Travel plans are not always predictable, and Virgin Australia offers passengers the option to modify their flight bookings when circumstances change. The Virgin Australia flight change policy is designed to give travelers flexibility while following fare-specific conditions. Depending on the ticket type, passengers may change travel dates, flight timings, or routes before departure.

This page explains the flight change process in detail, including eligibility, charges, domestic and international rules, and booking management options. The information applies to travelers flying within Australia as well as those traveling on international Virgin Australia routes.

Passengers holding a valid Virgin Australia ticket may request a flight change as long as the booking meets eligibility conditions. Not all tickets offer the same flexibility.

You may change your flight if:

• The booking has not been used

• The request is made before the scheduled flight time

• The fare purchased allows modifications

• The ticket is not restricted or locked

Discounted or promotional fares may have stricter change limitations.

Flight change charges depend on the fare type selected during booking rather than a single fixed amount. Virgin Australia applies different conditions for economy, flexible, and premium fares.

General fee behaviour:

• Basic fares usually include a change fee

• Standard fares may allow changes with moderate charges

• Flexible fares often allow free date or time changes

• Business fares normally include complimentary changes

If the replacement flight costs more, the passenger must pay the price difference.

Change Flight by Phone

Virgin Australia provides multiple channels to modify bookings, giving passengers convenience and control.

Change Flight Online

Most passengers prefer using the online booking management system to request flight changes. This option is available around the clock for eligible bookings.

Online changes allow passengers to:

• Review booking details

• Select alternative flight options

• Modify dates or timings

• View applicable charges instantly

• Receive confirmation after payment

This method is ideal for straightforward domestic and international bookings.

Change Flight by Phone 

Passengers who cannot complete changes online may contact Virgin Australia customer service. Phone assistance is especially useful for complex travel situations.

Calling support is recommended for:

• International or partner airline flights

• Multi-city bookings

• Group or corporate travel

• Special service requirements

Customer support representatives assist with availability and fee details.

Travel Agent Flight Changes

If a flight was booked through a travel agency or online booking platform, changes must be processed through the same provider. Virgin Australia generally cannot alter third-party reservations directly.

Virgin Australia operates an extensive domestic flight network across Australia, covering major cities and regional destinations.

Popular domestic routes include:

• Melbourne to Sydney

• Brisbane to Sydney

• Perth to Melbourne

• Brisbane to Perth

Domestic flight changes are usually more flexible due to frequent flight schedules. Availability of multiple daily services increases the chances of successful rebooking.

Virgin Australia also serves international routes and works with airline partners for long-haul travel. International destinations may include Fiji, Bali, and global connections through partner airlines.

International flight changes may:

• Have stricter fare conditions

• Require additional verification

• Be influenced by partner airline policies

Passengers are advised to review international ticket rules carefully before requesting changes.

Passengers flying in business class or holding Velocity Frequent Flyer status often receive added flexibility under the Virgin Australia flight change policy.

Possible advantages include:

• Reduced or waived change fees

• Faster customer service access

• Higher priority during rebooking

• Improved seat availability

Frequent flyers benefit from smoother booking management during peak travel periods.

In some situations, cancelling a flight and booking a new ticket may be more economical than modifying an existing reservation.

Passengers should evaluate:

• Change fee costs

• Fare difference for new flights

• Availability of travel credits 

• Current promotional fares

Eligible cancellations may result in credits that can be applied toward future travel.

Baggage and Fare Rules After Flight Change

After changing a flight, passengers should carefully review the updated itinerary to avoid surprises.

Important items to recheck:

• Checked and carry-on baggage limits

• Seat assignments

• Fare inclusions

• Onboard service entitlements

Changing to a different fare category may affect baggage allowance and onboard benefits.

Before requesting a flight change, passengers should prepare the following:

• Booking reference number

• Passenger name details

• Fare type information

• Preferred new travel date and time

• Payment option for fees or fare differences

• Access to email for updated confirmation

This checklist helps ensure a smooth modification process.

Passengers should keep in mind:

• Flight change policies vary by fare

• Seat availability is not guaranteed

• Partner airline bookings follow separate rules

• Late changes may result in higher charges

Always verify the latest policy details before making changes.

Q: Can I change my Virgin Australia flight after I’ve checked in?
A: Generally, flight changes must be made before you check in online or before you have boarded. Virgin Australia’s Manage Booking tool only allows changes for bookings that have not yet been checked in.

Q: What happens if Virgin Australia changes my flight time or schedule?
A: If Virgin Australia needs to adjust your flight schedule before your travel date, they will contact you or your travel agent with the new details. If the new flight doesn’t suit you, you can contact the Virgin Australia Guest Contact Centre or your agent to request a different flight, travel credit, or refund in certain cases.

Q: Is there a time limit for changing a Virgin Australia flight?
A: Yes — any flight change should be made before the original departure time. If you attempt to change after departure, your original ticket value may be forfeited or treated as a no-show, meaning you lose the fare already paid.

Q: Can I change a Virgin Australia flight if it was booked through a third-party site?
A: If your booking was made through a travel agent or an online third-party site, you must contact that agent to make changes. Airlines typically do not allow direct modifications on their site for third-party bookings.

Q: Are flight changes allowed for bookings made with Velocity Points + Pay?
A: Yes, bookings made using Velocity Points + Pay are eligible for flight changes, but change fees and fare difference rules still apply based on the fare type you originally purchased.

Q: Will I be charged if Virgin Australia changes my flight due to airline reasons?
A: No. If the airline changes your flight schedule (e.g., due to operational reasons), Virgin Australia will usually offer alternatives without extra change fees, and in some cases provide a travel credit or refund if you choose not to accept the alternative schedule.

Q: Can I change only one leg of a round-trip booking?
A: Yes — in many cases you can change one segment of a multi-leg itinerary, but sometimes the online system may require both legs to be adjusted together. If needed, calling the contact centre can allow a single segment to be changed independently. 

Q: Can I change a flight less than 24 hours before departure?
A: You can request a change up until departure time, but earlier changes are recommended. Many fare conditions apply higher fees or treat late changes as forfeitures if done very close to departure.

Q: Can I change my flight on the same day?
A: Same-day changes may be possible for certain fares with available seats, but they are subject to fare availability and additional fare difference charges. It’s best to check the Manage Booking tool or contact guest support for same-day options. 

Q: What if I want a refund instead of a flight change?
A: If your fare rules permit, you can request a cancellation and refund instead of a flight change. Refunds depend on your fare type and whether the ticket is refundable — some discounted fares may not qualify for refund.

Q: Do change fees include fare differences?

A: No — change fees are separate from fare differences. Even if a change fee is waived (e.g., on flexible/business fares), you still must pay the difference if the new flight costs more than the original. 

Virgin Australia flight change rules, fees, and availability are subject to variation based on route, fare type, and booking conditions. Travelers should confirm details directly with the airline before making decisions. 

The Virgin Australia flight change policy provides structured flexibility for travelers who need to adjust their plans. By understanding fare rules, acting early, and selecting the right booking option, passengers can manage changes efficiently and minimize additional costs.