Are Virgin very strict on the 23 kg limit? And refuellers strike.

[mrsminniemouse]

Hi!

We are flying to Orlando on Friday. The day of the refuellers strike! Let's hope it gets resolved by then.

We were packing our cases today. We are a family of 4. We have 2 cases both of which are just below the 23kg weight limit. It was really hard especially with a 9 month old baby (formula, some nappies, grobags etc - we will buy most of what we need there but need to take some essentials to start us off) and now that the toiletries have to go in the case that uses up some of the allowance.

I know we can take 2 cases each but what with 2 small kids, a pram, hand luggage etc we dont really want to take another case. We have a collapsible holdall that we use on the way home for dirty washing so we can fit all the new purchases in the case. Plus the baby formula, packet food, nappies etc will be gone on the way home so that will make space.

I am just wondering if anyone has got pulled by check in staff at Gatwick for being a bit over the 23 kg. I read you can pay £20 surcharge to upgrade the allowance to the old limit of 32 kg. Or I guess I could get the collapsible bag out and redistribute if they say the case is too heavy.

Any recent experience to share?
Also- anyone know if this strike will affect the departures much?

Thanks so much,
Mandy

 

[Stitch's Greatest Fa]

Is this with virgin holidays or is it a scheduled flight? Scheduled have a luggage allowance of 46kg each, no more than 23kg per case.

 

[mrsminniemouse]

Is this with virgin holidays or is it a scheduled flight? Scheduled have a luggage allowance of 46kg each, no more than 23kg per case.

Yes, that's right. Was just wondering whether you can get away with going over one or two kilos on a case. So 24 or 25 kg rather than 23kg.

Mandy

 

[Stitch's Greatest Fa]

Oh I see, I don't know. I know the reason it is now 23 is because of load lifting restrictions on the part of the baggage handlers. Could you take a very small case as an extra? It would give you space to bring souvies home.

 

[jtlover]

I dont know the answer but I would suggest packing a holdall in one case and if they say there is too much take the holdall out and pack some in that

 

[kristieuk]

I think it sometimes depends on the check in staff. The health and safety limit is 32kg, and since the introductions of the 23kg weight by a lot or airlines, we have been a little bit over once or twice, and they have allowed the bags on without any comment. But I mean probably 24kg max.

I agree that the best bet would be to pack a small holdall so that if there are any difficulties, you can simple pull out some of the heavier things and repack them at check-in - perhaps put the formula close to the top of the case so it can be easily accessed if you need to pull it out?

Have a fabulous trip!

 

[Graeme]

According to Politics.co.uk the strike has been resolved. There's a quote from their union rep and it looks to have been resolved late Friday, so you can sleep easy and look forward to your hols

 

[mrsminniemouse]

According to Politics.co.uk the strike has been resolved. There's a quote from their union rep and it looks to have been resolved late Friday, so you can sleep easy and look forward to your hols

Woo hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Great news, thanks Graeme.

Thanks everyone for the ideas. Will def put formula and holdall near top of case.

Thanks again,
Mandy