Are you planning travel and choose Virgin Australia, and still worried about the upcomingg baggage allowance changes? Don't worry, this article will explain you all the details, and enjoy your flights with Virgin Australia!
Virgin Australia Baggage Allowance Upcoming Changes
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Virgin Baggage Allowance Effective Date
The new policy takes effect on February 2, 2026. Travel before this date follows the previous rules. The airline, which flies around Australia as well as overseas, claimed the move aims to "improve overhead space availability, to reduce delays, enhance safety, and create a smoother travel experience".
Virgin Baggage Allowance Old Policy vs. New Policy
Category | Old Policy (Until Feb 1, 2026) | New Policy (From Feb 1, 2026) |
1. 1 standard bag (≤8kg) 2. 2 small bags 3. 1 standard bag + 1 suit pack | ||
Virgin AUstralia Special Provisions for Children & Infants
- Infant Essentials: Adults travelling with an infant can bring one additional small personal item (e.g., for baby food, nappies) free of charge.
- Strollers: A stroller meeting carry-on size/weight limits can be taken into the cabin, but it will replace the standard carry-on bag. Larger strollers can be checked at the gate for free.
What Happens if Your Bag is Over 23kg?
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If your checked bag weighs more than 23kg, it is classified as overweight baggage and will incur an additional fee.
- Overweight Fee: An extra charge applies to each bag weighing between 23kg and 32kg. This fee is in addition to any standard checked baggage fees.
- Maximum Weight Limit: No single bag can exceed 32kg (70lbs). This is a strict safety limit.
- Bags Over 32kg: Any item heavier than 32kg will not be accepted as checked baggage and must be shipped separately as air cargo/freight.
Important Considerations:
- Pre-Purchase: You can often pre-purchase additional baggage allowance (including overweight fees) online via "Manage Your Booking" for a lower rate than paying at the airport.
- Airport Payment: Payment for excess baggage at the airport must be made by credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex); cash is not accepted.
- Space Not Guaranteed: The airline reserves the right to refuse excess baggage if aircraft space is limited.
- Exceptions: The following items are carried free of charge and are not subject to overweight fees (provided they are within the 32kg limit)
1426 booked
What is the Current Baggage Allowance on Virgin Australia?
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Baggage Allowance by Fare Type
Fare Type | Velocity Status | Checked Baggage Allowance |
Lite | All statuses | No included baggage |
Choice/Flex/Economy Reward | Non-member/Red | 1 × 23kg |
Silver/Gold | 2 × 23kg | |
Platinum/Platinum Plus | 3 × 23kg | |
Business/Business Reward | All statuses | 2 × 32kg (Platinum: 3 × 32kg) |
Baggage Allowance Key Weight Limits & Fees
- Maximum weight per bag: 32kg (strict limit)
- Overweight fee (23kg-32kg): $65 domestic / AUD 110 international
- Bags over 32kg: Must be shipped as freight (not accepted as baggage)
Virgin Australia Additional Baggage Purchase
- Domestic flights: $67-170 per extra bag (cheaper when pre-purchased)
- International flights: Varies by destination (AUD 87-170 from Australia)
- Best value: Pre-purchase online via "Manage Your Booking"
Special Items & Exceptions
- Free items: Wheelchairs, mobility aids, prams, car seats (for infants/children)
- Infant items: 3 special items free (e.g., stroller, car seat, portable cot)
- Sports equipment: Counts as one checked bag piece
Virgin Australia Checked vs Carry-on Baggage
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Feature | Checked Baggage | Carry-on Baggage |
Virgin Australia Checked Baggage
1. Allowance: This is not included for all fares. Your allowance is determined by your ticket and frequent flyer status.
- Lite Fare: No included checked baggage.
- Choice/Flex Fare: Typically 1 x 23kg bag.
- Business Fare: 2 x 32kg bags.
- Velocity Status: Silver, Gold, Platinum members get extra baggage allowances on applicable fares.
2. Purchasing Additional Bags:
- Cheapest Option: Pre-purchase online via "Manage Your Booking" before you get to the airport.
- Most Expensive Option: Purchasing at the airport counter.
- Weight Fees: A fee applies per bag if it weighs between 23kg and 32kg.
3. Special Items:
- Free: Prams, strollers, car seats, wheelchairs, and mobility aids are carried free of charge.
- Sports Equipment: Items like surfboards and bikes count as one piece of your checked baggage allowance.
Virgin Australia Carry-on Baggage
1. Allowance: This is a standard allowance for all guests, regardless of fare type.
- Economy Class: 1 main item (max. 7kg) + 1 small item.
- Business Class: 2 main items (max. 7kg each) + 1 small item.
- Velocity Platinum/Gold Members: Can bring the Business Class allowance, even when travelling in Economy.
2. Size & Item Limits:
- Main Item: Must fit in the overhead locker (e.g., small suitcase/roll-aboard). Max. dimensions: 48cm x 34cm x 23cm (varies by aircraft).
- Small Item: Must fit under the seat in front of you (e.g., handbag, laptop bag, small backpack).
3. Important Restrictions:
- Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs): Must be in containers of 100ml/100g or less. All containers must fit comfortably in one transparent, resealable plastic bag (approx. 20cm x 20cm).
- Prohibited Items: Sharp objects, tools, and certain sporting goods are not permitted in the cabin.
How to get Virgin Australia Free VIP Lounge?
Step 1: Complete 3 orders through Trip.com to become a Platinum member and enjoy the privilege of one free exchange for an airport lounge
Step 2: Enter the Trip.com App or Trip.com website, log in as a member, select the departure city, destination, date and number of people, and search for flight tickets, and select your preferred flight
Step 3: Before paying for your air ticket, you can choose to use the Trip.com lounge in "Select Your Add-ons"
Step 4: Both Platinum and Diamond members can enjoy the membership benefit of free use of the Trip.com lounge at the airport once and twice respectively. After redemption, you will receive a QR Code. Show it at the Trip.com lounge to use it
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FAQs about Virgin Australia Buggage Allowance
What happens if your bag is over 23kg?
If your bag exceeds the 23 kg (50 lbs) weight limit, you'll likely be charged an overweight fee, which varies by airline and destination. You might be able to shift items to your carry-on or purchase excess baggage online in advance, but the best course of action is to check your specific airline's baggage policy to find their exact rules and fees before you travel.How strict is Virgin Australia checked baggage?
Key Takeaways. Virgin Australia has different carry-on and checked baggage allowances depending on fare type and Velocity Membership (Rewards Programme). Infants (under 2 years) are allowed an additional 7 kg of baggage. Overweight checked bags will incur a fee, and those over 32 kg can only be sent through cargo.Can you take 10kg hand luggage and a handbag?
You can take a handbag but it has to go in your one piece and the total remain under 10kg. It makes no difference whether your travelling hand luggage only or with 25 kg checked luggage, hand luggage rules are the same. If the gate agent or cabin crew stop you then they are right to do so.