• Oversized baggage can be checked in, provided each item does not exceed their baggage weight allowance; otherwise they will be charged with an overweight baggage fee.
  • Each item should also not exceed 32kg in weight. Items heavier than 32kg must be shipped as Freight.
  • Wheelchair/mobility aids are carried free of charge – if required for personal use by a guest booked to travel on our service.
  • Domestic Guests travelling with a child (2–11 years old) on our domestic network, are entitled to carry 1 car seat or booster seat per child as checked baggage free of charge, irrespective of the weight.
  • Whilst we may accept an item for travel, subject to the applicable laws, our liability for loss or damage is limited. We strongly recommend you purchase insurance to cover yourself in such circumstances. For further information please refer to our  Conditions of Carriage and our Delayed and Damaged Baggage page.

Excess baggage charges

Excess baggage is charged per piece and can be pre-purchased as additional pieces to the included allowances or purchased by pieces at the airport at a higher rate.

Note: Excess baggage fees are subject to change at any time without notice.

  • In line with new health and safety measures, cash will no longer be accepted as a form of payment at the airport. We accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express credit and debit cards.
  • We cannot guarantee that additional baggage will be carried. This is at our sole discretion and is subject to aircraft loads.
  • See  Checked Baggage for Baggage Fee Pricing.
  • Baggage allowance exceptions apply for those customers travelling with approved infant items and personal mobility aids. All other baggage including musical instruments (not travelling in an extra booked seat) are weighed at check-in and charged according to their actual weight.

Maximum limits

Oversized baggage can be checked in, provided each piece does not exceed 32kg in weight. Guests with oversize baggage may call the Guest Contact Centre on 13 67 89 before arriving at the airport.

Note: Please distribute weight equally between bags when travelling with multiple bags.

Virgin Australia’s fleet includes a number of different aircraft types, all of which have slightly different operational limitations that affect the weight and size of the baggage they can carry.

Aircraft type Maximum length
B737 3.0 metres in length
A320 3.0 metres in length
F100 3.0 metres in length

Virgin Australia will make all reasonable efforts to transport oversized items on the same flight as their owners, but we cannot guarantee that this will be the case.

Fragile items

Oversized and fragile items accepted on Virgin Australia include but are not be limited to the following:

  • Glassware and breakables
  • Odd shaped items
  • Some types of sporting equipment
  • Prams
  • Large boxes
  • Wheelchairs
  • Musical instrument (an extra seat can be purchased for guitar and cello)
  • Wedding dress

Note: Oversized baggage that is accepted on Virgin Australia flights may not be accepted on any interline or codeshare flights. The customer should contact any other applicable airline to discuss uplift of oversized baggage.

Wheelchairs and mobility aids

Wheelchairs/mobility aids are carried free of charge when required for personal use by guests who are travelling. For further information on travelling with assistance see our Mobility Assistance page.

Due to restrictions in our aircraft hold space there is a limit on the amount of electric wheelchairs/mobility aids permitted per flight. The maximum amount and dimensions of electric wheelchairs/mobility aids are as listed below. All items must be properly packaged, so that they do not cause damage to our aircraft or guest baggage.

Wheelchair/Mobility Aids B737
Number (per flight) 4
Height 84cm (33in)
Width 100cm (39in)
Length 125cm (49in)

Sports equipment

Each item of sports equipment represents one piece of checked baggage. If you would like to purchase additional baggage, please visit Manage Your Booking or call the Guest Contact Centre. 

Sporting equipment must not exceed 32kg or maximum dimensions, which varies between aircraft types. If your sporting equipment item exceeds 23kg, an overweight baggage fee will apply.

What sports equipment can I check in?

  • Bikes
  • Golf clubs
  • Snow skis
  • Snowboards
  • Surfboards
  • Cricket or tennis bags
  • Skateboards
  • Fishing rods

Travelling with a bike

Bicycles including battery powered electric bikes will only be accepted as checked baggage if packaged in a hard or soft manufactured bike box. Bike boxes may be purchased at the airport check-in counter. Before bicycles can be accepted for uplift, they must be packaged as follows:

Generally, the following applies to disassemble a bike:

  • Turn handle bars sideways, and secure to frame. It may be necessary to remove the front wheel
  • Remove pedals
  • Lower or remove seat post
  • Remove any accessories
  • Deflate bicycle tyres

When packing a bike, remember to:

  • Place any loose accessories such as pedals or water bottles into a bag then place in the box. Ensure that only bike parts are packed in the box.
  • Seal the box, and label it with your name, and contact phone number.
  • Ensure no part of the bike is protruding out of the box.

Additional requirements for a battery powered electric bike:

  • The lithium battery must not exceed 160Wh (watt-hours). Batteries over 160Wh are not permitted
  • Further battery information can be found at Batteries.

Note: If a bike is not packed according to Virgin Australia's requirements, or is not checked in prior to one hour before departure, we will not be able to accept the bike for travel.

We recommend that guests pre-purchase a box and pack their bike at least 24 hours prior to departure to ensure it is ready on time. Bike boxes can be purchased the airport for $25.00. A booking reference is required for purchase.

Travelling with a surfboard

Surfboards may only be accepted onboard if packaged in a protective covering, with padded protection around the fin area. Virgin Australia recommends surfboard fins be removed where possible and placed in an enclosed compartment.

Travelling with skis or a snowboard

Snow skis and snowboards may only be accepted onboard as checked baggage if packaged in a protective skis/snowboard bag.

Travelling with a fishing rod

Fishing rods must be protected in a PVC cylinder, with screw ends obtained from a local fishing store, or in PVC plumbing or electrical tubing. Fishing Rods must not be strapped to suitcases or other baggage. 

Travelling with a firearm

Firearms are permitted as Checked Baggage. It is the responsibility of the Guest to ensure all necessary permits and licenses required for the country you are travelling to, from or through, are held prior to travel.

Requirements of Travel:

  • Firearm must be declared at Check-in.
  • Firearm must be packed in a lockable case, and locked.
  • Firearm case must not be packed inside another bag/suitcase and remain separate.
  • Firearm must be unloaded.
  • Ammunition may travel in the same case as long as the items are separated by a partition within the case. Note – Refer to Dangerous Goods for Ammunition restrictions.
  • Firearm will be treated as a Restricted Item and may have different handling requirements at each airport.
  • Firearm will not be delivered on arrivals baggage belt at your destination, and you must provide the Restricted Item tag receipt to collect.
  • Depending on local procedures, the firearm may require inspection by Customs Authorities prior to check-in or at transit locations.
  • Regulations and conditions of carriage for passengers travelling with firearms and ammunition including licenses, documentation and conditions imposed by countries or other carriers is the sole responsibility of the person travelling.

Musical instruments

Guests may take small musical instruments onboard as carry-on baggage provided that each instrument does not exceed dimensions of 85cm x 34cm x 23cm (total linear dimensions 142cm). As an example only, many violins fit within these dimensions, while most guitars do not.

An instrument replaces one of the guest’s pieces of carry-on baggage (equivalent to a piece with total linear dimensions of 105cm), and the weight counts toward the guest’s 7kg total carry-on allowance.

Guests are asked to measure their musical instrument before arriving at the airport. It is recommended that guests board their aircraft promptly in order to stow their instrument in an overhead locker.

Larger musical instruments (exceeding dimensions of 85cm x 34cm x 23cm) are not allocated an additional baggage allowance and are managed as follows:

  • A musical instrument is considered to be a piece of baggage for the purposes of our baggage policy.
  • Any musical instrument that weighs between 23kg and 32kg is charged as overweight baggage if it exceeds the guests included baggage allowance. Baggage allowances can be found under Checked Baggage .
  • Any musical instrument over 32kg must be sent as Freight.
  • Guests who wish to travel with a cello or guitar in the cabin must purchase an additional seat. For further information please contact the Guest Contact Centre .

 

Seafood, meat and frozen products 

You may take seafood, meat and frozen products (Perishable Products) as Checked Baggage on Virgin Australia-operated flights (including VARA) when packed in the following way and at your risk:

  • Perishable products must be completely frozen.
  • Perishable Products must be carried in one of the following approved containers: solid plastic or fibreglass eskies, coolers or chilly bins; and solid Styrofoam or polystyrene boxes with lid in good condition.
  • Soft-sided cooler bags and cardboard boxes are NOT approved containers.
  • All Perishable Products must be sealed and double wrapped in plastic to prevent leakage during the flight.
  • Water ice may be used, provided it is contained within sealed plastic bricks. No other water ice is permitted.
  • Gel cooling packs are permitted to be used to keep the Perishable Products frozen.
  • Dry ice may be used subject to the following conditions being met: the container must be ventilated, and the carriage of dry ice declared at check-in. A maximum of 2.5kg of dry ice is permitted.
  • Containers over 23kg will be subject to an Overweight Fee. The maximum weight of the approved container (excluding Styrofoam or polystyrene boxes with lid) must not exceed 32kg: refer to Domestic Excess Baggage Charges at the Airport for details. The total weight of solid Styrofoam or polystyrene boxes with a lid cannot exceed 20kg.
  • Absorbent material which will absorb the total of any possible fluid leaks shall be placed in the bottom of the container.
  • Guest Service (GS) will inspect inside the continer, please ensure that the container has not been taped or locked prior to Guest Services having inspected the inside of the container.

The transport of Perishable Products is at your risk and subject to the liability regime set out in about-us/policies/legal/conditions-of-carriageOur Conditions of Carriage. 

Note that Perishable Products that are not packed in accordance with these requirements can cause significant damage to other passengers’ baggage and the aircraft, and flight delays connected with baggage removal, cleaning and flight cancellations. 

Note: Live seafood (e.g. crayfish and mud crabs) must not be carried as checked baggage. If you wish to transport live seafood you must contact Freight Services.

 

Non-standard items 

Non-standard baggage items that are not infant items are considered as part of a guest’s piece allowance.

Wheelchairs/mobility aids are carried free of charge when required for personal use by a guest who is travelling.

Note: The only item that can occupy a seat (apart from a guest) is a cello. If you are travelling with a cello, please call our Guest Contact Centre to book an extra seat.

Hunting trophies/shark fins

Virgin Australia does not support the transportation of hunting trophies, endangered species or shark fins and therefore, does not transport these items.

Human remains

Cremated remains (human and animal) in the form of ashes may be stored in carry-on or checked baggage but must be shipped in funeral urns which are effectively cushioned against breakage by suitable packaging. The ashes must be contained in a sealed container (urn) of such construction that there can be no risk of accidental spillage.

A funeral urn carried in the cabin as carry-on baggage by a guest must conform to the following conditions before being accepted:

  • The ashes must be contained in a sealed container (funeral urn) of such construction that there can be no risk of accidental spillage.
  • The guest must have a letter from a funeral director or crematorium identifying the contents as human remains.
  • The urn must pass through security screening with the guest.
  • Guests are not required to open the urn at security screen, but if the urn is stored in another bag the outer bag has to be opened to view the actual container the ashes are in.
  • The urn is wholly contained inside a suitable carry-on bag which conforms to carry-on baggage size and weight limits. The bag and the urn are to remain closed during flight.

If a customer enquires about transporting a coffin, they are required to do so via  Freight.
 

  • Oversized baggage can be checked in, provided each item does not exceed their baggage weight allowance; otherwise they will be charged with an overweight baggage fee.
  • Each item should also not exceed 32kg in weight. Items heavier than 32kg must be shipped as Freight.
  • Wheelchair/mobility aids are carried free of charge – if required for personal use by a guest booked to travel on our service.
  • Whilst we may accept an item for travel, subject to the applicable laws, our liability for loss or damage is limited. We strongly recommend you purchase insurance to cover yourself in such circumstances. For further information please refer to our Conditions of Carriage and our Delayed and Damaged Baggage page.

Excess baggage charges

Excess baggage is charged per piece and can be pre-purchased as additional pieces to the included allowances or purchased by pieces at the airport at a higher rate.

Note: Excess baggage fees are subject to change at any time without notice.

  • In line with new health and safety measures, cash will no longer be accepted as a form of payment at the airport. We accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express credit and debit cards.
  • We cannot guarantee that additional baggage will be carried. This is at our sole discretion and is subject to aircraft loads.
  • See Checked Baggage for Baggage Fee Pricing.
  • Baggage allowance exceptions apply for those customers travelling with approved infant items and personal mobility aids. All other baggage including musical instruments (not travelling in an extra booked seat) are weighed at check-in and charged according to their actual weight.

Maximum limits

Oversized baggage can be checked in, provided each piece does not exceed 32kg in weight. Guests with baggage pieces heavier than 32kg each should contact Freight Services on 13 15 06 before arrive at the airport.

Note:

  • Please distribute weight equally between bags when travelling with multiple bags. 

Virgin Australia’s fleet includes a number of different aircraft types, all of which have slightly different operational limitations that affect the weight and size of the baggage they can carry.

Aircraft type Maximum length
B737 3.0 metres in length
A320 9.8 metres in length (depending on the flexibility of the item)
F100 6.0 metres in length (depending on the flexibility of the item)

Virgin Australia will make all reasonable efforts to transport oversized items on the same flight as their owners, but we cannot guarantee that this will be the case.

Fragile items

Oversized and fragile items accepted on Virgin Australia include but are not be limited to the following:

  • Glassware and breakables
  • Odd shaped items
  • Some types of sporting equipment
  • Prams
  • Large boxes
  • Wheelchairs
  • Musical instrument (an extra seat can be purchased for guitar and cello)
  • Wedding dress


Note: 
Oversized baggage that is accepted on Virgin Australia flights may not be accepted on any interline or codeshare flights. The customer should contact any other applicable airline to discuss uplift of oversized baggage.

Wheelchairs and mobility aids

Wheelchairs/mobility aids are carried free of charge when required for personal use by guests who are travelling. For further information on travelling with assistance see our Mobility Assistance page.

Due to restrictions in our aircraft hold space there is a limit on the amount of electric wheelchairs/mobility aids permitted per flight. The maximum amount and dimensions of electric wheelchairs/mobility aids are as listed below. All items must be properly packaged, so that they do not cause damage to our aircraft or guest baggage.

Wheelchair/Mobility Aids B737
Number (per flight) 2
Height 84cm (33in)
Width 100cm (39in)
Length 125cm (49in)

Sports equipment

Each item of sports equipment represents one piece of checked baggage. If you would like to purchase additional baggage, please visit Manage Your Booking or call the Guest Contact Centre. 

Sporting equipment must not exceed 32kg or maximum dimensions, which varies between aircraft types. If your sporting equipment item exceeds 23kg, an overweight baggage fee will apply.

What sports equipment can I check in?

  • Bikes
  • Golf clubs
  • Snow skis
  • Snowboards
  • Surfboards
  • Cricket or tennis bags
  • Skateboards
  • Fishing rods

Travelling with a bike

Bicycles including battery powered electric bikes will only be accepted as checked baggage if packaged in a hard or soft manufactured bike box. Bike boxes may be purchased at the airport check-in counter. Before bicycles can be accepted for uplift, they must be packaged as follows:

Generally, the following applies to disassemble a bike:

  • Turn handle bars sideways, and secure to frame. It may be necessary to remove the front wheel
  • Remove pedals
  • Lower or remove seat post
  • Remove any accessories
  • Deflate bicycle tyres

When packing a bike, remember to:

  • Place any loose accessories such as pedals or water bottles into a bag then place in the box. Ensure that only bike parts are packed in the box.
  • Seal the box, and label it with your name, and contact phone number.
  • Ensure no part of the bike is protruding out of the box.

Additional requirements for a battery powered electric bike:

  • The lithium battery must not exceed 160Wh (watt-hours). Batteries over 160Wh are not permitted
  • Further battery information can be found at Batteries

Note: If a bike is not packed according to Virgin Australia's requirements, or is not checked in prior to one hour before departure, we will not be able to accept the bike for travel.

We recommend that guests pre-purchase a box and pack their bike at least 24 hours prior to departure to ensure it is ready on time. Bike boxes can be purchased the airport for $25.00.

Travelling with a surfboard

Surfboards may only be accepted onboard if packaged in a protective covering, with padded protection around the fin area. Virgin Australia recommends surfboard fins be removed where possible and placed in an enclosed compartment.

Travelling with skis or a snowboard

Snow skis and snowboards may only be accepted onboard as checked baggage if packaged in a protective skis/snowboard bag.

Travelling with a fishing rod

Fishing rods must be protected in a PVC cylinder, with screw ends obtained from a local fishing store, or in PVC plumbing or electrical tubing. Fishing Rods must not be strapped to suitcases or other baggage. 

Travelling with a firearm

Firearms are permitted as Checked Baggage. It is the responsibility of the Guest to ensure all necessary permits and licenses required for the country you are travelling to, from or through, are held prior to travel.

Requirements of Travel:

  • Firearm must be declared at Check-in.
  • Firearm must be packed in a lockable case, and locked.
  • Firearm case must not be packed inside another bag/suitcase and remain separate.
  • Firearm must be unloaded.
  • Ammunition may travel in the same case as long as the items are separated by a partition within the case. Note – Refer to Dangerous Goods for Ammunition restrictions.
  • Firearm will be treated as a Restricted Item and may have different handling requirements at each airport.
  • Firearm will not be delivered on arrivals baggage belt at your destination, and you must provide the Restricted Item tag receipt to collect.
  • Depending on local procedures, the firearm may require inspection by Customs Authorities prior to check-in or at transit locations.
  • Regulations and conditions of carriage for passengers travelling with firearms and ammunition including licenses, documentation and conditions imposed by countries or other carriers is the sole responsibility of the person travelling.

Requirements when travelling to/from/through Fiji – approval must obtained by the Civil Aviation Authority Fiji (CAAF) for the item to be carried by a guest. Please email va.specialassistance@virginaustralia.com for further support in requesting approval.

Musical instruments

Guests may take small musical instruments onboard as carry-on baggage provided that each instrument does not exceed dimensions of 85cm x 34cm x 23cm (total linear dimensions 142cm). As an example only, many violins fit within these dimensions, while most guitars do not.

An instrument replaces one of the guest’s pieces of carry-on baggage (equivalent to a piece with total linear dimensions of 105cm), and the weight counts toward the guest’s 7kg total carry-on allowance.

Guests are asked to measure their musical instrument before arriving at the airport. It is recommended that guests board their aircraft promptly in order to stow their instrument in an overhead locker.

Larger musical instruments (exceeding dimensions of 85cm x 34cm x 23cm) are not allocated an additional baggage allowance and are managed as follows:

  • A musical instrument is considered to be a piece of baggage for the purposes of our baggage policy.
  • Any musical instrument that weighs between 23kg and 32kg is charged as overweight baggage. If it exceeds the guests included baggage allowance. Baggage allowances can be found under Checked Baggage
  • Any musical instrument over 32kg must be sent as Freight.
  • Guests who wish to travel with a cello or guitar in the cabin must purchase an additional seat. For further information please contact the Guest Contact Centre.

Seafood, meat and frozen products 

You may take seafood, meat and frozen products (Perishable Products) as checked baggage on Virgin Australia-operated flights when packed in the following way and at your risk: 

  • Perishable Products must be completely frozen.
  • Perishable Products must be carried in one of the following approved container: solid plastic or fibreglass eskies, coolers or chilly bins; and solid Styrofoam or polystyrene boxes with lid in good condition.
  • Soft-sided cooler bags and cardboard boxes are NOT approved containers.
  • All Perishable Products must be sealed and double wrapped in plastic to prevent leakage during the flight.
  • Water ice may be used, provided it is contained within sealed plastic bricks. No other water ice is permitted.
  • Gel cooling packs are permitted to be used to keep the Perishable Products frozen.
  • Dry ice may be used subject to the following conditions being met: the container must be ventilated, and the carriage of dry ice declared at check-in. A maximum of 2.5kg of dry ice is permitted.
  • Containers over 23kg will be subject to an Overweight Fee. The maximum weight of the approved container (excluding Styrofoam or polystyrene with lid) must not exceed 32kg: refer to International Short Haul Excess Baggage Charges at the Airport for details. The total weight of solid Styrofoam or polystyrene boxes with a lid cannot exceed 20kg.

Note: Live seafood (e.g. crayfish and mud crabs) must not be carried as checked baggage. If you wish to transport live seafood you must contact Freight Services.

It is your responsibility to make sure you comply with all Customs and Quarantine requirements for your port of entry. If you do not, your Perishable Products may be confiscated. Virgin Australia accepts no liability for any loss related to the confiscation of products.

The transport of Perishable Products is at Your risk and subject to the liability regime set out in Our Conditions of Carriage.

Note that Perishable Products that are not packed in accordance with these requirements can cause significant damage to other passengers’ baggage and the aircraft, and flight delays connected with baggage removal, cleaning and flight cancellations.

For more information on Customs and Quarantine requirements please refer to the relevant government department. Australia and New Zealand government department websites are included below.

Non-standard items 

Non-standard baggage items that are not infant items are considered as part of a guest’s piece allowance.

Wheelchairs/mobility aids are carried free of charge when required for personal use by a guest who is travelling.

Note: The only item that can occupy a seat (apart from a guest) is a cello. If you are travelling with a cello please call our Guest Contact Centre to book an extra seat.

Hunting trophies/shark fins

Virgin Australia does not support the transportation of hunting trophies, endangered species or shark fins and therefore, does not transport these items.

Human remains

Cremated remains (human and animal) in the form of ashes may be stored in carry-on or checked baggage but must be shipped in funeral urns which are effectively cushioned against breakage by suitable packaging. The ashes must be contained in a sealed container (urn) of such construction that there can be no risk of accidental spillage.

A funeral urn carried in the cabin as carry-on baggage by a guest must conform to the following conditions before being accepted:

  • The ashes must be contained in a sealed container (funeral urn) of such construction that there can be no risk of accidental spillage.
  • The guest must have a letter from a funeral director or crematorium identifying the contents as human remains.
  • The urn must pass through security screening with the guest.
  • Guests are not required to open the urn at security screen, but if the urn is stored in another bag the outer bag has to be opened to view the actual container the ashes are in.
  • The urn is wholly contained inside a suitable carry-on bag which conforms to carry-on baggage size and weight limits. The bag and the urn are to remain closed during flight.

If a customer enquires about transporting a coffin, they are required to do so via Freight.