VA · Australia · Full-service

Virgin Australia Baggage Policy

Carry-on, personal item, checked bag fees, overweight, special items, and basic economy rules for Virgin Australia, with every figure cited to the airline's own policy page.

Quick answer

  • Carry-on: up to 22 x 14.2 x 9.1", max 7 kg, free
  • Personal item: must fit under the seat (no published dimensions), free on every fare
  • Checked bag: $50 first, Not published second (domestic economy)

Carry-on baggage

Max dimensions (in)
22 x 14.2 x 9.1"
Max dimensions (cm)
56 x 36 x 23 cm
Weight limit
7 kg (15.4 lb)
Fee
Free
Gate-check risk
Medium

Two cabin bags allowed with a combined weight of 14 kg on most routes (one trolley plus one personal item).

Personal item

Max dimensions (in)
Not published
Max dimensions (cm)
Not published
Included
Yes, free on every fare

Handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack counted in the combined 14 kg total.

Does your bag count?

Bag typeTypical sizeFit
Standard backpack
Everyday daypack, laptop backpack
 18 x 13 x 8" Under-seat only
Tote bag
Canvas or leather tote
 15 x 14 x 5" Under-seat only
Laptop bag
Messenger or slim briefcase
 16 x 12 x 4" Under-seat only
Small duffel
Gym or weekender
 18 x 11 x 11" Under-seat only
Purse
Handbag or crossbody
 12 x 10 x 5" Under-seat only
Under-seat roller
Mini wheeled bag
 16 x 14 x 8" Under-seat only

Checked baggage fees

Compare fees across airlines →
Domestic economy
1st bag$50
2nd bagNot published
Long-haul / international
1st bag$0
Weight limit51 lb
Linear dim62 in
Overweight & oversize
51–70 lb$65
71–100 lbNot published
63–80 inNot published

Economy Lite includes NO checked bag; extra bag online is roughly AUD 45-70 (about USD 30-50) on domestic. Economy Choice includes 1 x 23 kg bag; Economy Flex includes 2 x 23 kg bags. Overweight bag (23-32 kg) flat fee around AUD 65 (about USD 45) at check-in. Choice, Flex, and Business passengers cannot purchase additional checked bags online; only Lite can. Max single bag 32 kg / 70 lb.

Ways to skip the Virgin Australia checked bag fee

  1. Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the Virgin Australia carry-on size.
  2. Use a Virgin Australia co-branded credit card. These typically waive the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions.
  3. Earn elite status. Mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction.
  4. Book a higher fare. Premium Economy, Business, and First usually include 1 to 2 checked bags.

Special items & sports equipment

Ski / snowboard
Not published
Golf clubs
Not published
Bicycle
Not published
Pet in cabin
Not published
Pet as cargo
Not published

Musical instruments: Small instruments count as carry-on. Larger instruments can be checked within allowance or booked as an extra cabin seat.

Virgin Australia does not allow pets in the cabin except registered assistance dogs. Pets travel as cargo via Virgin Australia Cargo. Ski, golf, and bike equipment count as a standard checked bag if within 23 kg; sports-equipment fees apply to oversized items.

Basic economy restrictions

Economy Lite Virgin Australia's lowest fare tier
Carry-on allowed
Yes
Personal item allowed
Yes
Checked bag surcharge
$50
  • No checked bag included (purchase separately)
  • No seat selection until check-in
  • No changes
  • Non-refundable
  • Reduced Velocity points earning

Frequently asked questions

What is the Virgin Australia carry-on size limit?

Virgin Australia allows a carry-on bag up to 22 x 14.2 x 9.1" (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. The weight limit is 7 kg (15.4 lb).

What is the Virgin Australia personal item size?

Virgin Australia does not publish strict personal item dimensions. Your bag must fit fully under the seat in front of you, which is typically about 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack counted in the combined 14 kg total.

How much does a checked bag cost on Virgin Australia?

The first checked bag on Virgin Australia costs $50 on most domestic economy fares, and the second bag costs Not published. On long-haul international routes, the first checked bag fee is $0. Economy Lite includes NO checked bag; extra bag online is roughly AUD 45-70 (about USD 30-50) on domestic. Economy Choice includes 1 x 23 kg bag; Economy Flex includes 2 x 23 kg bags. Overweight bag (23-32 kg) flat fee around AUD 65 (about USD 45) at check-in. Choice, Flex, and Business passengers cannot purchase additional checked bags online; only Lite can. Max single bag 32 kg / 70 lb.

What are the Virgin Australia overweight and oversize bag fees?

Bags weighing 51 to 70 lb incur an overweight fee of $65. Fees are charged in addition to the standard checked bag fee.

Can I bring a carry-on on Virgin Australia Economy Lite?

Yes. Virgin Australia Economy Lite passengers can bring one carry-on bag plus one personal item. A checked bag on Economy Lite costs around $50.

How can I avoid Virgin Australia checked bag fees?

Four common ways: (1) pack in a carry-on and personal item only (confirm your bag fits the Virgin Australia carry-on size of 22 x 14.2 x 9.1"); (2) hold a Virgin Australia co-branded credit card, which typically waives the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions on the same reservation; (3) reach elite status in the airline's frequent flyer program, where mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction; (4) book a higher fare class (Premium Economy, Business, First) where checked bags are included.

Will my bag be gate-checked on Virgin Australia?

Virgin Australia currently has a medium gate-check risk based on our review of boarding policies and traveler reports. Arrive early in your boarding group to improve the odds of space in the overhead bins.

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Major US airports where Virgin Australia operates. Click through for terminal layouts, connection times, and layover tips.

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Sources & verification

Airlines change baggage rules without notice. Always confirm with Virgin Australia before flying.