Security Awareness For Our Guests

At Virgin Australia, the safety and security of our guests, cargo, aircraft and staff is our number one priority. By constantly monitoring our facilities and processes; assessing current affairs; and implementing latest technologies, we are able to assure excellent airline security. Additionally, our pilots, cabin crew, ground crew and reservation staff undergo security training and are updated of any changes within the industry. Our team of experienced security professionals are committed to providing you with a safe and secure environment, which in turn allows you to enjoy your Virgin Australia experience. To ensure this high level of safety and security is maintained, we are committed to meeting all state and federal regulatory requirements. These regulations are designed to enhance the security of your travel. We believe that it is only fair that you are aware of the effect that these regulations have on your travel, and provide you with some handy tips as to what you can do to ensure a smooth experience.

Reservations

If you intend to travel with an item and you are not sure if it is permitted to travel, it is best to check well before you arrive at the airport. Feel free to contact our Guest Contact Centre, who will provide you with the correct advice.

Our Guest Contact Centre are your best contact for information relating to the carriage of firearms and dangerous goods. In most cases, these items can travel, provided they are packaged correctly and declared to the Virgin Australia ground staff.

The Guest Contact Centre number is 13 6789 (within Australia) 0800 670 000 (within New Zealand) or +61 7 3295 2284.

Check-in 

When you arrive at the check-in counter you will be asked a number of questions regarding the contents of your baggage to ensure that it does not contain any dangerous, sharp or flammable items. These are serious questions that require serious responses. Note: We take jokes about safety seriously.

If you are carrying prohibited items such as tools, sporting equipment or knives, this is the time to remove such items and place them in your checked baggage.

For further information on prohibited items and weapons, refer Carry-on Baggage.  

Security Screening 

If you are flying with us, or just seeing someone off at the boarding gate, you will enter a restricted area known as a sterile area. A sterile area is a controlled area of the airport in which personnel are not permitted to have in their possession any prohibited items or weapons. In order to be permitted into the sterile area, you and your possessions must be screened and cleared at the screening point prior to entry. This may be conducted by a number of different methods. If you have special needs or believe that you are in possession of an object that may cause concern, please inform the security personnel. In the event that you are carrying a laptop computer, you will be required to remove the computer from your bag when passing through the screening point.

If you are in possession of a prohibited item or weapon, you will be asked to either make alternative arrangements for the article or you must surrender it to the security personnel. Refusal to subject yourself or your property to the screening process will result in you not being permitted into the sterile area. We appreciate your patience and co-operation with this process that is imperative to the overall security of the airport and aircraft.

In the event that you require a sharp item for medical purposes, for example a syringe for diabetes, you will need documentation in the form of a letter from a qualified medical practitioner and the corresponding medication that you require for your condition. It is advisable that you declare your situation to Virgin Australia airport staff and staff at the security screening point to avoid any complications.

Enhanced Security Measures on International Flights

Internationally:

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requires enhanced security measures for the carriage of liquids, gels and/or aerosols (LAGs) onboard International flights. This may involve some guests having items examined at a passenger screening point, undergoing additional inspections measures at departure gates, or both.

Please note for guests departing from Hong Kong - due to Airport restrictions, LAGs will not be permitted to be purchased at the HKG duty free shop for travel onboard.

For further information on LAGs enhanced security measures, refer to Liquid, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs) Restrictions. 

USA: 

  • The US Government has asked all airlines with direct flights to the United States (US), including from Australia, to implement some additional security measures.
  • There has been no change to Australia’s security environment. Passengers should not be concerned by these additional precautionary measures.
  • We expect the additional measures to have a minimal impact on the travelling public.
  • There are no new restrictions on what can be carried on board US bound flights, but passengers and their belongings may be selected to undergo additional screening
  • Guests travelling to the USA are encouraged to arrive to the airport at least 3 hours prior to their flight departure and must have a copy of their flight itinerary (either electronic or hard copy).
  • Guests are requested to proceed to the gate at least 75 minutes before scheduled departure 

For further information on TSA enhanced security measures, refer to the TSA website. 

Security Advice

  • Always pack your own baggage.
  • Do not carry on your person or in your checked baggage any item for another person.
  • Always carry your valuables, medication and keys in your carry-on baggage.
  • All knives, sharp objects or cutting and stabbing implements need to be packed in checked baggage and not placed in carry-on baggage or on your person.
  • Security measures can include random frisk search after consent is obtained. Passengers can request privacy and must be searched by a screener of the same gender. 

Welcome Aboard

While onboard, if you have any concerns or information relating to the safety and security of the flight, please speak to a cabin crew member who will promptly assist with your inquiry.

Virgin Australia Security Vision

To provide a secure and safe guest-friendly environment, in which both our guests and staff can enjoy the Virgin Australia experience.

Useful Links

View the links below for information regarding: