Flammable liquids and solids such as lighter fuel, paints, thinner and firelighters. Electro shock weapons such as tasers, containing dangerous goods such as explosives, compressed gases, lithium batteries etc are forbidden in carry-on baggage or checked baggage or on the person.

Virgin Atlantic maintains a strict list of prohibited items for checked baggage in 2026 to ensure the safety of the aircraft's cargo hold. The most critical items you must not put in your checked suitcase are spare lithium batteries and power banks, which are fire hazards and must stay in your carry-on. Similarly, e-cigarettes and vapes are strictly prohibited from checked luggage. You are also banned from checking "Dangerous Goods" such as explosives, flares, flammable liquids (including lighter fluid and gasoline), and compressed gases (like camping canisters). Notably, Virgin Atlantic prohibits loose matches or "strike anywhere" matches in checked bags. High-value items like jewelry, cash, and essential medications are strongly discouraged from being checked, as the airline's liability for lost checked items is limited. For 2026 travelers, a "pro-tip" is that smart luggage with non-removable lithium batteries will be denied boarding entirely; you must be able to remove the battery and carry it with you into the cabin.