From February 2026, Virgin Australia will limit economy passengers to one main carry-on item and a small personal bag. The airline says the decision is part of a broader effort to speed up boarding, reduce delays, and enhance in-flight experience.
The move comes amid a wider industry trend of airlines tightening cabin baggage policies, with carriers in Europe and North America already imposing limits on hand luggage allowances. Now, Australia’s second-largest airline is taking similar steps, citing passenger and staff feedback as the key driver behind the shift.
Virgin Australia currently permits two carry-on items weighing a combined 7kg, plus a small personal item, for economy passengers. From 2 February 2026, that will change. The new rule allows for just one 8kg cabin bag and a small item that fits under the seat—such as a handbag or laptop case. According to Virgin Australia’s Chief Operations Officer, Chris Snook, the airline aims to enhance the onboard experience and simplify the boarding process based on staff and passenger feedback.
Passengers travelling in business class or with elite Velocity status—Gold, Platinum or Platinum Plus—will still be permitted two cabin bags, weighing a combined 14kg, plus a small personal item. The changes will also apply to short-haul international routes including Bali, Fiji and New Zealand, and are intended to help staff manage overhead bin space more effectively.
Airline Links Bag Limit Changes to Smoother Operations
Virgin said the decision to revise carry-on rules is based on growing complaints from both crew and travellers over limited storage space, particularly on busy flights. “We want your bag, where you sit,” Snook told media, pointing to the problem of congested overhead compartments contributing to gate delays and slow boarding.
According to comments left on the airline’s social media pages, a number of passengers appear to welcome the change. “Far too much stuff is being brought into the cabins. If you’re packing lots of stuff, check the damn thing in,” one comment read. Another cited delays caused by fellow passengers trying to squeeze oversized bags into overhead lockers.
The airline confirmed that foldable strollers will continue to be allowed as carry-on if they meet size restrictions. Parents flying with infants may also bring one additional small personal item, and up to three infant items can still be checked free of charge.
Virgin Continues Transformation Plan Post-Asx Relisting
The carry-on update forms part of a broader efficiency push by Virgin Australia, which relisted on the ASX in June 2025 following its 2020 collapse into administration. The airline reported $450 million in gross benefits from its recent “transformation program”, including plans to add more seats on certain aircraft and launch pet-friendly cabins, where passengers can bring a small pet on board for an extra $150, provided the combined weight with the carrier is under 8kg.
The rule change is being introduced well in advance to give staff and travellers time to adjust, Snook said, adding: “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.”
