Virgin Australia offers a flexible flight change policy, with rules and fees varying by fare type, route, and timing. Below is an overview of the flight change policy based on available information.
Passengers who booked directly through the Virgin Australia website or mobile app can modify bookings via the "Manage Booking" section by entering their booking reference and last name. Changes include flight date, time, or destination, and can be made up to half an hour before departure, provided the passenger has not checked in online. Changes to extras like baggage or seat selection must be rebooked separately after modifications.
For tickets purchased through travel agents or third-party platforms, passengers must contact the issuing agent to request changes, as direct modifications through Virgin Australia are not permitted. Additional handling fees may apply when processed through agents.
Virgin Australia offers fare types such as Lite, Choice, Flex, and Business, each with distinct change policies:
Changes made within a day of booking are free for domestic and international flights booked at least a week before departure, provided the booking was made directly with Virgin Australia. Beyond this period, fees apply as follows: Lite fares incur a fee per guest per direction for domestic flights, with higher fees for international short-haul and long-haul flights; Choice fares incur a fee per guest per booking; Flex fares are free for domestic changes but incur fees for international routes; Business fares typically have no change fees. Additional service charges apply for changes made via the Guest Contact Centre, ticket offices, or airport counters. No-show fees apply if changes are not made before departure, and tickets are forfeited unless eligible for a refund under Australian Consumer Law. Fare differences are required if the new flight is more expensive.
If the new flight is more expensive, passengers must pay the fare difference in addition to any change fee. No refund is provided if the new fare is lower, unless specified by fare rules. For Velocity Reward Seats or Points + Pay bookings, additional Velocity Points may be required, with dynamic pricing affecting costs based on demand.
Changes are permitted up to half an hour before departure, provided the passenger has not checked in online. Tickets are valid for one year from issuance, and changes must occur within this period. No changes are allowed for partially used tickets or after departure. Same-day standbys for earlier flights may be possible, subject to availability and fare rules.
Route changes are allowed for Choice, Flex, and Business fares, subject to availability, a change fee, and fare differences. Lite fares have stricter restrictions and may not permit route changes. Changes must be processed through the Guest Contact Centre or a travel agent for complex itineraries, as online changes are limited to date or flight number modifications. For return itineraries, changing one flight via the Contact Centre can avoid repricing both flights, potentially reducing costs.
Name changes are permitted with fees, unlike full ticket transfers to another person, which are not allowed. For bookings made before a specific date, Choice fares incur a name change fee plus a reissue fee. Domestic Flex and Business fares allow free name changes up to half an hour before departure. International short-haul and long-haul fares incur fees per guest, with long-haul routes requiring verified legal documentation like a passport or marriage certificate. Multiple name changes on the same ticket incur additional fees.
If Virgin Australia cancels or significantly delays a flight, passengers can be rebooked on the next available Virgin Australia flight to the same destination in the same cabin without charge. If the new flight is unsuitable, passengers may be transferred to a partner airline’s service or request a travel credit or full refund, including for non-refundable tickets. Travel credits are valid for one year from issuance, or five years for USA-related flights. Notifications are sent via email, SMS, or through the travel agent if contact details are provided. Compensation may be available under Australian Consumer Law or other applicable laws for significant disruptions not caused by extraordinary circumstances like natural disasters.
Passengers can modify bookings through the following methods: