Virgin is cutting your carry-on baggage allowance to 'reduce delays'

Know the rules so you don't get caught out.

A woman places her carry-on in the overhead bin of an aircraft. Shutterstock

By Sarah Falson

Updated October 27, 2025, first published October 16, 2025

Travelling with Virgin Australia next year? You won't be able to take as many bags in the cabin.

From February 2, 2026, new carry-on baggage allowances apply.

Currently, travellers are allowed a total of seven kilograms in carry-on luggage in economy. This can be made up of either one standard piece, two small pieces, or one standard piece and one suit pack.

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In addition to their carry-on baggage, travellers can bring one personal item, such as a laptop computer, handbag or purse.

However, from February 2, economy guests will only be allowed one standard bag - albeit with a higher weight limit of 8 kilograms - plus a personal item.

Virgin said the new rules would help improve overhead space availability to reduce delays, enhance safety, and create a smoother travel experience for guests.

Chief operations officer, Chris Snook, said: "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."

"The result will be a smoother start to the journey and a more comfortable experience on board. We want your bag, where you sit," Mr Snook said.

Find out more about the updated allowance at virginaustralia.com/au/en/travel-info/baggage/carry-on-baggage/

In contrast, Qantas domestic economy allows either one standard piece up to 10 kilograms, two small pieces with a 14-kilogram combined total, or one small piece and a garment bag, plus one small personal item.

Earlier this month, Virgin announced Neighbour-Free seating, allowing eligible guests on select Virgin Australia-operated domestic and short-haul international services to "bid" to keep the seat next to them free.

In other Virgin news, the airline's first Pets in Cabin services have taken off between Melbourne and the Gold Coast and Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast, allowing small cats (Melbourne-Gold Coast only) and dogs to travel on board in the cabin.

Virgin Group founder, Sir Richard Branson, said: "Allowing pets to travel in the cabin speaks to Virgin Australia's spirit of doing things differently and I can't wait to see the joy this new service brings to travellers and their four-legged companions."

Words bySarah Falson

Sarah is ACM’s travel producer. She believes regional travel is just as fun (if not better) than staying in the big cities and loves any travel experience to do with nature, animals and food!.

My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me.

Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life.

My top travel tip is … Don’t plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what’s within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.