How close to departure can you add extra bags online to a Virgin Australia booking?
Looking at the Virgin Australia Checked Baggage information page, I see that Pre-Purchasing an additional piece of checked luggage online costs AUD 35. However, the Excess Baggage Fees for extra pieces purchased at Airport is much higher, at AUD 70!
That makes me wonder - how close to departure can you go online and still be able to add an extra piece of checked luggage that way? Up to a day before departure? Up to 3 hours before? Or could you get to the airport, discover you're over your limit, and fire up a tablet/laptop/phone and add the extra bag then for the lower online rate?
Best Answer
The Rule is Carrier-Dependent
I could not find a general rule valid across all carriers. In fact, this issue seems to be regulated by carrier-dependent terms and conditions.
Qantas
Qantas allows you to pre-purchase additional baggage allowance from the time of booking up until 3 hours before departure, provided you did not check-in already. As stated in their FAQs:
Additional Baggage Allowance may be purchased directly after booking up to 3 hours before departure (provided the passenger has not checked in for the flight at the airport).
Emirates
Emirates, on the other hand, allow you to purchase extra baggage allowance from 72 hours to 90 minutes before the departure time. Here is the text from their FAQ:
Purchase may be made between 72 hours and 90 minutes prior to flight departure and is valid only for the flight and date shown on the excess baggage purchase receipt.
Virgin Australia
Unfortunately the Virgin Australia term and conditions of carriage do not mention the purchase of additional baggage allowance. I would nonetheless speculate that you are allowed to pre-purchase extra luggage up until you check-in.
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Can you add baggage after booking Virgin Australia?
You can redeem your Velocity Points to pre-purchase baggage on Virgin Australia operated flights. Redeem your Points for additional checked baggage at the time of booking or post booking (up to three hours before departure).Can you add bags after online check-in?
Re: Can I add to my baggage allowance after online check in? Laura, It is possible to add extra luggage allowance to your booking after checking in online but it has to be done 4 days prior to your departure date. If you go over your weight then charges at the airport are short haul......How early can you drop bags with Virgin?
We recommend you are checked in with bags dropped at least 90 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. If you are travelling in a large group or require additional assistance, we recommend that you are checked in at least 120 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.Can you add on baggage to a flight after booking?
You can add checked baggage when you book, after you book or at the airport. It's cheapest to buy it when you book. If you change your mind, you can still add baggage in Manage booking for a slightly higher price. Adding it at the airport is the most expensive option.Across Australia in ECONOMY: Virgin Australia 737 Review
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