Which has the bigger carry-on allowance, Delta or Virgin Atlantic?

Delta: 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm). Virgin Atlantic: 56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14.2 × 9.1 in), up to 10 kg (22 lb).

Are Delta and Virgin Atlantic partners?

Yes. Both belong to SkyTeam, so you can usually earn miles and use elite benefits across the two.

DL vs VS · 2026 comparison

Delta vs Virgin Atlantic

Q: Do Delta and Virgin Atlantic include a carry-on on basic economy?

Delta: Main Basic (formerly Basic Economy) includes a carry-on and a personal item on U.S. flights. Checked bags cost extra. Virgin Atlantic: Economy Light includes a carry-on and a personal item, but no checked bag.

Delta wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit; Virgin Atlantic doesn't clearly win any category. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.

Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction

Delta

Wins 1 category

A more generous carry-on weight limit

Virgin Atlantic

No clear category wins

Quick verdict

Delta wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit; Virgin Atlantic doesn't clearly win any category. Both include a carry-on on every fare.

Carry-on size: Delta: 22 × 14 × 9 in · Virgin Atlantic: 56 × 36 × 23 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: Delta: Included on every fare · Virgin Atlantic: Included on every fare
First checked bag (regular economy): Delta: $45 · Virgin Atlantic: 1 free bag

Side by side

	Delta	Virgin Atlantic
Bags
Carry-on size	22 × 14 × 9 in	56 × 36 × 23 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare	Included on every fare	Included on every fare
Carry-on weight limit	None published	10 kg (22 lb)
Personal item	Must fit under the seat	40 × 30 × 15 cm
First checked bag (regular economy)	$45	1 free bag
Network
Alliance	SkyTeam	SkyTeam
Loyalty program	SkyMiles	Flying Club
Main hubs	ATL, DTW, MSP, SLC, JFK	LHR

Highlighted values are better for travelers. Fees are for U.S. domestic economy flights; on-time data is 2025 U.S. DOT figures for each airline's own flights.

Bags and fees

Delta allows a carry-on up to 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm), and Virgin Atlantic up to 56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14.2 × 9.1 in).

Both include it on their cheapest fares.

Virgin Atlantic caps carry-ons at 10 kg (22 lb); Delta publishes no limit.

Personal items: anything that fits under the seat on Delta, and 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on Virgin Atlantic.

A first checked bag on Delta costs $45 on U.S. and short-haul international flights, and Virgin Atlantic includes one bag with Economy Classic on flights between the U.S. and the UK.

Basic economy

Delta (Delta Main Basic): Main Basic (formerly Basic Economy) includes a carry-on and a personal item on U.S. flights. Checked bags cost extra.

Virgin Atlantic (Economy Light): Economy Light includes a carry-on and a personal item, but no checked bag.

Loyalty and where they fly

Both are SkyTeam members, so status and miles can work across the two.

Loyalty programs: SkyMiles (Delta) and Flying Club (Virgin Atlantic).

Delta's main hubs are Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), Minneapolis (MSP), Salt Lake City (SLC), New York (JFK). Virgin Atlantic's are London (LHR). The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.

Which should you book?

Choose Delta if you want…

a more generous carry-on weight limit
to earn and use SkyTeam miles and status
nonstops from ATL, DTW, MSP

Choose Virgin Atlantic if you want…

to earn and use SkyTeam miles and status
nonstops from LHR

On a route both fly, the cheaper ticket isn't always the cheaper trip: add the bags you'll actually bring, and check the fare rules before you book.