Virgin America announces bag fee changes

Effective for all bookings made on or after Aug. 21, 2009, for travel starting on or after Sept. 10, 2009, the airline has changed its baggage fee to a flat $20 rate for all checked items (excluding the first and second bag for First Class travelers; and the first bag for Main Cabin Select and Refundable Fare travelers.) Previously, the airline's fee was $15 for these checked items. Virgin America maintains one of the most generous first bag weight limits in the industry - up to 70 lbs.*

Beginning today, any Main Cabin guest who books a non-refundable ticket for travel starting on or after Sept. 10, 2009, will be charged a flat rate of $20 for each checked bag ($20 for a first checked bag and $20 for the second through the tenth checked bag.) Guests who purchased Virgin America tickets before today or who book and travel before Sept. 10, 2009, will be charged per the airline's previous bag fee rate. Guests can pay checked bag charges when they check in at airport kiosks, on-line or at any airport ticket counter.

The fee changes are as follows:
New Fee-Main Cabin New Fee-Main Select and New Fee-First Fee Changes Cabin Refundable Fares Class
First checked bag, up to $20 (previously No fee No fee 70 pounds $15)
Second checked $20 (previously $20 (previously No fee bag fee $15) $15)
Third-tenth checked bag $20 (previously $20 (previously $20 (previously fee $15) $15) $15)

Under the new fee rules, First Class guests will continue to receive up to two checked bags for free. Guests in the carrier's premium Main Cabin Select service or those who purchase Fully Refundable Main Cabin fares will also continue to receive one checked bag for free. All weight and size policies remain the same, and the airline's carry-on baggage policy has not changed. *

Virgin America's fee structure remains competitive with, or lower, than its major network competitors. The airline continues to invest in the innovative amenities and low fare, award-winning service for which it is known - including beautifully designed new planes, power outlets at every seat, and Red(TM) - the most advanced entertainment system in the U.S. skies. Software upgrades made this month to the touch-screen Red system allow for even greater functionality and speed - and expansion of its already robust entertainment library. In May, Virgin America became the first U.S. airline to offer WiFi on every flight.