bodes well for your question, although I may have more leeway due to having status.

Is there a reason you asked specifically about Trans-Tasman?

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Does anyone have any recent experience?

Not recent, but I have been accosted by the NZ customs at AKL. Got through VA check-in without issue but HL weighed going through customs. I was told I'd have to go back and check in my HL as it was (marginally) over weight. I removed a leather compendium and said "there you go, I'm allowed two pieces of carry on" to which I was waved through. I had no idea if I was allowed two pieces, but it worked for me. My advice is, if your friend's son wants to avoid hassle, then he needs to ensure he complies with the written requirements. It may never become an issue ... but then again, it just might!

 

[CPMaverick]

Not recent, but I have been accosted by the NZ customs at AKL. Got through VA check-in without issue but HL weighed going through customs. I was told I'd have to go back and check in my HL as it was (marginally) over weight. I removed a leather compendium and said "there you go, I'm allowed two pieces of carry on" to which I was waved through. I had no idea if I was allowed two pieces, but it worked for me. My advice is, if your friend's son wants to avoid hassle, then he needs to ensure he complies with the written requirements. It may never become an issue ... but then again, it just might!

NZ customs will not hassle you about your checked luggage, so this isn't that relevant to the question (but still useful for others perhaps!)

However I do agree that it is best to follow the regulations if you want to avoid a hassle...

 

[Deleted member 29185]

NZ customs will not hassle you about your checked luggage, so this isn't that relevant to the question (but still useful for others perhaps!)

However I do agree that it is best to follow the regulations if you want to avoid a hassle...

Quite correct and my apologies. I wasn't reading with brain engaged! I was, for some reason, thinking the question was about HL.

 

[SandyS]

Just means having to buy another suitcase. 140cm isn't very big for a 3 week holiday

 

[CPMaverick]

Just means having to buy another suitcase. 140cm isn't very big for a 3 week holiday

You might not have too many in agreement here. Personally I use my 22" Rimowa for a three week holiday, unless I have work equipment to bring along, or leisure equipment (skis, etc). You'll find most frequent travelers learn to pack light. Maybe your friend's son can pick up some tips here?

 

[CPMaverick]

Interestingly, I added up my large work equipment case and it is over 150 cm. And they've never checked it. The first time I flew with it was on Delta and their limit was 62 inches (about 157 cm). I never noticed VA was more restrictive. Hopefully I don't have future problems.

 

[SandyS]

I have 2 large Samsonite silhouette sphere cases. Oversize for most airlines but haven't had any issues on various airlines as I'm always within weight allowed.
I've never traveled internationally with Virgin but they did pull me up for hand luggage on a domestic flight, so I bought a Samsonite 72 hours 50cm to be safe.

On a recent JETSTAR domestic flight, I was surprised that (within reason) they only have a weight limit for checked bags, no linear dimensions listed.

Personally I think 140cm is too small for checked luggage but my husband and his sore shoulders might not agree!

 

[SandyS]

Checked directly with Virgin who said it was fine to check in suitcase over 140cm as long as the weight is under 23kgs.