AIR TRAVEL UPDATE

Virgin Australia limits economy carry-on to one 8kg bag from 2 Feb 2026

One overhead-locker item (up to 8kg) and one small under-seat personal item. Business, Economy X and eligible Velocity members may carry two items up to 14kg total.

Virgin Australia updated its carry-on rules to start on 2 February 2026: Economy guests may take one overhead item up to 8kg plus a small personal item that fits under the seat. Details are listed on the official carry-on changes page. A trial for pets in cabin runs on selected routes between Melbourne–Gold Coast and Melbourne–Sunshine Coast from 16 Oct 2025 to 30 Jan 2026 (bookings and conditions on Virgin’s Pets in Cabin page).

Virgin aircraft cruising above clouds — Feature image — representative aircraft photo.

From 2 Feb 2026, Economy: 1× 8kg overhead item + 1 small personal item. Business, Economy X & eligible Velocity tiers: 2 items / 14kg total + small personal item. Size limits continue to apply.

Virgin stated the update was informed by team and guest feedback. Chief Operations Officer Chris Snook said the change would keep boarding “simple and consistent” and support an enhanced experience. Virgin confirmed the policy on its carry-on overview.

The airline relisted on the ASX on 24 June 2025 as part of a broader program to improve efficiency (ASX relisting details). The pets-in-cabin trial and the carry-on update were announced separately. A public post about the policy change is available here.

Carry-on Allowance Checker

1Items

8kgMax Weight

YesPersonal Item

Overhead items must be self-liftable. Check size rules on the airline pages before travel.

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Quick Compare (Economy)

Airline	Items	Max Weight	Personal Item
Virgin Australia	1	8kg	Allowed Under-seat small item
Qantas	1 (10kg) or 2 (14kg total)	10kg (single) / 14kg (two)	Allowed
Jetstar	2	7kg total (upgrade to 14kg available on some fares/routes)	Smaller item

Reference pages: Qantas carry-on · Jetstar carry-on

Effective date & scope

Virgin Australia carry-on changes apply from 2 February 2026 across domestic routes and short-haul flights to Bali, Fiji and New Zealand.

Velocity tiers & Business

Business, Economy X and eligible Velocity status: two overhead items totaling 14kg, plus one small personal item.

Pets in cabin trial

Separate to baggage rules. Trial on selected services between Melbourne–Gold Coast and Melbourne–Sunshine Coast from 16 Oct 2025 to 30 Jan 2026. See conditions on the Pets in Cabin page.

Public post

Announcement reference: policy change post.

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Sonali Tiwary

Sonali Tiwary is an aviation technology writer and aeronautical engineer who brings her technical expertise to Karmactive.com's coverage of the aerospace industry. With engineering studies completed through The Aeronautical Society of India, she specializes in breaking down complex aviation innovations, emerging mobility technologies, and the latest developments in sustainable aviation. Sonali's passion for flight technology drives her to explore and explain how cutting-edge aerospace solutions are shaping the future of air transportation, making the fascinating world of aviation accessible to all readers.

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Virgin Australia limits economy carry-on to one 8kg bag from 2 Feb 2026

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