Virgin Atlantic: Traveling With Children – Air Passenger Rights for Families

Family travel often comes with added stress — especially when things don’t go as planned.

That’s why knowing your UK/EU air passenger rights is so important when flying with children. Understanding what airlines are required to provide can help you make informed decisions, protect your family’s comfort and safety, and ensure you don’t miss out on assistance, refunds, or compensation you may be entitled to.

In this article, we’ll explain the key rights families have when traveling with children, including what to expect during delays and cancellations, how flight compensation works, and what to know when it comes to Virgin Atlantic traveling with children and your passenger rights.

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Do Children Have the Same Passenger Rights as Adults?

Yes — in most situations, children have the same passenger rights as adults when flying.

Under EU261, air passenger protections apply to all travelers, regardless of age, as long as the child has a valid booking.

Regulations EU261 and UK261 also apply to children and babies.

When a child travels with you, they are protected under EU261 just like an adult passenger. In cases of long delays, flight cancellations, or involuntary denied boarding, children have the same rights to care, rebooking, and refunds — and, where applicable, UK/EU flight compensation. Infants traveling on a parent’s lap are also covered by EU261 protections.

Age doesn’t matter. Everyone can get compensation, care and a refund/rebooking. Even the smallest passengers.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these rights.

Right to Care

When it comes to Virgin Atlantic traveling with children, the same air passenger rights apply as they do for adult travelers.

Children are entitled to the same right to care as adult passengers when a flight is delayed, cancelled, or when boarding is denied.

This includes meals and refreshments appropriate to the waiting time, access to communication (such as phone calls or emails), and, if necessary, hotel accommodation with transport for overnight delays.

These rights apply regardless of the cause of the disruption. You and your family have a right to care, even if your flight is disrupted due to extraordinary circumstances.

Refund or Rebooking in Case of Virgin Atlantic Cancelled Flight

If a flight is cancelled, children have the same rights as adults to choose between a full refund of the unused ticket or rebooking on an alternative flight to the final destination at no extra cost. This applies whether the cancellation was within or outside the airline’s control.

If the journey is no longer needed due to the cancellation, the airline must also refund the return flight, if applicable.

Right to UK/EU Flight Compensation

When compensation is due under EU261 or UK261 rules, children are entitled to compensation just like adults. The compensation amount depends on the flight distance and length of the delay, not on the passenger’s age or ticket price.

When flight compensation applies, it is calculated per passenger, not per booking. This means that each child is entitled to the same compensation amount as an adult, based on flight distance. Compensation is typically paid to the parent or legal guardian on the child’s behalf.

When your destination is within the EU/UK:

When your destination is outside the EU/UK:

Missing a Connecting Flight: Your Rights as a Family

When it comes to Virgin Atlantic travelling with infants and kids, the same air passenger rights apply as they do for adult travelers.

If your journey was booked as a single ticket (connecting flight), Virgin Atlantic is responsible for getting your family to the final destination. This includes arranging rebooking on the next available flight at no extra cost.

If the delay requires a long wait, the airline must provide care and assistance, such as meals, refreshments, and communication rights.

If the delay requires an overnight stay, the airline must provide care, free hotel accommodation, and transportation between the airport and hotel.

In practice, airlines often try to prioritize families with children when rebooking to minimize disruption, so it’s always worth asking for the earliest possible alternative flight.

If your trip involves a self-transfer (separate tickets booked independently), the airline is not responsible for missed onward flights. In this case, you’ll need to arrange a new flight yourself, and the airline has no obligation to provide rebooking, accommodation, or care for the missed connection.

Read more: Virgin Atlantic Missed Connection Compensation

Virgin Atlantic Lost Baggage When Traveling With Children

If a child’s baggage is lost or delayed, the situation is handled under the same baggage rules that apply to adults — but the airline should take into account that children have immediate essential needs.

When baggage is delayed, the airline must allow you to purchase essential items such as clothing, toiletries, diapers, baby food, or other necessities for your child. Keep all receipts, as these expenses can be reimbursed later by the airline.

If the baggage is lost, you may be entitled to compensation under the Montreal Convention, up to a set limit per passenger. This applies regardless of the passenger’s age, and any compensation is paid to the parent or legal guardian on the child’s behalf.

In all cases, report the issue immediately at the airport by filing a Property Irregularity Report (PIR), and follow up with the airline in writing as soon as possible.

Read more:

• Virgin Atlantic Flight Delay Compensation
• Virgin Atlantic Flight Cancellation Compensation
• Virgin Atlantic Denied Boarding Compensation

Virgin Atlantic traveling with children is covered by the same passenger rights framework that protects adult passengers.

Featured photo by Pixabay from Pexels