How big can carry on luggage be on virgin america

Answer: Maximum external dimensions for a cabin piece are 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), measured including wheels, handles and any exterior pockets. One overhead item plus one under‑seat item are allowed; use 16 x 12 x 8 inches (40 x 30 x 20 cm) as a practical target for the under‑seat piece so it fits beneath the seat in front.

Measure your bag flat from the widest points with telescoping handles fully collapsed. Prefer soft‑sided designs and bags with compression straps to meet the external-size limit. Detach or tuck away accessories (straps, removable pockets, external water-bottle cages) before measuring to avoid oversize readings.

If a piece exceeds the published dimensions or will not fit in the overhead bin, gate staff will request gate‑check; retrieval may occur at the aircraft door after landing or at baggage claim depending on the flight. To avoid gate‑check delays, pack an essentials pouch (medication, documents, phone charger) in the under‑seat item.

There is no published weight cap for cabin pieces with this carrier; still, keep each item around 10–12 kg (22–26 lb) or lighter so lifting into the overhead remains manageable. For full flights or short connections choose a compact, lightweight bag that easily slips into overhead bins.

Exact onboard bag size limit – maximum dimensions (inches & cm)

Maximum cabin bag dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), inclusive of wheels and handles – total linear size 45 inches (114 cm).

Personal item allowance: up to 17 x 13 x 8 inches (43 x 33 x 20 cm); must fit under the seat in front of you.

Measure across the outermost points (wheels, handles, external pockets). For hard-sided cases allow a 0.5–1 inch tolerance per dimension to improve chances of fitting overhead; soft-sided bags with compressible pockets are more forgiving.

There is no published weight limit for cabin bags, though gate staff may require oversized items to be checked if overhead space is limited. For garment-friendly cases and structured suit protection see best luggage for business travel suits.

Measure your bag to ensure it fits overhead bins

Measure the packed bag with wheels and any external pockets included and with the telescopic handle fully retracted. Record three external dimensions: height (vertical), width (side-to-side) and depth (front-to-back). Use those numbers when comparing to the carrier’s published cabin-size limit.

Step-by-step measurement

1. Empty loose straps and flatten external pockets so they lie flush. 2. Place the bag upright on a level surface. 3. Height: measure from the bottom of the wheels to the highest point (handle down). 4. Width: measure the widest side including protruding pockets or buckles. 5. Depth: measure from the front face to the back face at the largest point, including wheel housings and bumpers. 6. Use a rigid tape measure or folding ruler; press a soft tape gently to remove slack.

Measure while fully packed. Pack the bag exactly as you will travel, zip it closed and re-measure. For soft-sided cases, test both compressed and uncompressed shapes so you know the realistic minimum and maximum profiles. Allow a small tolerance (about 1–2 cm) for measurement error and bin variation.

Gate verification and quick fixes

At the terminal, try the airline’s gate sizer or slide the bag briefly into an overhead bin if permitted. If the fit is marginal, reorient the bag (turn sideways or wheels-first), remove rigid items, or transfer dense items to a personal item you wear. If the bag still exceeds the carrier’s limit, request a gate-checked tag or check it at the desk to avoid delays at boarding.

Conversion: multiply inches by 2.54 to obtain centimetres; divide centimetres by 2.54 to obtain inches. Write both units on a tag for faster checks.

Allowed personal item dimensions and tips for fitting it under the seat

Recommended maximum external dimensions for a personal item: 16 x 13 x 8 inches (41 x 33 x 20 cm). Aim for a soft-sided bag that compresses slightly when packed.

• Typical under-seat interior to plan for: height 7–9 in (18–23 cm), depth 18–22 in (46–56 cm), width 16–20 in (41–51 cm). Design your packing to fit within these limits rather than just the bag’s outer measurements.
• Use a slim laptop sleeve; remove the laptop from a bulky case and place it flat against one side of the bag to save depth.
• Pack heavy items (chargers, power bank, shoes) at the bottom nearest the floor; keep soft items (clothes, scarf) at the top to allow compression.
• Collapse telescoping handles and tuck side pockets inward before stowing; zippers and external pockets count toward external dimensions.
• Choose clothes that compress well (synthetics, thin wool) and use 1–2 compression cubes to reduce volume by roughly 20–30%.
• Keep liquids in a single, flat clear pouch and place it near the top for quick removal during security checks.
• For backpacks, unclip sternum straps and slide the pack in spine-first with the bottom facing the seatback; for wheeled tote bags, insert wheels-first or lay flat with handles toward the aisle for easiest access.
• Wear bulky outer layers on board (coat, boots) to free internal space; put a lightweight sweater inside the bag for cushion and shape control.
• Before boarding, do a final fit check: compress bag, fold handles, close all external pockets, then slide the bag fully under the seat in front to verify clearance; if it resists, redistribute contents or remove nonessential items.

Quick pre-flight checklist:

1. Measure external dimensions including wheels and handles.
2. Empty rigid water bottles and re-fill after security.
3. Move bulky electronics into the seatback or overhead if under-seat space is tight.
4. Label the bag and keep boarding pass on top for fast stow/retrieval.

Exceptions, fees and procedures for oversized cabin bags, gate-checking and special items

If a cabin bag exceeds the airline’s overhead-bin dimensions, gate-check it at the jet bridge to avoid blocking boarding; typical oversize fees range from $50–$75 for domestic segments and $75–$200 for international routes or specialty items.

At check-in or the gate declare any out-of-spec item (sports gear, surfboards, skis, musical instruments, bulky boxes). Agents will either place a gate-check tag or require drop at ticket counter for checked handling; have exact measurements and weight ready. If an item is fragile, request a “fragile” tag and add edge/corner protection before arriving at the airport.

Strollers and child car seats are usually accepted at the gate without a fee when presented at boarding; fold and hand over at the jet bridge. Mobility aids, prosthetics and medical devices are typically exempt from fees when documented–present prescription or medical letter at check-in and notify the airline at least 48–72 hours before departure for oxygen or powered medical equipment.

Musical instruments that won’t fit the overhead area have three realistic options: 1) purchase an extra seat (pricing equals current fare for that seat), 2) gate-check with protective case and label, or 3) check at ticket counter as oversized baggage. For valuable instruments, buying a seat is the safest option; if gate-checked, use hard cases, external straps, and put an itemized inventory inside.

Sports equipment fees vary by type and route: typical brackets are $75–$150 for single pieces (skis, snowboards, golf clubs), $100–$250 for surfboards or oversized items. Pack sharp edges and disassemble where possible; deflate inflatable parts to reduce pressure damage. Contact the airline for sport-equipment allowances before travel to secure the lowest applicable fee.

Battery and electronics rules: spare lithium-ion batteries must travel in the cabin; batteries between 100–160 Wh require airline approval and are limited to two spares per passenger; batteries above 160 Wh are prohibited. Installed batteries in devices may be allowed in checked hold if manufacturer recommendations permit, but placing spares in checked storage is not permitted.

Gate-check procedure checklist: arrive early, show measurements at gate, request gate-check tag, remove loose straps and external accessories, affix contact info, photograph the item and serial numbers before handing over, obtain claim stub. Retrieval is usually at the jet bridge on arrival or at baggage claim if placed in the hold.

Service animals travel without fee with proper documentation presented at check-in; emotional support animal policies are more restrictive–verify current airline requirements and file paperwork in advance. For in-cabin pet carriers, confirm size/weight limits and purchase a ticketed pet reservation when required.

If you prefer short-term options instead of gate-checking, consider local storage near transit hubs such as best luggage storage near grand central station. For cleaning and prepping soft cases or textile padding before travel, see a step-by-step guide to how to make a scrubber cylinder.

FAQ:

What is the maximum size allowed for carry-on luggage on Virgin America?

The carry-on limit historically used by Virgin America was 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), and that measurement includes wheels, handles and any exterior pockets. Passengers were also allowed one personal item that must fit under the seat in front of them.

Is there a weight restriction for carry-on bags on Virgin America?

Virgin America did not publish a specific weight limit for carry-on items. The practical requirement was that the bag fit in the overhead bin or under the seat and that the passenger could lift it into place. Staff could ask to gate-check very heavy or oversized items. After the Virgin America integration with Alaska Airlines, current policies follow Alaska’s rules, so check the active carrier’s policy before you travel.

If my bag is slightly larger, can I keep it as a carry-on by paying or using priority boarding?

Paying for priority boarding or a different fare class does not normally change size limits. If a bag exceeds the allowed dimensions, gate agents may ask that it be checked at the gate; sometimes that is done without charge, other times a checked-bag fee applies. Exceptions are handled case by case: for example, a musical instrument might be accepted in the cabin if you purchase an extra seat or with agent approval. To avoid surprises, contact the airline ahead of time for approval of special items.

How should I measure my suitcase to make sure it qualifies as a carry-on for Virgin America?

Measure the bag including wheels, handles and any external pockets. Steps: 1) Stand the suitcase upright on a flat surface. 2) Measure the total height from the floor to the highest point (include wheels and any extended handle components that cannot be removed). 3) Measure the width at the widest point. 4) Measure the depth (thickness) at the widest point, including bumps and straps. 5) Compare your numbers to 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm). If your bag is soft-sided it may compress slightly in a bin, but staff will still use the overall measurement. If you are unsure, arrive early and try the airline’s bag sizer at check-in or the gate, or contact the carrier for confirmation.