Virgin slashes carry-on cabin baggage allowance
Virgin Australia will limit most economy passengers to one standard-sized cabin bag.
By David Flynn, October 14 2025
Executive Traveller exclusive
Economy passengers on Virgin Australia flights will be restricted to one standard carry-on bag under new baggage allowance rules.
However, baggage weight has been boosted from 7kg to 8kg, while travellers in Economy X will enjoy the same two-bag allowance as business class passengers and Velocity Gold, Platinum, and Platinum Plus frequent flyers.
Virgin’s new carry-on baggage system comes into effect from 2 February 2026.
Packing light and smart will be the new rule for Virgin's economy passengers.
The airline says the reduced baggage allowance, which will be policed at major airports, will address passenger frustration at being unable to find room in the overhead bins for their carry-on bags.
This often results in bags being put further down the back, causing a logjam in the aisles on arrival when everyone is trying to get off the plane.
“We want your bag where you sit,” says Virgin Australia’s Chief Operations Officer, Chris Snook.
“These changes are based on team member and guest feedback and will help deliver an enhanced onboard experience, while keeping the boarding process simple and consistent.”
“The result will be a smoother start to the journey and a more comfortable experience on board.”
The airline claims a survey of its passengers found 79% wanted airlines to enforce carry-on rules.
It’s an issue exacerbated by the reconfiguration of Virgin’s Boeing 737 jets to include between six and twelve additional economy seats across 1-2 more rows, along with the removal of one Economy X row,
That said, the planes are also being fitted wirh larger luggage bins “featuring up to 50% extra overhead locker space.”
Economy passenger better get used to checking more luggage.
Virgin Australia’s carry-on baggage rules for 2026
Beginning 2 February 2026, economy passengers without Velocity Gold or higher status will be limited to:
- one “main standard carry-on bag” up to 8kg, to go into the overhead luggage bin
- one “small personal item” such as laptop bag, handbag or small backpack which can fit under the seat in front
Virgin’s current and long-standing economy cabin bag allowance permits an option of “two small pieces” or “one standard piece and one suit pack”, both topping out at 7kg.
This choice will be removed from passengers as the airline adopts a single-piece limit, albeit with an extra 1kg on the scales.
One up, one down: the main bag overhead, the personal item under the seat.
There’s no change to the carry-on baggage allowance for passengers in business class or Velocity Gold, Platinum and Platinum Plus frequent flyers, which will continue to permit:
- up to two carry-on bags with a total of up to 14kg (although one piece may weigh up to 8kg, increased from today’s 7kg)
- and that one small personal item to slide under the seat in front
From February 2026 that same allowance will also apply to passengers in Virgin’s Economy X seats – a sensible addition to other perks such as reserved overhead locker space and priority boarding, ensuring their bags can be first to go up.
There's no change to the cabin baggage rules for business class passengers.
Parents flying with infants in economy will also be impacted by the new rules.
The airline has confirmed to Executive Traveller that collapsible strollers will be counted as the solitary carry-on bag, rather than being permitted as an additional item.
In addition, Virgin’s current rules state that adults travelling with infants “are entitled to take an additional 7kg carry-on baggage free of charge for essential baby products.”
From February 2026, this allowance changes to “one additional small personal item (e.g. nappy bag) for essential baby products.”
What does Virgin count as a “personal item”?
In line with the ‘one up, one down’ principle, Virgin says that the optional ‘small personal item’ must fit under the seat in front of you.
And the airline is now specifying how large that item can be, with maximum dimensions of
- 45cm length
- 33cm width
- 20cm height
Qantas vs Virgin for cabin baggage
Virgin says its “refreshed carry-on baggage allowance has also been benchmarked against competitor and global airlines.”
However, that benchmarking puts Qantas ahead in the economy cabin due to an allowance of:
- one standard piece weighing 10kg, or
- two small pieces totalling 14kg, or
- one small piece and a garment bag
Qantas is also trumpeting the extra-large overhead lockers on its new Airbus A321XLR jets, which have room for 60% more bags than the 737.
With four standard-sized cabin bags able to sit vertically in each bin, the XLR can carry one wheeled bag for every passenger.
Also read: How to double-dip points on Virgin Australia flights
QF
11 Jul 2014
Total posts 1092
The real issue — and I experienced it first hand again yesterday — is why on earth do Australians have such trouble getting on and off planes? They waddle on and off, can’t seem to put a bag under the seat… seriously, it’s not that hard. The only reason I put a bag up is because eI'm sitting in a seat that requires that action.
07 Mar 2022
Total posts 75
Interesting how much the grocery chains saved when they started charging for "plastic reusable bags" all in the name of being helpful.
11 Jul 2024
Total posts 6
Most lack common sense these days.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Nov 2018
Total posts 144
Have you been to the USA? It takes them an hour or more to board the aircraft (737). I am surprised at the lengthy turnaround times of the aircraft over there.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
12 May 2022
Total posts 33
All for this. An extra 1KG is a win for Gold, Plat, Plat +, Econ X passengers. It should actually allow enough room for everyone to have space in the overhead bins if they enforce it.
Some passengers take the p&^% with their carry on luggage and it's so annoying.
Singapore Airlines - The PPS Club
11 Jul 2014
Total posts 57
The real issue is airlines cramming seats on to a plane and not creating storage space for essential equipment for the aircraft, which then go in the overhead bins, e.g. safety demonstration equipment, additional extension seatbelts, crew luggage, etc. This takes up 10-15% of the available luggage space, but they have crammed six extra seats in
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
24 Jan 2018
Total posts 869
No worries about that, I have every confidence that if this policy is firmly enforced (i.e. there are NO EXCEPTIONS) regardless of a passenger's gender, there will be A LOT MORE space in those overhead lockers. And I do mean 'a lot more space'.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
25 Jul 2013
Total posts 81
Is it just me or is the article title a bit misleading? I would say that Virgin isn't slashing carry on allowance at all ... the company is actually increasing it from current 7kg (across 2 items) to 8kg for one time, plus a further small item. It's actually a more generous proposition.
20 Nov 2015
Total posts 612
How is this "misleading"? Virgin now lets 'non-elite' economy passengers choose between "One standard piece" or "Two small pieces" or "One standard piece & one suit pack", each with the obligatory "small personal item", as detailed on VA's website at https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/travel-info/baggage/carry-on-baggage/
The new allowance is just "One standard piece" and that "small personal item", so the option to bring two pieces, such as two smaller bags or one standard bag and a suite pack, is being removed. That's going from two bags to one bag. 'Slashing' the carry-on allowance seems pretty accurate here.
Sure, that extra 1kg is nice, but that alone doesn't make this a "more generous proposition" when you want to bring a standard cabin bag and a suiter, or two smaller cabin bags.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
25 Jul 2013
Total posts 81
You can currently bring a combined total of 7kg of carry on (across two items) ... whereas in the future you can bring one item at 8kg as well as a second, smaller item of specific dimensions. It's actually a pretty generous change that allows customers to carry more weight on board overall. Opposite of slashing.
09 Nov 2011
Total posts 35
This article is misleading.
You were only ever allowed one larger bag on board and a small personal items, unless yo7 are business, plat, gold. It’s really just reinforcing that.
And I agree, people just flout the leniency Virgin have shown, and it impacts everyone. So many times the crew are rushing to offload bags to try and keep on schedule.
20 Nov 2015
Total posts 612
You have this wrong, Virgin Australia allows "One standard piece" or "Two small pieces" or "One standard piece & one suit pack". See https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/travel-info/baggage/carry-on-baggage/
20 Nov 2015
Total posts 612
I actually think this isn't a bad move, it certainly should cut down on the issues mentioned in the article where you get on board and there's no room above your seat or anywhere near your seat for your bag. I can't see that 1kg extra making much of a difference, maybe 10kg instead of 8kg and now we'd be talking. But this will all come down to how well Virgin Australia polices this at the check-in counter or at the gate.
07 May 2015
Total posts 75
Good call to increase the baggage allowance for Economy X. This is my and my company's go-to for VA bookings and now it's just become more attractive!
QF
11 Jul 2014
Total posts 1092
I’m finding it increasingly difficult to navigate the growing number of changes, so I’d appreciate some clarification from Virgin staff.
As a Platinum Plus member, am I entitled to five bags at 32kg each or five bags at 23kg each on domestic flights? The information isn’t clear — the airport signage makes no mention of Platinum Plus, and there seems to be no additional recognition or assistance compared to regular Platinum members who earn 800 status credits per year, versus the 2000 required for Platinum Plus.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
24 Jan 2018
Total posts 869
They didn't offer you eight (8) complimentary limousine transfers/year (each to and from the airport)?
QF
11 Jul 2014
Total posts 1092
No they didn't, but the Limo driver I use is an ex Qantas union rep, I call him "The Local Enforcer"
Wouldn't swap him for the world
QF
11 Jul 2014
Total posts 1092
Just to update, Virgin sent out the incorrect information on the mailing list and NOW have updated the correct information. 5 x 32kg for Platinum Plus ..... No Wonder I'm getting confused
23 Apr 2015
Total posts 28
Meanwhile in Europe airlines such as BA allows 1 cabin bag (up to 23kg!) + 1 personal item. I’ve never found boarding times to be any different with the variance in weight limits whether with BA, Virgin or Qantas. I can personally place a 12kg bag overhead in at the same speed as a 8kg bag as I’m sure most other people can too.
QF
11 Jul 2014
Total posts 1092
It's more about a cash grab lets face it, it's like someone said above supermarkets made money out of us paying extra for shopping bags. Made them a few extra million.
16 Oct 2012
Total posts 64
Travellers have been pushing the cabin baggage limits for years. And arguably justifiably so given the outsourcing of baggage handling, and everything bad that goes with that (from a passenger perspective).
That said, the solution is simple - check your luggage if you have too much for the cabin.
It’s what we all once used to do.
11 Jul 2024
Total posts 6
Most of the issues with baggage happen because passengers are not match fit.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
06 Jan 2017
Total posts 9
There will be no winners if Virgin continues to turn a blind eye to those who flaunt the rules.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
06 Mar 2015
Total posts 240
I see from some photos and news stories that VA have NOT put cabin dividers in a lot of their refitted aircraft STILL. This alone would enable , or attempt to try , some economy pax to use the business class overhead lockers which I have seen happen many times. The lack of these dividers really takes the edge off haing a nice seperate section for Business seating which we pay for. QF are streets ahead with their new A321 XLR's . Next time I travel Business Class to Perth I will definitely use QF if there is an A321 doing the service. VA have got a lot of smartening up to do of their J Class product. These extra allowances may be fine for some but if the past is anything to go by it won't be enforced for long and it will still be a shambles .
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
24 Jan 2018
Total posts 869
VA seem to be kicking a lot of 'own goals' over the last 12 months, which must give the QF people an unjustified sense of heightened self-adulation. Pets on planes from today being one example (of several).
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
10 Jun 2020
Total posts 22
I am just sick of us doing what the Americans do. No one checks in baggage there. I am seeing this more and more. I am sick of the overhead bins taken up by massive suitcases. I have a small back pack and I don't often get a chance to put it in the overhead bins because everyone take suitcases on board. Crack down on that please. Checking in baggage here isn't hard and rarely gets lost. I will say it's worse with Qantas
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
26 Nov 2012
Total posts 135
True - but baggage handling in Australia, especially Melbourne, runs at glacial speed. If that was reliable and fast the issue would be gone
15 May 2019
Total posts 14
When I was last in America, I would check in 1 large suitcase, but would also be travelling with a carry on case and a brief case/satchel.
I was only allowed to check in one bag, but as I already had check in luggage, I was happy to check in the carry on, so I would ask at check in, and most times they would say check at the gate.
At the gate, they would always make an announcement that if anyone wanted to check in their carry on, to come forward and you would be rewarded with priority check in.
I took up the option every time
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Nov 2018
Total posts 144
Good reminder @Secco. Every time I flew in the United States, the dispatcher at the gate would always ask if anyone wanted to check in their carry on baggage for FREE. If Qantas and virgin were smart, they’d start this for these super full flights. Because it doesn’t look like we’re going back to 80, 85% loading any time soon…
30 Mar 2022
Total posts 4
I don't have an issue with these changes, especially if it speeds up boarding.
I would like to know which XSEAT row has been deleted.
15 Sep 2021
Total posts 16
No issues with these changes whatsoever. If everyone just shows consideration and placed their bags in the overhead assigned to their seat then there should be room for all.
I see an issue that airlines do not enforce that your ticket does not provide you the privilege of being able to spread your luggage throughout the cabin as you please.
So many times I have been forced to use an overhead several seats away which only causes more issues when trying to backtrack to my seat or when trying to recover my bag to disembark.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
05 Jan 2015
Total posts 18
Come February 2, I would expect Virgin will have a set of scales and a baggage sizing hoop at the gate for all departures.
And the obligatory credit card terminal so that they can charge $50 for oversize/overweight cabin baggage.
Just like the airline they want to be like the most - JetStar (also known as DeathStar).
Qatar Privilage Club
31 Mar 2023
Total posts 15
This is great news; I am sick and tired of these entitled people who think they can bring as many bags as they please on board slowing the aircraft boarding and taking up all the bin space leaving nothing for others.
Now all we need to do is to get the crew to move their personal bags from the locker bins above business class so business class passengers can get the overhead compartment space which they paid for.
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