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Virgin Australia Carry-On Size 2026 56 x 36 x 23 cm

By Caden SorensonVerified Oct 2026Sourced from the official Virgin Australia policy

Exact Virgin Australia carry-on dimensions, weight limits, and fees for 2026.

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On this page
  1. Quick answer
  2. Virgin Australia dimensions
  3. Weight limit
  4. Carry-on fee
  5. Bag fit matrix
  6. Fare class breakdown
  7. Overhead bin size
  8. What counts as a personal item
  9. Common mistakes
  10. Gate-check process
  11. vs Qantas
  12. Checked bag fees
  13. Special items
  14. Basic economy
  15. FAQ
  16. Sources

Quick answer

Virgin Australia carry-on bags can be up to 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14.2 x 9.1"), with a 8 kg (17.6 lb) weight limit, and no carry-on fee on any fare, including the Lite fare.

  • Carry-on size: up to 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14.2 x 9.1")
  • Weight limit: 8 kg (17.6 lb)
  • Carry-on fee: free on every fare, including the Lite fare
  • Personal item: up to 45 x 33 x 20 cm (17.7 x 13 x 7.9"), free on every fare
  • Gate-check risk: Medium
  • Last verified: Oct 2026
Virgin Australia carry-on maximum size, 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14.2 x 9.1 inches)56 cm (22")23 cm (9.1")36 cm(14.2")LHW
Virgin Australia maximum carry-on dimensions, including wheels and handles.

Carry-On Bag

Max dimensions (cm)
56 x 36 x 23 cm
Max dimensions (in)
22 x 14.2 x 9.1"
Weight limit
8 kg (17.6 lb)
Fee
Free
Gate-check risk
Medium

Standard Economy: 1 carry-on bag up to 8 kg (56 x 36 x 23 cm) plus 1 personal item (45 x 33 x 20 cm). Business Class, Economy X, and Velocity Gold/Platinum/Platinum Plus members get 14 kg combined carry-on allowance across multiple bag configurations (1 standard, 2 small, or 1 standard + 1 suit pack), with no single bag over 8 kg.

Personal Item

Max dimensions (cm)
45 x 33 x 20 cm
Max dimensions (in)
17.7 x 13 x 7.9"
Included
Yes, free
Weight
8 kg (17.6 lb)

Every fare includes 1 personal item in addition to the carry-on allowance; it must fit under the seat in front of you, max 45 x 33 x 20 cm.

See checked bag fees & more

Does your bag fit on Virgin Australia?

Check it against every airline

Alliance and loyalty

Alliance
None
Loyalty program
Velocity Frequent Flyer
Official partner airlines

Virgin Australia cabin bag dimensions and bag size

The maximum Virgin Australia carry-on size is 56 x 36 x 23 cm, which works out to 22 x 14.2 x 9.1 inches. These measurements include wheels, handles, and any external pockets, so a bag marketed as "22 inch" can go over if its wheels push the total past 56 cm. Always measure your bag packed, not empty.

Virgin Australia carry-on weight limit

Virgin Australia limits carry-on bags to 8 kg (17.6 lb).

Does Virgin Australia charge for carry-on bags?

No. Virgin Australia includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on every fare, including the Lite fare.

What bags fit as a Virgin Australia personal item

Common bag types compared against the Virgin Australia personal item limit. Sizes are typical retail dimensions and vary by brand.

Bag typeTypical sizeOn Virgin Australia
Standard backpack
Everyday daypack, laptop backpack
18 x 13 x 8"Too big
Tote bag
Canvas or leather tote
15 x 14 x 5"Too big
Laptop bag
Messenger or slim briefcase
16 x 12 x 4"Fits
Small duffel
Gym or weekender
18 x 11 x 11"Too big
Purse
Handbag or crossbody
12 x 10 x 5"Fits
Under-seat roller
Mini wheeled bag
16 x 14 x 8"Too big

Virgin Australia carry-on by fare class

FareCarry-onPersonal itemNotes
Economy (including Red and Silver Velocity)IncludedIncludedFrom 2 Feb 2026, 1 bag up to 8 kg, 56x36x23 cm, plus 1 personal item up to 45x33x20 cm.
Business / Economy X / Gold+ VelocityIncludedIncluded1 bag at 8 kg OR 2 bags / 1 bag + suit pack totaling 14 kg, plus 1 personal item.

Virgin Australia overhead bin size by aircraft

Guests on F100 aircraft and all Alliance Airlines or Link Airways operated flights receive the Economy allowance only, regardless of fare or Velocity tier.

What counts as a personal item on Virgin Australia

Allowed

  • Purse or handbag
  • Laptop bag
  • Camera bag
  • Small backpack fitting under the seat

Common Virgin Australia carry-on mistakes

  • Assuming Gold or Platinum status grants extra cabin bags on an F100 or Alliance or Link-operated flight. It does not, Economy allowance applies.
  • Packing 9 kg now that the limit is 8 kg. Virgin raised the Economy weight to 8 kg in the February 2026 refresh.
  • Treating a large backpack as a personal item when it exceeds 45x33x20 cm.

What happens if your bag does not fit on Virgin Australia

When overhead lockers are full during busy periods, the crew may request carry-on to be checked at the boarding gate. Oversized bags will be checked in and baggage fees may apply.

Virgin Australia vs Qantas carry-on

Virgin Australia gives Economy 1 carry-on up to 8 kg at 56x36x23 cm plus 1 personal item at 45x33x20 cm. Qantas International Economy allows 1 carry-on up to 7 kg at the same 56x36x23 cm plus a personal item, while Qantas domestic flights allow up to 14 kg across an overhead bag, underseat bag and personal item. Virgin's 1 kg edge matters on a single bag. Both airlines clamp down on regional aircraft, Virgin via F100 and Alliance or Link operated flights (Economy allowance only regardless of fare) and Qantas via the Dash 8 Q400 (7 kg). For status flyers, Business, Economy X and Velocity Gold and above on Virgin get 14 kg across approved bag combinations.

See Qantas carry-on size
Virgin Australia checked baggage fees
Domestic economy
1st bagA$67-170*
2nd bagNot published
Long-haul / international
1st bagNot published
Weight limit51 lb
Linear dim55 in
Overweight & oversize
51–70 lbNot published
71–100 lbNot published
63–80 inNot published

* The 1st bag price is the figure Virgin Australia publishes, in the currency it prints, and it varies by route, timing, and fare.

Lite fares include no checked bag on domestic and short-haul international flights; Choice and Flex fares include 1 x 23 kg bag and Business fares 2 x 32 kg. Extra bags are priced per piece (max 23 kg) and per flight in the booking currency, which for flights from Australia is Australian dollars: domestic fees run from A$67 online at the time of booking on flights under about 3 hours (A$72 in peak season) to A$170 at the airport on flights of about 3 hours or more, in peak and off-peak periods alike. International extra-bag fees are not listed here. The US site shows the same figures and publishes no US-dollar price, so no USD bag fee is listed here. No single bag may exceed 32 kg / 70 lb. The overweight fee for bags over 23 kg (up to 32 kg) is published only in Australian dollars, so no USD overweight fee is listed here.

Ways to skip the Virgin Australia checked bag fee

  1. Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the Virgin Australia carry-on size.
  2. Check your Velocity Frequent Flyer status. See whether your tier includes a free checked bag on Virgin Australia.
Virgin Australia special items & sports equipment
Ski / snowboard
As a checked bagsee details below
Golf clubs
As a checked bagsee details below
Bicycle
As a checked bagsee details below
Pet in cabin
Not published
Pet as cargo
Not published

Musical instruments: Checked musical instruments are weighed and charged by actual weight against your allowance. An extra seat can be purchased for a guitar or cello.

Virgin Australia offers Pets in Cabin for small dogs and cats on select domestic routes (Melbourne, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Adelaide and Cairns), booked through the Guest Contact Centre. The pet plus carrier must weigh 8 kg or less, and the carrier must be soft-sided and fit under the seat; the pets page lists max 44 x 28 x 28 cm while the terms list 44 x 26 x 28 cm. The introductory fee is $149 per pet per flight in the booking currency, and spaces per flight are limited. Snub-nosed breeds need a vet fit-to-fly form. Cats cannot fly to or from the Gold Coast. Other pets travel in the hold via Virgin Australia's pet travel service. Each item of sports equipment counts as one checked piece; items over 23 kg incur an overweight fee and nothing over 32 kg is accepted.

Virgin Australia basic economy restrictions
LiteVirgin Australia's lowest fare tier
Carry-on allowed
Yes
Personal item allowed
Yes
Checked bag surcharge
Not published
  • No checked bag included (purchase separately; fees vary by flight length and booking channel)
  • Standard seat selection available for purchase
  • No lounge access
  • No Velocity Points Bonus for status members

Frequently asked questions

What is the Virgin Australia carry-on size limit?

Virgin Australia allows carry-on bags up to 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14.2 x 9.1"), including wheels, handles, and any external pockets. The weight limit is 8 kg (17.6 lb).

What are the Virgin Australia carry-on dimensions in cm?

The Virgin Australia carry-on size limit in centimeters is 56 x 36 x 23 cm. In inches that converts to 22 x 14.2 x 9.1". Both measurements include wheels, handles, and external pockets.

What is the Virgin Australia hand luggage allowance?

Virgin Australia hand luggage (the cabin bag that goes in the overhead bin) can measure up to 56 x 36 x 23 cm and weigh up to 8 kg. A personal item that fits under the seat is also included on every fare.

What is the Virgin Australia carry-on weight limit?

Virgin Australia limits carry-on bags to 8 kg (17.6 lb).

Does Virgin Australia charge for carry-on bags?

No. Virgin Australia includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on every fare, including the Lite fare.

What is the Virgin Australia personal item size?

The personal item on Virgin Australia must fit within 45 x 33 x 20 cm (17.7 x 13 x 7.9") and slide fully under the seat in front of you. Every fare includes 1 personal item in addition to the carry-on allowance; it must fit under the seat in front of you, max 45 x 33 x 20 cm.

Will my bag be gate-checked on Virgin Australia?

Our guidance rates the gate-check risk on Virgin Australia as Medium. It is our own rating, not a figure Virgin Australia publishes. Arrive early in your boarding group to improve the odds of space in the overhead bins.

Does a 22-inch suitcase fit as a Virgin Australia carry-on?

Usually yes. A standard 22 x 14 x 9 inch carry-on suitcase fits within the Virgin Australia carry-on limit of 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14.2 x 9.1"). Confirm your specific bag measures under the limit with wheels and handles included.

Does a backpack count as a personal item on Virgin Australia?

Only a small one. A standard daypack (roughly 18 x 13 x 8 inches) is larger than the Virgin Australia personal item limit of 45 x 33 x 20 cm (17.7 x 13 x 7.9"). A backpack within that limit counts as the personal item, and a bigger one counts as the carry-on.

Is there a weight limit for personal items on Virgin Australia?

Yes. Virgin Australia limits the personal item to 8 kg (17.6 lb). This is the Virgin Australia limit for any single cabin item.

How much does a checked bag cost on Virgin Australia?

The first checked bag on Virgin Australia costs A$67-170. The price varies by route, travel dates, and fare. This figure comes from the official baggage information published by Virgin Australia, checked in October 2026.

Flying Virgin Australia out of these airports?

Check terminal layouts, connection times, and layover tips for major Virgin Australia hubs and focus cities.

Virgin Australia head-to-head comparisons

In-depth comparisons between Virgin Australia and another carrier, covering bags, seats, on-time performance, routes, and loyalty.

Sources

Facts, costs, and travel details in this carry-on guide were verified against the following sources. See our research methodology for how we vet and update data.

If a figure looks wrong, email hello@vient.org, see how we handle corrections, or browse past fixes in our public changelog.

Helpful guides

Gear, tactics, and packing help for your Virgin Australia flight.

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