When does Virgin Atlantic check-in open? Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure and closes 70 minutes before your flight. The airport check-in desk closes at 60 minutes before departure, though this varies by airport.
This guide covers check-in times for every method, what you can do when you check in, and who needs to check in at the airport. Before you fly, see our guides to Virgin Atlantic baggage allowance, Virgin Atlantic hand luggage, and Virgin Atlantic seat selection for everything else you need before you board.
Virgin Atlantic check-in times at a glance
The table below sets out when check-in opens and closes for each method. All times are relative to scheduled departure.
| Online | App | Airport desk | HK In-town | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opens | 24 hours before | 24 hours before | Airport opening time | Day of travel, from 06:00 |
| Closes | 70 mins before departure | 70 mins before departure | 60 mins before departure | 90 mins before departure |
| Where | flywith.virginatlantic.com | iOS & Android | Your departure airport | HK or Kowloon station |
| Boarding pass | Print or download to phone | Digital on phone | Printed at desk | Printed at station |
How to check in online with Virgin Atlantic
Online check-in is available at flywith.virginatlantic.com. You need your booking reference, which is a six-character alphanumeric code, plus your surname. If your booking was made through a travel agent, the agent’s reference also works.
Passengers with a middle name should enter it as part of the first name field. John Robert Smith, for example, would be entered as first name ‘JohnRobert’ and surname ‘Smith’.
What you need to check in
Your booking reference is the primary identifier. If you have an eTicket number, it starts with 932 and is 13 digits long. Either works to retrieve your booking online.
Once you are in, you can view and change your seat, upgrade your cabin if availability allows, add extra hold luggage, and download or print your boarding pass. If you checked in online but cannot print your pass, Virgin Atlantic kiosks at the airport will print one at no charge, or you can ask at the bag drop desk.
Checking in with the Virgin Atlantic app
The Virgin Atlantic app for iOS and Android offers the same check-in window as the website: open from 24 hours before departure and closing 70 minutes before your flight.
App check-in benefits
The main advantage of checking in via the app is that your boarding pass goes straight to your phone. You can use it at bag drop and at the boarding gate without printing anything. The app also lets you make seat changes and add services in the same session.
If you want to change or choose your seat when check-in opens, our guide to Virgin Atlantic seat selection covers what is available and what each cabin costs.
Airport check-in: desks and kiosks
Airport check-in desks generally close 60 minutes before departure. This time can vary, so Virgin Atlantic recommends checking the airport guide for your specific departure point before you travel.
Kiosks, bag drop, and Hong Kong In-town
Even if you checked in online, you will still need to visit the bag drop desk if you have hold luggage. See our Virgin Atlantic baggage allowance guide for what you can take and what fees apply if you exceed your allowance.
Travellers departing Hong Kong can use Virgin Atlantic’s in-town check-in service at Hong Kong or Kowloon station on the Airport Express. It is open from 06:00 daily and closes 90 minutes before take-off, allowing you to check in your bags and travel to the airport without them.
Virgin Atlantic also notes that it no longer accepts cash at the airport. Any additional charges at the desk require a card.
What you can do when you check in
Check-in is more than getting your boarding pass. Virgin Atlantic lets you take care of several things in the same session.
Seats, upgrades, and extras
Economy Light and Classic passengers can choose a standard seat at no charge when check-in opens, 24 hours before departure. That is the earliest they can do so without paying an advance selection fee. Our Virgin Atlantic seat selection guide covers which seats are worth selecting and what exit rows and bulkhead positions cost.
At check-in you can also request a cabin upgrade if a lower price has become available, add hold luggage to your booking, and enter your Advance Passenger Information (API), which is required for many international destinations. If an Upper Class upgrade is something you want to pursue, our guide to how to get a cheap business class upgrade and our general upgrade guide cover the options.
Who cannot check in online
Most passengers can check in online, but some will need to go to the airport desk regardless of the online window.
Unaccompanied minors travelling alone must check in at the airport. The same applies to passengers who need special assistance or medical support, travellers with pets or oversized baggage, and those on complex itineraries that require additional processing at the desk.
If you fall into any of these categories, arrive at the airport with enough time to complete check-in before the desk closes. Our long-haul flight tips guide has advice on how early to arrive and what to prepare before you board. For those flying to New York on Virgin Atlantic’s transatlantic routes, the same check-in rules and deadlines apply.
Frequently asked questions
When does Virgin Atlantic online check-in open?
Virgin Atlantic online check-in opens 24 hours before your scheduled departure time. You can access it via the website at flywith.virginatlantic.com or through the Virgin Atlantic app on iOS or Android.
When does Virgin Atlantic check-in close?
Online check-in closes 70 minutes before departure. Airport check-in desks generally close at 60 minutes before departure, though this can vary by airport.
How do I check in for a Virgin Atlantic flight?
You can check in online at flywith.virginatlantic.com, via the Virgin Atlantic app, or at the airport desk. For online check-in you need your booking reference (a six-character alphanumeric code) and your surname.
What do I need to check in with Virgin Atlantic?
Your booking reference and surname. The booking reference is a six-character code found on your confirmation email. You can also use your 13-digit eTicket number, which starts with 932.
Can I change my seat at check-in?
Yes. When you check in online, you can view the seat map and change your assigned seat, subject to availability. Standard Economy seats that have not been reserved in advance become available at no charge when check-in opens, 24 hours before departure.
What happens if I miss the online check-in window?
If you miss online check-in, you will need to check in at the airport desk, which closes 60 minutes before departure. As long as you arrive at the airport in good time, you should still be able to check in there.
Does the Virgin Atlantic check-in desk close at the same time at every airport?
The standard closing time is 60 minutes before departure, but this can vary depending on the airport. Virgin Atlantic publishes individual guides for each departure airport, which are worth checking for your specific departure point.
