Domestic and International Short Haul
Advance seat selection is included on all Virgin Australia operated services in all fares, except Economy Lite.
For Economy Lite fares, you can purchase Standard Seat selection up to 3 hours prior to your flight’s scheduled departure. Simply add Standard Seat selection and pay the applicable fee via the Virgin Australia App or through Manage Your Booking. If you change your mind and choose to cancel your flight, fees will not be refunded unless you are entitled to a refund under the Australian Consumer Law.
Within 3 hours of your scheduled departure, you can select a Standard Seat at no extra charge, subject to availability.
Sometimes we have to change our aircraft after you have selected your seat. When this is the case, you will be re-seated in your applicable zone or in the same or a similar seat; however, this is subject to availability and we cannot guarantee this. Our Customer Services teams will strive to seat you in the next best available seat.
For more information about Standard Seat selection, view the Standard Seat Selection Terms and Conditions.
Preferred Seat selection
We have introduced Preferred Seating closer to the front of our aircraft.
Guests travelling on Economy Choice or Flex fares can purchase a Preferred seat selection at any time via Manage Your Booking. 48 hours prior to the flight's scheduled departure, any remaining Preferred Seating becomes available for complimentary selection during check-in.
Complimentary Standard Seat selection is included in Choice and Flex fares.
Guests travelling on Economy Lite fares can purchase Preferred Seat selection up to 3 hours prior to their flight’s scheduled departure via Manage Your Booking or during check in. All seating excluding Economy X is complimentary within 3 hours of scheduled departure.
Guests can purchase Preferred Seat selection by adding it to their booking and paying the applicable fee via the Virgin Australia App or through Manage Your Booking. If you change your mind and choose to cancel your flight, fees will not be refunded unless you are entitled to a refund under the Australian Consumer Law. Economy X is not included in the Preferred seating program.
Sometimes we have to change our aircraft after you have selected your seat. When this is the case, you will be re-seated in your applicable zone or in the same or a similar seat; however, this is subject to availability and we cannot guarantee this. Our Customer Services teams will strive to seat you in the next best available seat.
For more information about Preferred seat selection, view the Preferred Seat Selection Terms and Conditions.
Seating for families
You and your children will always be seated together
At time of booking we will show you the available seats to choose from, including within preferred zones if you are a Status member of our Velocity program.
- If you are travelling in a booking of 3 or more, we will assign you the best seats from those remaining 48 hours before your flight time.
- Selecting seats during check-in, which is available 48 hours prior to departure.
If you can't all be seated together, we’ll ensure each child (under 12) is seated with an adult from your group.
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer the above for guests who have purchased tickets in separate bookings. For the best seats that suit the whole family, ensure you select your seats either via Manage Your Booking prior to your flight or during Check-in.
If you are flying with infants, please note that bassinets are unavailable onboard our aircrafts.
Groups of more than 9 people
When you book, our Groups department will seat you together in the best available seats remaining. As you can appreciate we cannot move other guests who have pre-reserved their seats so book early to ensure we can allocate seats for the whole group together. If you have a Silver, Gold or Platinum Velocity member in the group, up to nine companions can join them in the preferred zone.
Frequent flyers
As you progress through our Velocity tiers, you will have access to more seating options to choose from at time of booking.
We have introduced Preferred Seating on most of our aircraft, enabling our Platinum and Gold* frequent flyers to choose these seats free of charge, whilst also ensuring all of our Velocity members are offered choice.
For our members we have key timings below to assist you to always get the best seats.
- Time of booking – Platinum and Gold* members will be able to select a seat within the Preferred Seating zone, other members can also select a seat within this Preferred Seating zone, but for a fee.
- 48hrs to departure – we release most of the unused seats in the preferred zones for eligible members and guests.
* Depending on the timing of selection, Gold members travelling on a Lite fare may be required to pay a fee to select a seat within the preferred seating zone. Economy X is not included in the Preferred seating program, please check the Velocity entitlements page for more information.
International Long Haul
Advance seat selection may be available on selected flights to Doha (VA1-29). For guests travelling on a Business or Economy Flex fare (or for Gold and Platinum Velocity members travelling on an Economy Choice or Economy Reward fare), this is complimentary. Guests travelling on an Economy Choice or Economy Reward fare (and guests who are Red or Silver Velocity members) can select a seat for a fee. This can be done at online at the time of making a booking or via Manage Booking on the Virgin Australia website (from 2 April 2025).
For more information about Long Haul International Seat selection, view the Long Haul International Terms and Conditions.