A new airport experience is coming

We strive to make your trip wonderful long before you step on board. That is why Virgin Australia is reimagining the domestic airport experience to make it faster, simpler, and more in your control.  

From May 2026, we’re upgrading to a digital-first check-in experience for domestic travellers, reducing check-in times by up to 50%*. This will enable our airport teams to better assist those guests who need extra help.

Download the Virgin Australia App

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or the occasional holiday-maker, more of your travel experience will happen in the Virgin Australia app - from checking in to managing your booking on the go. 

Smart phone with Virgin Australia App interface for customers to manage their flight with ease.

Travelling soon? Here’s our top tips

1. Download the Virgin Australia app

2. Check in online before arriving at the airport

3. Ensure your carry-on baggage is within the allowance (scales are available at the airport).

4. At the airport, drop your checked baggage using the automated bag drop

5. Look out for our Guest Services Agents ready to assist.

Your next domestic trip might look something like this:  

Before you arrive at the airport: Check in via the Virgin Australia app

Skip the queue and start your journey from the comfort of your home or hotel. 

  • From May 2026, Virgin Australia check-in kiosks across some major Australian Domestic airports will begin switching to bag tag printing only.
  • Checking in before you arrive at the airport will be the fastest way to start your trip. 
  • Check-in closes 30 minutes before departure.

Need assistance? Our Guest Services Agents will be at the airport to lend a hand.

From your app: More ways to manage your trip with ease

  • Fly Ahead & Fly Later: Eligible Velocity members can request to change to an earlier^ or later# same day domestic Virgin Australia operated flight to their destination via the Virgin Australia app when travelling on an eligible fare. Subject to seat availability.
  • Fly earlier (complimentary): To manage operations and to ease congestion, we may offer you the option to switch to an earlier same day flight to your destination via the Virgin Australia app, subject to seat availability~. You will receive a notification via the Virgin Australia app if Fly earlier is available.   
  • Upgrade your flight: Bid for Business Class directly from the app with UpgradeMe Premium Bid up to 4 hours prior to departure1, or premium extra leg room Economy X seating up to 2 hours prior to departure2.

At the airport: Drop your bag with upgraded automated bag drop

Bag drop is now faster than ordering a morning coffee at select airports, thanks to Australian-first technology using advanced camera and barcode recognition.

  • After checking in, print your bag tag at the kiosk, attach it, and place your bag on the automated belt at least 30 minutes before departure, no boarding pass scan required.
  • Passengers flying from Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Darwin, Mackay, and Sunshine Coast will be the first to experience the technology.
  • Melbourne, Adelaide, Launceston, and Gold Coast are also scheduled for upgrades. 
Changes to Velocity Priority benefits

Airport upgrades

Upgrades have already begun in some airports and will continue across major Australian domestic airports during 2026: 

Airport/Terminal Status of check-in experience changes
Mackay Airport Changes currently in progress
Darwin Airport Changes planned for 2026
Sydney T2 Domestic Airport Changes commencing late May 2026
Launceston Airport Changes currently in progress
Melbourne T3 Domestic Airport Changes planned for 2026
Adelaide Airport Changes planned for 2026
Sunshine Coast Airport Changes planned for 2026
Brisbane Domestic Airport Changes planned for 2026 to early 2027
Perth T1 Domestic Airport Changes planned for 2026
Perth Virgin Australia Regional T2 Airport Changes planned for 2026
Gold Coast Airport Changes planned for 2026

FAQs

Check-in and airport experience

Accessibility, groups & complex bookings

New upgrade and flexibility app features

Priority benefits & Status members