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Virgin Australia is overhauling its cabin baggage allowance, with economy passengers to be limited to one bag with a higher weight cap.
Starting 2 February, guests in economy class will be permitted one carry-on bag only with a maximum weight of 8kg, down from two bags with a maximum combined weight of 7kg, plus a personal item like a handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack.
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Passengers in Economy X and business class, as well as Gold, Forever Gold, Platinum, and Platinum Plus Velocity members, will be allowed up to two bags at a maximum combined weight of 14kg, with neither bag over 8kg.
According to Virgin, the changes “deliver clearer guidelines with simplified baggage allowances and will help improve overhead space availability to reduce delays, enhance safety, and create a smoother travel experience for guests”.
“These changes are based on team member and guest feedback and will help deliver an enhanced onboard experience, while keeping the boarding process simple and consistent,” said Virgin Australia chief operations officer Chris Snook.
“The result will be a smoother start to the journey and a more comfortable experience on board. We want your bag, where you sit.
“While these changes do not come into effect for our guests until February 2026, we wanted to let our loyal guests know well in advance and give our team members time to understand and implement the change.”
Qantas domestic flights allow either one bag of up to 10kg or two bags totalling no more than 14kg, neither of which can be above 10kg individually, plus one personal item; the exception is QantasLink Dash-8 flights, which allow one piece of carry-on baggage up to 7kg plus a personal item.
Jetstar allows a total of 7kg in cabin baggage on starter fares, shared across up to two items, including handbags and laptops, with passengers able to purchase an extra 7kg subject to availability.
The major airlines have been increasing overhead bin space on new aircraft as part of their fleet renewal programs, with planes such as Virgin’s 737 MAX 8 and Embraer E190-E2, and Qantas’ A321XLR, offering more storage than older counterparts like the 737-800 and E190-E1.
