U2 vs VS · 2026 comparison

easyJet vs Virgin Atlantic

easyJet wins on a bigger carry-on, a more generous carry-on weight limit and a bigger personal item; Virgin Atlantic wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare and cheaper checked bags. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.

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

easyJet

U2

Wins 3 categories

  • A bigger carry-on
  • A more generous carry-on weight limit
  • A bigger personal item

Virgin Atlantic

VS

Wins 2 categories

  • A carry-on on its cheapest fare
  • Cheaper checked bags

Quick verdict

easyJet wins on a bigger carry-on, a more generous carry-on weight limit and a bigger personal item; Virgin Atlantic wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare and cheaper checked bags. Check the cheapest fare's bag rules before you compare prices.

Carry-on size
easyJet: 56 × 45 × 25 cm · Virgin Atlantic: 56 × 36 × 23 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare
easyJet: Costs extra on basic fares · Virgin Atlantic: Included on every fare
First checked bag (regular economy)
easyJet: $13–$67 · Virgin Atlantic: 1 free bag

Side by side

easyJetVirgin Atlantic
Bags
Carry-on size56 × 45 × 25 cm56 × 36 × 23 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fareCosts extra on basic faresIncluded on every fare
Carry-on weight limit15 kg (33.1 lb)10 kg (22 lb)
Personal item45 × 36 × 20 cm40 × 30 × 15 cm
First checked bag (regular economy)$13–$671 free bag
Network
AllianceNoneSkyTeam
Loyalty programNoneFlying Club
Main hubsLGW, LTNLHR

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

easyJet allows a carry-on up to 56 × 45 × 25 cm (22 × 17.7 × 9.8 in), and Virgin Atlantic up to 56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14.2 × 9.1 in), so easyJet's is roomier.

easyJet charges for it on its cheapest fare, while Virgin Atlantic includes it on every fare.

Carry-on weight limits: 15 kg (33.1 lb) on easyJet, 10 kg (22 lb) on Virgin Atlantic.

Personal items: 45 × 36 × 20 cm (17.7 × 14.2 × 7.9 in) on easyJet, and 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on Virgin Atlantic.

A first checked bag on easyJet costs $13–$67 on flights within Europe, and Virgin Atlantic includes one bag with Economy Classic on flights between the U.S. and the UK.

Basic economy

easyJet (Standard fare): The standard fare includes only the under-seat bag.

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

Loyalty and where they fly

easyJet is not in an alliance and Virgin Atlantic is in SkyTeam.

Loyalty programs: none (easyJet) and Flying Club (Virgin Atlantic).

easyJet's main hubs are London Gatwick (LGW), London Luton (LTN). 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 easyJet if you want…

  • a bigger carry-on
  • a more generous carry-on weight limit
  • a bigger personal item
  • nonstops from LGW, LTN

Choose Virgin Atlantic if you want…

  • a carry-on on its cheapest fare
  • cheaper checked bags
  • 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.

easyJet vs Virgin Atlantic FAQ

It depends on what matters most to you. easyJet wins on a bigger carry-on, a more generous carry-on weight limit and a bigger personal item; Virgin Atlantic wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare and cheaper checked bags. If they fly the same route, compare the total price with bags included.

Deals on easyJet, Virgin Atlantic and more

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