You are packing your bags for your trip with Virgin Australia, and suddenly, the thought of the baggage limit comes to your mind. And now you are stressed about the extra charges and the tiresome processes.
Virgin Australia’s baggage policy changes based on the cost of checked baggage, weight limits, and size restrictions of the luggage. Learning about allowances, fees, and how to handle unaccompanied baggage can save you money and time.
By the end of this blog, you’ll know how to manage Virgin Australia baggage while saving money and reducing your stress.
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.
- Passengers can get 2 extra baggages by paying extra money, and if more than 2 are required, then it will depend on availability.
- Musicians and sports persons have considerations for carrying their equipment, but are subject to strict guidelines.
- Choose a trusted cargo service provider with experience in customs clearance for handling the excess baggage.
Virgin Australia Baggage Policy: What You Need to Know
Carry-On Baggage Policy
Virgin Australia’s carry-on policy allows a maximum limit of 7kg of baggage for economy passengers. A personal item, such as a laptop, blanket, or books, can additionally be carried in the cabin.
The allowance does increase to 14kg for business class and Velocity members of Gold and Platinum classes. Carry-on baggage can be one standard piece, two small pieces, or one standard piece and a suit pack, but the total weight is restricted to the allowance.
There are restrictions on cabin baggage in Virgin Australia flights to carry things with sharp edges that can injure another person, such as screwdrivers and saws. Flammable items and firearms are also banned. Visit this page to learn more details about restricted goods.
Now let’s see how strict is Virgin Australia’s checked baggage policy?
Check-In Baggage Policy
The baggage policy of the airlines for checked baggage changes based on fare type. Lite fare passengers are not allowed to carry checked baggage. Other fare types can carry a maximum of 23kg, above which your items become excess baggage.
Allowance further increases to 32kg for business class, and the number of checked bags varies depending on membership type. If you are a member of Virgin Australia and want to know more about this, then check out this page.
Virgin Australia Baggage for Infants and Children
Passengers traveling with infants can carry an additional piece of baggage up to 7kg in the cabin without any charges. Child category (above 2 years) is allowed the same carry-on benefits as adults.
Infants with own seats and children are allowed checked baggage except for the Economy Lite class. Those without their own seat can carry 3 special infant items.
What Is the Baggage Allowance for Virgin Australia Airways?
We already saw changes to the allowance based on fare type; let’s take a deeper look at that.
Overview by Fare Type: Economy Lite, Choice, Flex, Business
| Fare type | Non-members & Red Velocity Frequent Flyers | Silver & Gold | Platinum |
| Economy Lite | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Choice, Flex & Economy Reward | 1 x 23kg | 2 x 23kg | 3 x 23kg |
| Business and Business Rewards | 2 x 23kg | 2 x 23kg | 3 x 23kg |
Domestic vs International Baggage Allowance
The carry-on and checked baggage allowance for domestic and international travelers remains the same. Changes are in the additional and overweight baggage fees for Virgin Australia.
Let’s take a look at some tips to stay within the baggage allowances.
Packing Tips for Different Trip Types
Short Domestic Flights: Since your trip is short, pack only the essential things. Try to include all your things in a carry-on bag. This way, you only need to opt for an economy class ticket.
Long International Trips: Choose your fare type based on your baggage requirements. Try to fit in a 23kg bag, and if you require more then opt for an additional bag instead of an oversized bag.
Business Travel: Opt for a standard piece and a suit pack as carry-on baggage. Choose Business class if your carry-on bags are going over a combined weight of 7kg.
Family Travel with Infants: Make use of the additional carry-on baggage for infants to carry strollers, baby bags, and baby milk. If more space is required, then opt for a fare type higher than Economy Lite.
But what if the checked bag limit exceeds even after applying the tips?
What Happens if Your Checked Bag Is Over 23kg?
Domestic travelers will have to pay fees of $60 for each baggage exceeding the allowance of 23kg in Virgin Australia. For international flights, that fee is $72. Overweight baggage that exceeds 32 kg will not be accepted and should be sent through cargo.
There’s a better way to carry your things than overstuffing your checked bags. Are you also wondering, “Can I buy extra baggage on Virgin Australia?”.
How To Add Extra Baggage on Virgin Australia?
- The airlines provide options to carry your belongings if they exceed the allowance. A passenger is entitled to 2 additional bags (each maximum 23 kg).
- If you need more than 2 additional bags, you can request them at the airport, and they will be provided, subject to availability.
- You can get the cheapest rates on additional bags during booking a ticket online. It only costs $65 compared to $80 during online check-in.
- Additional bags can also be acquired at airports, but they cost the highest at $120
- The extra baggage charges in Virgin Australia also depend on flight duration; flights with a duration of more than 3 hours charge more.
What To Do When the Extra Baggage Limit Is Exhausted?
Checked baggage allowance and the additional baggage seem more than enough for carrying all your belongings. But what if a person is shifting to or from Australia, or a backpacker coming to visit, then these options may not be enough.
In such situations, it is best to opt for unaccompanied baggage sent as cargo. Such baggage can help you transfer most of your valuable items, but you need to adhere to customs regulations. It can be complicated, and mistakes can occur, but our team can guide you at each step.
Special Considerations: Musicians and Sports Persons
The airline does provide special allowances in its baggage policy.
Musical Instruments
Musicians can carry small instruments (up to 85cm x 34cm x 23cm) as carry-on luggage. The weight will be included in the carry-on allowance of Virgin Australia.
Bigger instruments are considered checked baggage as per the policy. A cello or guitar can only be transported in the cabin by purchasing an additional seat.
Sports Equipment
Each sports item is considered as checked baggage, and Virgin Australia allows most equipment like bikes, cricket bags, surfboards, firearms, etc.
The equipment should adhere to airline regulations, and the conditions change for each type of equipment. Visit this page to know more about any particular equipment.
Choosing the Right Carry-On and Checked Baggage
The type of luggage and how you pack your belongings play a key role in maximizing your baggage allowance. Here are some tips to do that
Stay within permitted dimensions: Virgin Australia baggage size for carry-on should not exceed 56cm x 36cm x 23cm. And for checked bags, keep the total linear dimensions within 140 cm (55 inches).
Choose durable bags: Select hard-shell suitcases for your checked baggage, especially when you are carrying electronics or other fragile items.
Choose suit-friendly carry-ons: Utilise the carry-on allowance for suit packs for your business travels.
Use ultra-lightweight bags: Lighter bags allow you to pack more things without exceeding the limits. Try to keep the weight of carry-ons under 2.5 kg and checked bags under 4 kg.
Use compression cubes or vacuum bags: You can save space and easily pack bulky clothes like jackets or baby items with this.
Avoid bulky wheels and frames: Choose streamlined luggage with internal handles and wheels to increase capacity.
When Does Baggage Drop Close on Virgin Australia Flights?
Virgin Australia check-in and baggage drop times vary depending on the type of flight.
| Flight Type | Recommended Time | Closing Time |
| Domestic flights | At least 60 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Domestic connecting to international flights | At least 60 minutes | 30 minutes |
| International flights | At least 90 minutes | 60 minutes |
| International flights (large groups) | At least 120 minutes | 60 minutes |
Final Tips To Ensure a Stress-Free Baggage Experience
- Label your bags correctly with your name and contact details. Also, take a photo of all your bags before check-in.
- Ensure your carry-on and checked bags don’t exceed the allowed baggage weight, depending on your fare type.
- If you are a Velocity member, make use of your additional allowances smartly by coordinating with the executives of the airlines.
- Strictly adhere to the policies of the airlines in case of taking musical instruments or sports equipment.
- Utilise cargo services to send your baggage if it exceeds the limit of 32 kg.
- Choose a trusted cargo service with expertise in customs clearance, such as DTDC Australia, for handling your excess baggage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens if your bag is over 23kg?
An overweight fee needs to be paid for bags over 23kg and up to 32kg. If it even exceeds 32kg, then it can only be sent as cargo.
Does a 7kg carry-on include a handbag?
Yes, you can take your handbag as a personal item, but it should be of reasonable size.
How much does extra weight (kg) on a bag cost?
Overweight bags cost $60 in domestic flights and $72 in international flights.
What is the maximum weight that a single item can weigh?
The maximum allowed weight of a single checked baggage or any other item is 32kg. If your item exceeds the weight limit then you can contact our team for help.
What are the Virgin Australia baggage size requirements for suit packs?
The maximum dimensions of the suit pack must not exceed 114cm x 60cm x 11cm.
What to do when the checked baggage is lost?
In case of lost baggage in a Virgin Australia flight, report to the baggage reclaim area and ensure that your baggage is being returned to you before it’s too late.
