Carry-on baggage

It is recommended that guests travelling with any of the following items place these items within their checked baggage prior to arrival at the airport: sporting goods with sharp edges or points capable of injuring a person; sharp objects which may be capable of causing harm by perforation; blunt items that are able to be used to bludgeon a person; household flammable goods; items capable of being used to a restrain a person; and weapons which are unable to be taken through airport security screening points.

Some common examples include:

• Saws, screwdrivers and hammers
• Firearms
• Pointed scissors or scissors with blades longer than 6cms
• Flares
• Disabling devices such as Tasers or pepper/OC spray
• Baseball, softball and cricket bats
• Billiard, pool or snooker cues
• Martial arts equipment such as numchucks and knuckle dusters
• Hockey sticks and golf clubs
• Fireworks
• Petrol
• Cable ties and handcuffs

If it is identified at a passenger screening point 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.

Inflatable items

All inflatable items must be deflated before they are permitted as carry-on baggage. Inflated items must travel in the hold of the aircraft as checked baggage. This includes inflated sports balls (i.e. footballs and basketballs).

Further information

Most countries largely remain consistent with what items are considered prohibited items and weapons, however for further clarification, visit:

• Australia - Australian Government website
• New Zealand - Aviation Security Service website
• USA - TSA website
• Hong Kong - Civil Aviation Department website 
• Japan - Japan Customs website

Adults travelling with infants are entitled to take an additional 7kg carry-on baggage free of charge for essential baby products, as listed below:

• Baby milk, including breast milk
• Sterilised water
• Juice
• Baby food in liquid, gel or paste form
• Disposable wipes.

Certain child comfort items, including kids’ sleeping devices, are now permitted for use on board Virgin Australia aircraft. Items such as Plane Pal, Fly Tot and Jetkids Bedbox are approved for use provided they meet the Guidelines for Use. Guest comfort items are included in your 7kg hand luggage allowance. For more information see Travelling with Children.

Medical assistance items (CPAP machines, crutches, wheelchairs, etc) are exempt from the restrictions detailed above.

Guests who require sharp items such as syringes for medical use (e.g. diabetics), provisions are in place to allow for these items to be carried onboard an aircraft.

Refer to specific needs and assistance for more information.

Small musical instruments can be taken onboard as carry-on baggage provided that each instrument does not exceed dimensions of 85cm x 34cm x 23cm (total linear dimensions 142cm).

Each musical instrument counts towards your carry-on allowance - substituting for a piece with total linear dimensions of 105cm. View more information on musical instruments in oversized and fragile items.

The only items that can occupy a seat (apart from a guest) are a cello or a guitar. Guests planning to travel with a cello or guitar should call the Guest Contact Centre to book an extra seat.

A passenger travelling with an assistance animal is entitled to carry up to 3 special items as checked baggage free of charge on Virgin Australia flights.

Please see our assistance animals page for more information.