Virgin Australia Carry-On Baggage Allowance Guide: Size, Weight & Restricted Items

Planning a trip with Virgin Australia and unsure about what you can take on board? Whether you're a frequent flyer or preparing for your first flight, understanding Virgin Australia's carry-on baggage allowance is essential to avoid last-minute surprises at the airport. 

From size and weight limits to personal item guidelines and restricted items, this guide will help you pack confidently and travel hassle-free.

What Is Virgin Australia's Baggage Allowance?

Virgin Australia's baggage policy allows passengers to bring one cabin bag (up to 7 kg) for free, along with up to three checked bags, each weighing a maximum of 32 kg.

Adding extra baggage to your booking is simple. If you didn't include it during the initial booking, there's no need to worry; you can add it later online or at the check-in counter.

The airline also permits a handbag as part of your carry-on without any additional charges.

Virgin Australia Carry-on Baggage Allowance

All travelers traveling on Virgin Australia-operated flights are entitled to a carry-on baggage allowance, which varies based on their cabin class, domestic/international flights and Velocity Frequent Flyer Tier. Virgin Australia offers three carry-on options, allowing travelers to choose the one that best suits their travel needs. 

Each option is subject to specific oversize and weight restrictions to ensure a smooth boarding experience. The standard cabin baggage dimensions must not exceed 56cm x 36cm x 23cm. See the image below to find the right carry-on option for your trip.

Economy Class

Personal Items 

Passengers are eligible to bring a personal item along with their cabin bag. The personal items can be

• A laptop bag, handbag, or small purse
• A jacket, blanket, or overcoat
• An umbrella or walking stick
• A small camera or binoculars
• Some reading material
• Crutches or prosthetics, if needed for walking

Business, Velocity Gold & Platinum

Note: Red and Silver Velocity members do not receive extra carry-on or hand baggage

allowance.

Where Should I Put My Large Bag and Small Personal Items During the Flight?

You should put your large bag overhead in the locker and your small bag under the seat in front of your seat. 

Why Are There Limits on Carry-on Baggage on Virgin Australia?

There are limits on carry-on baggage because cabin space is limited, and airlines want to keep everyone safe and comfortable.

If your bag is too big or heavy, it won't be allowed in the cabin because it could be a safety risk. These bags will need to be checked in and picked up at the baggage carousel when you arrive. Virgin Australia excess/extra baggage costs may apply.

If your carry-on bag goes over the limit, check your fare to see what checked baggage is included. You can also buy extra checked baggage online if needed.

Note: If there isn't enough space in the cabin, airline representatives may ask you to check your carry-on bag at the check-in counter.

How Can I Add Extra Luggage to My Virgin Australia Booking?

There are three ways to add extra luggage to your booking:

1. Online : Via the Manage Booking option. 
2. Contact Customer Support : Call at 13 67 89, if you are calling from Australia. Check the contact number list if you are calling outside of Australia. 
3. At the Airport : You can add extra baggage at a self-service kiosk or by speaking with an agent at the check-in counter. Keep in mind, you will have to pay extra charges at the airport.

Where Can I Check Which Items Are Not Allowed on Board?

By visiting the Virgin Australia official website, you can check the restricted items that you can not bring on the flight. If you have a restricted item in your luggage, the airline may take it during security screening.

To ensure a smooth journey, check the Virgin Australia carry-on baggage restricted items listed below.

• Tools like saws, screwdrivers, and hammers
• Guns or firearms
• Sharp scissors (longer than 6 cm)
• Flares
• Items like Tasers or pepper spray
• Sports bats (baseball, softball, cricket)
• Pool or snooker cues
• Martial arts gear (like nunchuks or knuckle dusters)
• Hockey sticks or golf clubs
• Fireworks
• Petrol or fuel
• Handcuffs or cable ties

Additional Information

Most countries have the same rules for restricted items and weapons, but check here for more info:

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

What Are Specialised Items?

Specialized items on Virgin Australia include things like sports equipment, musical instruments, or medical devices that need special care. Make sure to check the rules before you travel.

Children's and Infants Items 

Virgin Australia's infant baggage allowancepolicy allows adult passengers to bring 7 kg of luggage free of charge if they are traveling with an infant. The essential infant products are listed below. 

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

Some child comfort items, like Plane Pal, Fly Tot, and Jetkids Bedbox, are allowed on Virgin Australia flights if they follow the guidelines. These items will count towards your 7kg hand luggage limit. For more details, check "Travelling with Children."

Medical Items 

Medical items like CPAP machines and crutches are not subject to the restrictions above. Travellers who need sharp items, like syringes for medical use, can bring them on board. For more details, check the specific needs and assistance page.

Musical Instruments 

Small musical instruments can be carried on board as carry-on luggage if they don't exceed 85cm x 34cm x 23cm (142cm total). Each instrument counts as one carry-on item. 

The only musical instruments allowed to occupy a seat are a cello or a guitar. If you're travelling with one, call the Guest Contact Centre to book an extra seat.

For more information on musical instruments, check the oversized and fragile items rules.

Assistance Animal Items

If you are travelling with an assistance animal, you can bring 3 special items as checked baggage without incurring the extra charges. 

Checked the assistance animal page for further information. 

What Should You Know Before Packing Your Luggage?

If security finds any restricted or dangerous items in your luggage during security screening, the airline may take them or deny you boarding.

Battery Packs and Laptops

If you're carrying power banks, laptops, drones, e-cigarettes, or spare batteries, pack them in your carry-on bag. 

Powders, Gels, Aerosols and Liquids

For flights within Australia, there's no limit on how much powder, liquid, aerosol, or gel you can bring.

For international flights, each liquid, aerosol, or gel must be in a container of 100ml or less, with the cap on.

Check the rules on Powders, Liquids, Aerosols and Gels for more details, including what alcohol you can bring.

Allowed Items

You can bring these items onboard:

• Aerosols with a cap or lock (under 100ml for international flights)
• e-Cigarettes or vaping devices
• Forks with round or square tips and non-sharp handles
• Round-ended scissors with blades less than 6cm long
• Knitting or crochet needles
• Disposable or safety razors

Not Allowed Items

These items are not allowed onboard:

• Knives, including pocket and utility knives
• Tape that could be used to restrain someone
• Aerosols without a lid or lock
• Tools like multi-tools
• Sharp or metal scissors with blades over 6cm

Final Note

Understanding Virgin Australia's carry-on baggage allowance & rules and the process for handling specialized or personal items is essential for a smooth journey. Make sure your carry-on luggage follows the size and weight restrictions outlined by the airline. 

If your baggage exceeds the allowed limit, an overweight baggage fee may apply, so it's a good idea to plan ahead and pre-purchase extra baggage if needed. 

Always review the latest baggage rules on Virgin Australia's official website before packing to avoid any last-minute hassles at the airport.

FAQs

1. Does 7kg Carry-On Include a Handbag?

Yes, you are allowed to carry up to 7 kg in total, including your handbag. However, the combined weight must stay within the carry-on baggage limit, and the size must meet the airline's dimension guidelines.

2. What Happens If My Carry-On Luggage Is Over 7kg?

If your carry-on exceeds 7 kg, you will need to check it in and pay the applicable checked baggage charges.

3. Can I Carry 8kg in Hand Luggage?

No, according to Virgin Australia's baggage policy, hand luggage is limited to 7 kg. Carrying more than that is not permitted.

4. How Can I Purchase Extra Baggage on Virgin Australia?

You can purchase extra baggage through the Manage Booking option on the Virgin Australia website, at the airport, by contacting airline customer service, or through your travel agent.

5. What Should I Do If My Luggage Is Lost?

Don't panic. Immediately contact the airline's customer support or visit the baggage service desk at the airport. Provide your personal and baggage details, and file a lost baggage report. 

Once the report is filed, you'll receive a baggage tracking number, which you can use to monitor the status of your missing luggage.

Official Sources

1. Virgin Australia: Carry-on Baggage

2. Virgin Australia: Restricted items guidelines