Virgin Atlantic personal item

The idea is that all your "stuff" goes in your carry-on baggage in the overhead locker.

Your personal item is not meant to be "baggage" - it's a very small bag with a book, a magazine, a piece of fruit and a water bottle; that's all I take. So don't think about trying to cram more things in it, just what you may need during the flight.

https://help.virginatlantic.com/gb/en/baggage/hand-baggage.html

I fly VA to London. Premier Economy aisle seat. I always fly carryon. Bag with wheels in bin above my seat.

My venerable Baggallini Essential small backpack goes under the seat in front of me. It contains a Kleenex packet, small bottled water ( the small bottle arrives unfilled….I fill it at the airport. It’s an 8oz bottle from Crystal Geyser that I grab at my credit union ), packet of gum, small hair brush, small Altoid tin, golf pencil, Bic pen, and crossword booklet. Also contains a small woven pouch that has earplugs, St Christopher medal, safety pins and some twist ties.

When out and about with the backpack I secure the backpack zippers with twist ties which has prevented pick pockets from attempting anything.

EDIT: the Baggalini also holds my mini iPad.

And if you take that piece of fruit, be sure you eat it before you land because that can get you in trouble if they find it.

I just flew this airline and my personal item is a fairly decent size backpack, but it will fit under the seat in front of me and they didn’t say a thing. I have to bring my laptop because I may have to work and so it has to be big enough to hold the laptop.

It seems even in just these few responses, there are a variety of interpretations, which is why clear dimensions would be helpful, but I guess this is one of those things you just have to do your best and roll with. Thank you for the input everyone!

No personal experience, but their (key) wording is ..." must fit under the seat "

Not all under seat spaces are created equal, so that is a bit of a wild card to consider.

If your personal item must go under the seat in front of you, where do you put your feet? In Economy, with a 31" seat pitch, you must be relatively short in stature in order to be comfortable.

If your personal item must go under the seat in front of you, where do
you put your feet? In Economy, with a 31" seat pitch, you must be
relatively short in stature in order to be comfortable.

Naaaa, I'm 6 foot and do it all the time. But I watch the overhead bins and if I see room in one, then once we are in the air and the seat belt sign is off, I toss it up there. Maybe 50% of the time. The other 50% it's not the end of the world.

Navigating Virgin Atlantic's personal item policy can be tricky, given the vague guidelines. While some opt for minimalistic items, others prefer larger bags for essentials like laptops. The key is ensuring it fits under the seat, though space can vary. Flexibility and trial and error may be necessary. Safe travels!

I usually use an LL Bean Stowaway Pack found here when I go to England. I've flown on Virgin Atlantic at least 2x with it and encountered no issues. Last year I used a Tom Bihn Synapse 19 which is bigger and more structured. Again, no issues. I also wear a thigh-length raincoat and put it in the overhead bin. Nobody has questioned me about having both the personal item and the coat. You should be fine. :)