Jetstar Airways
Australia
Virgin Australia
Australia's second-largest airline group
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AustraliaCountry
- VAIATA Code
- VOZICAO Code
- IndependentAlliance
- Full-ServiceAirline Type
Guide reviewed
Search Virgin Australia Flights
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About Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia is Australia’s second-largest airline group, flying from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne across Australia and to Bali, Fiji, New Zealand and Doha. Fares range from Economy Lite with only a carry-on to Business with lounge access. This guide covers the power bank ban, check-in, long-haul flights with Qatar Airways and how it compares with Qantas and Jetstar.
Founded in 2000 as Virgin Blue, it was rescued from administration in 2020 and returned to the stock market in 2025, with Qatar Airways as a major shareholder. It flies Boeing 737s.
Contents
Power Bank Rules on Virgin Australia
Australian airlines banned the use of power banks on board from December 2025:
- You cannot charge phones or other devices from a power bank during the flight, or charge the power bank itself.
- Each passenger can carry up to two power banks, kept within reach (in the seat pocket or under the seat), not in the overhead bin.
- Power banks must be in cabin baggage; up to 100 Wh needs no approval and 100–160 Wh needs approval.
Check-In in Australia
Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure, and bag drop closes 30 minutes before domestic flights. Many airports have self-service bag drop.
Families and Special Assistance
Infants under two travel on an adult’s lap, and pushchairs and car seats can usually be checked in free. Request wheelchairs and other special assistance at least 48 hours before the flight.
Long-Haul Flights with Qatar Airways
Flights to Doha connect Australia with Europe:
- They use Qatar Airways aircraft and crew with Virgin Australia flight numbers.
- You can earn Velocity points on the whole journey.
- Connections in Doha reach many European cities.
How to Find Cheap Virgin Australia Flights
- Compare Lite with Choice if you need a bag.
- Use Velocity points for upgrades.
- Watch for sales on the website.
- Book early for school holidays, when fares peak.
- Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see its fares next to Qantas, Jetstar and others.
Virgin Australia vs Qantas vs Jetstar
Australia’s three main airlines.
| Virgin Australia | Qantas | Jetstar | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Mid-market | Full-service | Low-cost |
| Carry-on | 8 kg | 7 kg (2 items) | 7 kg |
| Checked bag on cheapest fare | None on Lite | Included | None on Starter |
| Loyalty | Velocity | Qantas Frequent Flyer | Qantas Frequent Flyer |
See our Qantas guide and Jetstar guide to compare.
Arriving in Brisbane
Brisbane Airport is about 15 km from the city centre. The Airtrain reaches the CBD in around 20 minutes.
You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.
Is Virgin Australia a Good Airline?
Yes. It offers a good middle ground between Qantas and Jetstar, with clear fares, free Wi-Fi for members and new long-haul links through Doha.
For more options, see our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.
Facts checked in October 2026 against Virgin Australia’s domestic fares page and Executive Traveller on the February 2026 carry-on rules. Rules change, so check the official website before you travel.
Airline Partnerships
The airline is not a member of a global airline alliance, but it partners with Qatar Airways, United and others.
Codeshare & Interline Partnerships
Qatar Airways owns a stake in the airline, and its long-haul flights to Doha use Qatar Airways aircraft and crew.
Hubs & Focus Cities
Brisbane (BNE) is the head office and main hub, with large hubs in Sydney (SYD) and Melbourne (MEL).
Popular Virgin Australia Routes
The busiest routes link Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane with each other and with Perth, Adelaide and the Gold Coast, plus Bali, Fiji and Doha. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.
Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.
Virgin Australia Reschedule & Cancellation Policy
Domestic fares are sold as Economy Lite, Choice, Flex and Business. Lite has no checked bag and cannot be changed close to departure.
Choice changes cost $120 plus any fare difference, while Flex and Business have no change fee.
- Lite 8 kg carry-on; checked bags extra.
- Choice 23 kg bag and a seat; $120 change fee.
- Flex 23 kg bag and no change fee.
- Business Two 32 kg bags and 14 kg carry-on.
- How to change or cancel Use Manage Booking on the website.
Virgin Australia Seat Selection & Additional Services
Free tea, coffee and water on all fares, with snacks on Choice and higher. Wi-Fi is free for Velocity members on many aircraft.
Lounges are open to Business passengers and Velocity Gold and Platinum members.
- Snacks Included on Choice and higher.
- Wi-Fi Free for Velocity members on many aircraft.
- Lounges Business and Velocity Gold and Platinum.
- Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help at least 48 hours ahead.
Virgin Australia Baggage Allowance
Economy passengers can bring 8 kg of carry-on baggage, and Business passengers 14 kg.
Economy Lite has no checked bag, Choice and Flex include one 23 kg bag and Business two 32 kg bags.
- Economy carry-on 8 kg.
- Business carry-on 14 kg.
- Lite No checked bag.
- Choice and Flex 1 × 23 kg.
- Business 2 × 32 kg.
Velocity Frequent Flyer: Virgin Australia Loyalty Programme
Velocity Frequent Flyer is the airline's loyalty programme. Members earn 4 points per dollar on domestic fares and can use them for flights, upgrades and partner rewards.
- Programme Velocity Frequent Flyer.
- Earn 4 points per $1 on domestic fares.
- Redeem Flights, upgrades and partners.
Virgin Australia: Frequently Asked Questions
01What are Virgin Australia’s IATA and ICAO codes?
The airline's two-character IATA code is VA. It appears in flight numbers (for example VA 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is VOZ, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.
02Which airline alliance is Virgin Australia part of?
It is not a member of a global airline alliance, although it may still have codeshare or interline agreements with individual airlines.
03Where is Virgin Australia headquartered?
The airline is headquartered in Brisbane, Australia.
04When was Virgin Australia founded?
The airline was founded in 2000.
05What are Virgin Australia’s main hubs?
Its main hubs and focus cities are: Brisbane (BNE) – Main Hub; Sydney (SYD) – Hub; Melbourne (MEL) – Hub.
06What is Virgin Australia’s frequent flyer programme called?
The frequent flyer programme is called Velocity Frequent Flyer. Members earn points or miles on eligible flights and can redeem them for award tickets, upgrades and other benefits.
07What is the Virgin Australia carry-on allowance?
Since 2 February 2026, Economy includes one 8 kg carry-on plus a small personal item. Economy X, Business and Velocity Gold members and above get up to 14 kg.
08Does Virgin Australia Economy Lite include a checked bag?
No. Choice and Flex include one 23 kg bag.
09Can I use a power bank on Virgin Australia?
No. Using or charging power banks on board is banned, and you can carry up to two.
10What is Velocity?
Virgin Australia's loyalty programme, where you earn points for flights and upgrades.
Other airlines in Oceania
Qantas
Australia
Regional Express (Rex)
Australia
Air New Zealand
New Zealand
Air Niugini
Papua New Guinea
Air Tahiti Nui
French Polynesia
Virgin Australia, its logo and trademarks are the property of Virgin Australia Airlines Pty Ltd and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Virgin Australia unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.