-
/
-
Travel info
/
-
Specific travel
/
Flying with kids
If you’re flying with a little one, here’s some things you might want to know to help make your journey as seamless as possible.
Overview
Please note that information on this page only applies to flights operated by Virgin Australia. For flights operated by other airlines, please contact the airline directly.
Infant Under 2 years old
Fare eligibility: Infant flight fare may be booked with or without an allocated seat.
Travel requirements: Must be accompanied by the parent/legal guardian^ or a passenger who is 15 years of age or over.
Only one infant may be booked to travel with each adult or guardian.
Travel assistance options: N/A
Child 2-4 years old
Fare eligibility: Child flight fare must be booked.
Travel requirements: Must be accompanied by the parent/legal guardian^ or a passenger who is 15 years of age or over.
Travel assistance options: N/A
Child 5-11 years old
Fare eligibility: Child flight fare must be booked.
Travel requirements: May travel alone under the Unaccompanied Minor program.
Travel assistance options: You must book your child as an Unaccompanied Minor if they are travelling alone (without a parent/legal guardian^, or a passenger who is 15 years of age or over) or travelling in a different cabin class to their parent/legal guardian.*
Young Person 12-17 years old
Fare eligibility: Adult flight fare must be booked.
Travel requirements: May travel alone.
Travel assistance options: You may book your child as a Young Person Travelling Alone.**
If your child is aged 12-15 years, you may request for Unaccompanied Minor assistance.*
^ Parent/legal guardian must be aged 13 years or over.
* Unaccompanied Minors can only be booked on Domestic or International Short Haul flights operated by Virgin Australia. Unaccompanied Minors cannot be booked on connecting flights.
** Young Persons Travelling Alone can be booked on all Virgin Australia flights including connecting flights.
Fares for infants and children
Find the cost of infant and child fares across our network below.
- Fares must be booked based on the age at the time of travel.
- For example, if booking for a child who will turn 12 years old during the journey, the flight must be booked as an adult.
To book fares for infants and children, book online or call our Guest Contact Centre.
Cost of fare
Infant - Not occupying own seat
Domestic: Free
Trans-Tasman: 10% of full fare*
International Short Haul: 10% of the full fare*
Infant - Occupying own seat^
Domestic: Full fare
Trans-Tasman: Full fare
International Short Haul: 75% of the full fare*
Child
Domestic: Full fare
Trans-Tasman: Full fare
International Short Haul: 75% of the full fare*
^ For infants occupying their own seat, an approved child restraint system must be used. To book fares for infants occupying their own seat, please call our Guest Contact Centre.
* Excludes taxes, fees and surcharges.
Baggage allowances
Carry-on baggage
Children are entitled to the same carry-on baggage allowance as adults.
Adults travelling with an infant on their lap may bring one additional small personal item free of charge. This item must fit under the seat in front of you and not exceed (L45cm × W33cm × H20cm).
Infant essential items may include:
- Baby milk (including breast milk)
- Sterilised water or juice
- Baby food in liquid, gel or paste form
- Nappies and disposable wipes.
Check below to see what you can bring onboard
Infant carry-on allowances depend on your cabin class or Velocity membership status.
Economy
Guests in Economy travelling with an infant can choose from one of the below two options:
Option 1
- 1 standard bag (max 8kg, L56cm x W36cm x H23cm)
- 1 personal item (L45cm x W33cm x H20cm) and
- 1 extra personal item for infant essential items (as above)
Option 2
- 1 personal item (L45cm x W33cm x H20cm)
- 1 extra personal item for infant essential items (as above) and
- 1 Pram (max 8kg, L56cm x W36cm x H23cm, must be collapsible and stay collapsed for entire flight)
Note: If the pram exceeds the above dimensions, it can be checked free of charge at the gate. Guests are still entitled to check up to three infant items free of charge as checked baggage.
Business, Economy X & select Velocity members
Guests in Business Class, Velocity Gold, Platinum, or Platinum Plus, and those in Economy X travelling with an infant can choose from one of the below three options:
Option 1
- 1 standard bag (max 8kg, L56cm x W36cm x H23cm)
- 1 personal item (L45cm x W33cm x H20cm) and
- 1 extra personal item for infant essential items (as above)
Option 2
- 2 small bags (combined total 14kg, L48cm x W34cm x H23cm)
- 1 personal item (L45cm x W33cm x H20cm)
- 1 extra personal item for infant essential items (as above)
Option 3
- 1 personal item (L45cm x W33cm x H20cm)
- 1 extra personal item for infant essential items (as above)
- 1 Pram (max 8kg, L56cm x W36cm x H23cm, must be collapsible and stay collapsed for entire flight)
Note: If the pram exceed the above dimensions, it can be checked free of charge at the gate. Guests are still entitled to check up to three infant items free of charge as checked baggage.
Note: Whether you check-in or carry-on the pram, we recommend bringing a pram bag as this will make for a smoother journey.
Checked baggage
- Infants and children are entitled to carry special items as checked baggage, free of charge, as listed below.
- If you're travelling with an infant, you may check in a 23kg bag as part of your special item baggage allowance (except where you are flying on an Economy Lite fare).
Allowances based on fare type
Infant - Not occupying own seat
Lite: 3 special infant items^
Choice, Flex & Business: 3 special infant items
Infant - Occupying own seat
Lite: 3 special infant items^
Choice, Flex & Business: 1 x 23kg bag
+
3 special infant items
Child
Lite: 2 special equipment items
Choice, Flex & Business: 2 special equipment items
^ Checked baggage not permitted as a special infant item when an adult is flying on an Economy Lite fare.
Prams and strollers
Special infant items:
- Pram/stroller
- Portable cot
- Car seat
- Baby capsule
- 1 x 23kg checked bag (If the adult travelling with the infant (either infant with or without a seat) has purchased an Economy Lite fare, then the infant special item of one checked bag will be excluded as a 'special infant item' that can be carried without charge).
*Please note that special items and essential baby products are not restricted to the above.
Special equipment items:
- Pram/stroller
- Portable cot
- Car seat
- Baby capsule
*Please note that special items and essential baby products are not restricted to the above.
Onboard the flight
To help make your journey as seamless as possible, guests may bring various devices and comfort items onboard the flight. See below for a list of approved items and restrictions.
Sleeping and support devices
-
Kids sleeping devices
Happy tots mean happy parents, which is why Virgin Australia allows the use of certain guest comfort devices on our aircraft – including Plane Pal, Fly Tot and JetKids BedBox.
Comfort items are included in your carry-on baggage allowance.
If you are using a comfort device onboard your flight, please ensure the following guidelines are met.
- You are responsible for device set-up and use.
- The device may only be set up once the seatbelt sign is switched off and must be stowed securely during taxi, take-off and landing.
- If inflatable, the device valve must face the aisle for easy inflation and deflation.
- Whenever the seatbelt sign is illuminated, children must be seated with a seatbelt fastened and infants must have an infant seatbelt fastened or be secured in a fixed bassinet.
- Children must be secured with their head towards the back of their own seat and their feet facing forward.
- The use of the device must not affect the comfort of other passengers.
- No device may be used that requires attachment to any part of the aircraft for structural stability.
Example of use on Boeing 737 or smaller aircraft:
-
Bassinets, car seats and child restraint systems
Child restraint systems (CRS)
Virgin Australia accept the carriage of selected child restraint systems (CRS), including car seats and harnesses, onboard the aircraft subject to satisfaction of the below requirements.
Approved support devices designed to provide upper postural support for a guest with disability can be found on our mobility assistance page.
To be considered for travel, all other CRS that aren’t classified as an approved support device must be certified for carriage in the aircraft by meeting one of the below labelling/marking requirements and also the Car Seat Acceptance Criteria below. Wording on labels must be consistent with wording outlined below.
Comply with Australian design standard AS/NZS 1754: 2013 and onwards
- Be permanently and legibly marked AS/NZS 1754 and bear the label ‘This child restraint system meets the standard for use in aircraft as recommended by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Australia and the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand.
- Car seats that comply with Australian design standard AS/NZS 1754 and which bear the approved label for fitment in an aircraft (see below) can be installed on Virgin Australia aircraft with only the use of the aircraft seat belt.
Approved Label for Aircraft Use
*May be certified for Forward or Rear facing use, Forward only use or Rear facing only use.
- Car seats that comply with Australian design standard AS/NZS 1754 which do not bear the approved label for fitment in an aircraft are currently unsuitable for carriage on Virgin Australia aircraft, as they require a top tether in addition to the fastened lap belt to secure the three-point attachment.
Comply with United States FAA design standard FMVSS No. 213
Have two markings: 'This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards' and in red lettering: ‘This Restraint is Certified for Use in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft’.
Be approved under United States FAA process TSO-C100b
Be permanently and legibly marked ‘TSO-C100b’.
Be approved under United States FAA process 21.305(d)
Be clearly marked showing FAA approval under 21.305(d) and bear the label ‘FAA Approved in Accordance with 14 CFR 21.305(d)’.
Be approved under United Nations ECE (Economic Commission for Europe) Regulation No. 44
- Be clearly marked with a circle around the letter ‘E’ followed by the distinguishing number of the country which has granted approval.
- Be clearly marked with the approval number showing version ECE R44/03 or ECE R44/04.
Be clearly marked with a label showing the CRS has been certified to CMVSS 213 or 213.1
- Rear-facing restraint systems are certified to CMVSS 213.1.
- Forward-facing restraint systems are certified to CMVSS 213.
- Convertible restraint systems are certified to both CMVSS 213 and 213.1.
Car seat acceptance criteria
In addition to the above, car seats must meet the following criteria prior to being considered for travel:
- Be designed so they can be secured with a fastened to the aircraft seat with a seat belt only
- Not exceed a width of 44cm (17 inches)
- Be designed to restrain the weight of a child using the device, which unless others specified on the label is 9kg or less for rear facing restraints and 18 kg or less for forward facing restraints
- Must be in good condition, showing no signs of damage
- Have a single release that secures and releases your child’s seat belt, torso and shoulder straps. The car seat must be sufficiently secure so that the child cannot easily undo the strap
- Be quick and easy for the parent/guardian to secure and remove the child
- Have a solid back and seat
If accepted for carriage, car seats must also be:
- Fitted to the aircraft seat by parent/guardian
- Must not impede guest access to aisle or exit routes (this includes protrusion over the seat cushion edging)
- Seat allocated according to airline seating rules
-
Pre-approved support devices
Virgin Australia does not provide, but permits use of the selected Support Devices onboard for infants, children and guests with disabilities.
Pre-approved devices have been tested for fitment and safety compliance within the aircraft for use during flight. These devices must have the original label intact and must be used in accordance with operating instructions.
The Pre-Approved Support Devices are approved for use in most seats, pending legislative and fitting limitations. Additional information regarding pre-approved devices and seating requirements can be found in our Pre-Approved Support Devices List (PDF - 37KB).
See more information on support devices on the Kids Fly Safe website.
Talk to Us
If you are planning to travel with a Support Device onboard a Virgin Australia flight, we encourage you to contact our Guest Contact Centre at least 24 hours before departure.
At the Airport
A visual assessment of all devices will be conducted at check-in and onboard. All labels, supporting paperwork and operating instructions must be clearly visible and available for inspection by Virgin Australia staff, at all times.
Our priority is the safety of you, your family, our guests and crew. If it is determined that a particular device does not meet our requirements it must be carried as checked baggage.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What extra carry-on baggage allowance do I get when travelling with an infant?
Adults travelling with an infant may bring one additional small personal item free of charge specifically for infant essentials.
This item must fit under the seat in front of you and not exceed:
length 45cm × width 33cm × height 20cm, or 8kg in weight. -
What items are considered “infant essentials”?
Typical infant essentials include items you’ll use during the flight, such as:
- Baby milk (including breast milk)
- Sterilised water or juice
- Baby food in liquid, gel or paste form
- Nappies and disposable wipes.
-
Do these infant items count toward my carry-on baggage allowance?
No. Your personal item for infant essentials is in addition to your standard carry-on allowance. You can still bring your own carry-on bag(s) according to your fare or Velocity status level.
-
Can I bring a stroller onboard as carry-on baggage?
Yes, you may bring a stroller onboard if it fits within the carry-on size limit (up to length 56cm × width 36cm × length 23cm and 8kg or less in weight).
If the stroller meets the requirements, it will replace your standard carry-on bag included in your fare. If it doesn’t meet the requirements for carry-on baggage, you can check it in at the gate for free.
-
Can I bring other infant equipment with me?
Yes! You’re entitled to check up to three special infant items free of charge (like a pram, stroller, portable cot, car seat, or baby capsule) as checked baggage. Three checked items are permitted, regardless of whether you take the stroller as carry-on baggage.
-
Is there a weight limit for the infant essentials personal item?
Yes, individual carry-on baggage items cannot exceed 8kg in weight. In addition, the infant essentials item must fit under the seat in front of you and be within the size requirements.
-
What carry-on baggage allowance will I have if I purchase an Economy seat for my infant?
If you have purchased an Economy seat for your infant to occupy during your flight, then your infant will have their own Economy carry-on baggage allowance. This will entitle them to a total of one standard carry-on bag (8kg) and one personal item.
-
Does my infant need to have their own seat to bring extra baggage?
No. Whether your infant is flying on your lap or in their own seat, the extra small personal item for infant essentials is permitted for the accompanying adult.
-
What about liquids like baby formula or breast milk?
You may bring necessary baby liquids (milk, juice, sterilised water) for your infant onboard the aircraft, even if over usual liquid limits, as part of your infant essentials.
When travelling on an international flight, the liquids must be only for use on the flight and they are subject to approval by local security authorities.
-
Do child comfort items count toward my carry-on limit?
Yes. Items such as Plane Pal, Fly Tot or JetKids BedBoxes do count toward your standard carry-on baggage allowance and must comply with Virgin Australia’s in-cabin use guidelines.
-
What happens if my carry-on baggage exceeds the limits?
Bags that are oversized or overweight beyond allowance may need to be checked at the gate and checked baggage fees can apply.
-
My pram is labelled as ‘carry-on friendly’, can I just bring it on board?
No, it's not that simple. Your pram must be no more than 8kg and maximum dimensions: L56cm x W36cm x H23cm when folded. The safety regulations and overhead bin size is unique for each airline and you can not rely on labels like ‘carry-on friendly’.