Virgin Australia has recently announced a major shift in its security screening process at Australian airports, impacting premium travellers. The changes, set to roll out just in time for the busy summer travel season, have stirred up a mix of reactions. While some are frustrated, others are hopeful that the new approach will streamline the airport experience.
The End of Premium Entry
For years, premium travellers flying with Virgin enjoyed the convenience of “premium entry” at major airports like Brisbane and Sydney. This perk, available to Velocity Gold and Platinum members, as well as Business Class passengers, allowed them to skip the long security lines and access a dedicated screening point near the Virgin Australia Lounge. However, from December 19, Virgin will permanently close its premium entry at Sydney Airport, while Brisbane’s premium entry will be temporarily shut down until late 2026.
This news has left many frequent flyers feeling a bit let down, as it’s always nice to feel like you’re getting a little something extra when you’re paying for a higher tier of service. However, Virgin says these changes are necessary to meet updated Australian government requirements for security screening infrastructure.
Virgin Australia Rolls Out New Priority Screening Lanes
So, what does this mean for travellers who used to rely on the premium entry? Virgin has introduced extended priority screening lanes in the main terminal, offering a new alternative. These priority lanes will be available across all major domestic airports, including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and the Gold Coast. For Sydney and Melbourne, the new priority access will be available from 5 am to 10 am and 2 pm to 7 pm, Monday to Friday. At the other airports, priority screening will be available all day, reports Yahoo Finance.
The idea is to offer more flexibility and less congestion, especially during peak travel times. If you’ve ever tried to get through security at Sydney during rush hour, you’ll know that any extra time saved can feel like a small victory.
New Tech for Faster Screening
One of the most anticipated aspects of the new screening process is the introduction of advanced technology. Virgin has partnered with the Australian government to implement screening systems that allow passengers to keep laptops and other devices in their bags while going through security. This will save time, reduce hassle, and help make the whole process a little less stressful. Virgin anticipates that this upgrade will help most passengers move from the curbside to the gate in under 15 minutes—a far cry from the long waits that many are used to.
More Access to Priority Screening
Virgin claims that these changes will more than double access to priority screening for eligible guests. The new extended hours, especially during peak times, will mean that more people can benefit from expedited screening, whether they’re heading out on a business trip or a family holiday. For those who have grown accustomed to the premium entry perk, it might feel like a step backward. However, the airline argues that the new system will be more inclusive and efficient, especially during busy periods like the holidays.
A Bigger Picture: Changes to the Frequent Flyer Program
The new changes also tie in with updates to Virgin’s Velocity Frequent Flyer program. With the introduction of the “Forever Gold” status and the Platinum Plus tier, the airline is giving more loyal travellers greater benefits. Virgin is clearly trying to improve the overall experience for its customers, and these security changes are just one part of that.
