I am flying on Virgin Atlantic and they have a 12lb. carry-on weight restriction. I have 1 backpack that I intend to carry-on for my 3week trip to Europe> the pack size is 21x13x9 and will be a bit over the weight limit. If I keep it on while I get my boarding pass or go through security, will they make me take it off and weigh it?
All the info on weight limits seems to address luggage and not backpacks being worn on your person. Any help would be great, thanks.
Posted by
Holdrege, NE, USA
91 posts
Your backpack would be considered carry-on since you cannot wear it while flying. It depends on the airline and on the person at the check-in counter as to whether they will require the backpack to be weighed. However, if you are close to the limit, you can offset this by doing some of the following to reduce weight in your bag: Carry your guidebook in your hand; sling your camera over your shoulder; wear an extra shirt and your jacket; etc. Then after check-in, you can restuff these in the pack.
good travels.
PS if you exceed the weight limit, you would have to check the pack rather than have as carry-on.
Posted by
Scotland
505 posts
I would also suggest that you have smaller bag for your passport, wallet, keys, plane tickets and any other valuables that can be carried separately from your larger bag just in case you end up on a flight that is on a small plane or very crowded because they can require you to gate check larger bags. And you do not want to check your valuables. This is especially key if you are flying through or from the UK, as there is a strict ONE bag carry on limit, and it's up to security and not the airlines what to let through. Your bag is within the size restrictions, but if you buy anything and the size increases, it might be an issue.
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Also remember that if you plan to carry it on, you have to limit yourself to the one baggy of liquids/getls in bottles of 100ml or less, no sharp items like scissors/penknives etc.
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Kate
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1003 posts
The issue is that sometimes, the airlines are not particularly strict. Does anyone know if Virgin is one of the ones that is not strict? I know Virgin SAYS one bag only (that part I imagine they are strict about) and 6kg. I'm checking my carry-on bag, but will be carrying a daypack sized backpack with one day's worth of clothes, my camera and other irreplaceable things like my computer. I should be under their limit but might be a bit over, so I understand Tom's question about Virgin's strictness...
Posted by
Halifax, NS, Canada
28 posts
I am going with only a backpack and think I will be under the weight restriction but am not certain. Are you not allowed to wear a jacket when you check in?--this seeems to be an easy way of curtailing weight restrictions.