One of the most common questions passengers ask when booking a flight is whether they can choose their seat without paying extra. For travellers flying with Virgin Australia, the answer depends on several factors, including your fare type, your loyalty status, and when you choose to select your seat. Understanding the Virgin Australia Seat Selection policy is essential for planning your journey and managing your travel budget effectively.
This comprehensive guide explains the rules for free and paid seat selection, the differences between fare types, and how to secure the best seat for your needs. If you need personalised assistance with your Virgin Australia booking, Grouptripo can be contacted at +1-833-894-5333.
Virgin Australia Fare Types and Seat Selection Rules
Virgin Australia offers several fare types, each with different seat selection privileges. The Virgin Australia Lite fare seat assignment rules are the most restrictive, while higher fares offer greater flexibility.
Lite Fare
The Lite fare is Virgin Australia's most basic ticket, designed for budget-conscious travellers. Under the Lite fare:
Seat selection is not included in the fare.
Passengers are assigned a seat automatically during check-in.
To choose a specific seat, passengers must pay a fee.
This is the most restrictive option for those seeking to select their seat in advance. If you are travelling on a Lite fare and want a specific seat, you must be prepared to pay for it.
Choice Fare
The Choice fare offers a balance of value and flexibility. Under the Virgin Australia Choice vs Flex fare seat perks comparison:
Choice fares include free standard seat selection at the time of booking.
Passengers can choose any available standard seat in the economy cabin.
Access to preferred seats and extra legroom seats may still incur additional fees.
This is an excellent option for travellers who want the peace of mind of selecting their seat in advance without paying extra.
Flex Fare
The Flex fare is the most flexible option, offering the greatest seat selection privileges. Passengers on Flex fares can:
Select any available standard seat for free at the time of booking.
Often have access to preferred seats without additional charges, subject to availability.
Make changes to their seat selection closer to departure without incurring fees.
Business Class
Passengers travelling in Business Class enjoy the highest level of seat selection benefits. All Business Class fares include:
Free seat selection for any seat in the cabin.
Access to premium seats with extra legroom and enhanced comfort.
Priority boarding and other premium services.
Does Virgin Australia Charge for Seat Selection?
The question does Virgin Australia charge for seat selection is a common one, and the answer depends on your fare type. Here is a breakdown:
Lite Fare: Yes, Virgin Australia charges for seat selection. Fees vary depending on the route and the seat type.
Choice Fare: No, standard seat selection is free at the time of booking.
Flex Fare: No, standard seat selection is free.
Business Class: No, seat selection is free.
For passengers on Lite fares, the cost of seat selection can range from AUD 5 to AUD 30 per seat, per flight, depending on the route and the specific seat location.
Free Seat Selection Window During Online Check-In
Even if your fare does not include free seat selection, you may still have an opportunity to choose your seat at no cost. The free seat selection window during Virgin Australia online check-in opens 48 hours before departure. During this window:
Passengers on Lite fares can often select a standard seat for free.
Passengers on higher fares can change their seat assignment without penalty.
This is a great way to secure a seat without paying a fee, provided you are flexible about your seat location. For assistance with online check-in, Grouptripo is available at +1-833-894-5333.
Virgin Australia Preferred Seat Assignment Policy
Virgin Australia offers preferred seats, which are located in the front of the economy cabin or in other desirable locations. The Virgin Australia preferred seat assignment policy states that:
Preferred seats are available for a fee, even on Choice and Flex fares.
The fee varies based on the route and the specific seat.
Access to preferred seats may be included for Velocity Frequent Flyer Gold and Platinum members.
Preferred seats are ideal for passengers who want to disembark quickly or who simply prefer a more forward position in the cabin.
Virgin Australia Economy X Seat Pitch and Legroom Cost
For passengers seeking extra comfort, Virgin Australia offers Economy X seats. These are located in the front rows of the economy cabin and offer additional legroom. The Virgin Australia Economy X seat pitch and legroom cost is as follows:
Economy X seats offer up to 8 inches more legroom than standard economy seats.
The cost typically ranges from AUD 20 to AUD 60 per seat, per flight.
The exact cost depends on the route and how far in advance you book.
Economy X seats are a popular choice for taller passengers or those on longer flights. They can be selected during the booking process or added later through the Virgin Australia Seat Selection portal.
How to Book Family Group Seating Together on Virgin Australia?
Travelling with family can present challenges when it comes to seating. Here is how to book family group seating together on Virgin Australia:
Book Together: Ensure all family members are on the same booking reference.
Select Seats in Advance: Use the Virgin Australia Seat Selection tool to choose seats together.
Use the "Seat Map": The seat map allows you to see available seats and select adjacent seats.
Contact Customer Service: If you are unable to find adjacent seats online, call Virgin Australia for assistance.
Virgin Australia Link Bookings to Sit Together
If family members are on separate bookings, you can use the Virgin Australia link bookings to sit together feature. This allows the airline to recognise that you are travelling together and to make every effort to seat you together. To link bookings:
Contact Virgin Australia's customer service.
Provide the booking references for all passengers.
Request that the bookings be linked for seating purposes.
Virgin Australia Seat Selection Policy for Infants and Minors
The Virgin Australia seat selection policy for infants and minors includes specific provisions to ensure the safety and comfort of younger passengers:
Infants (under 2 years): Infants can be seated on an adult's lap. If you wish to reserve a seat for an infant, you must purchase a separate ticket.
Minors (2-11 years): Virgin Australia will make every effort to seat children with at least one accompanying adult. This is done automatically, but it is advisable to select seats together during booking.
Unaccompanied Minors: Passengers aged 5-11 travelling alone are seated in a designated area and are provided with special assistance.
Virgin Australia Seat Map Configuration Look Up
To make an informed decision about your seat, you can use the Virgin Australia seat map configuration look up. The airline's website displays the seat map for your specific flight, showing:
The layout of the cabin.
The location of seats with extra legroom.
The location of preferred and standard seats.
This tool is available during the booking process and through the "Manage My Booking" section. It helps you select the seat that best meets your needs.
Velocity Frequent Flyer Gold Complimentary Seat Selection
One of the valuable benefits of holding Velocity Frequent Flyer Gold status is Velocity Frequent Flyer Gold complimentary seat selection. Gold members are entitled to:
Free seat selection at the time of booking, even on Lite fares.
Access to preferred seats at no additional cost.
Priority check-in and boarding.
This is a significant benefit for frequent flyers, as it allows them to save on seat selection fees and access premium seats.
How to Use Velocity Points for Seat Upgrades on Virgin Australia?
For passengers who wish to upgrade their seat, Virgin Australia offers the option to use loyalty points. Here is how to use Velocity points for seat upgrades on Virgin Australia:
Check Eligibility: Not all fares are eligible for upgrades. Lite fares are typically not eligible.
Request Upgrade: Log in to your Velocity account and navigate to "Manage My Booking."
Select Upgrade: Choose the upgrade option and confirm the points deduction.
The number of points required depends on the route, the cabin type, and the timing of the request. This is an excellent way to use accumulated points to enhance your travel experience. For assistance with upgrades, Grouptripo is available at +1-833-894-5333.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Virgin Australia charge for seat selection?
Yes, for Virgin Australia Lite fare seat assignment rules, seat selection is not included. For Choice and Flex fares, standard seat selection is free. The free seat selection window during Virgin Australia online check-in allows Lite fare passengers to select a seat for free 48 hours before departure.
2. How do I book family group seating together on Virgin Australia?
To book family seating, ensure all passengers are on the same booking, use the Virgin Australia Seat Selection tool to choose adjacent seats, or use the Virgin Australia link bookings to sit together feature if you have separate bookings. For assistance, contact Grouptripo at +1-833-894-5333.
3. What are the benefits of Virgin Australia Choice vs Flex fare seat perks?
Both Choice and Flex fares include free standard seat selection. However, Flex fares often offer more flexibility for changes and may include access to preferred seats without additional charges.
4. What is the Virgin Australia Economy X seat pitch and legroom cost?Economy X seats offer up to 8 inches more legroom than standard seats. The cost ranges from AUD 20 to AUD 60 per seat, per flight, depending on the route.
5. Can I use Velocity points for seat upgrades on Virgin Australia?
Yes, you can use Velocity points for seat upgrades on Virgin Australia. The number of points required depends on the route and cabin type. This option is not available for Lite fares.
6. What is the Virgin Australia preferred seat assignment policy?
Preferred seats are located in the front of the economy cabin and are available for a fee. Velocity Gold and Platinum members often have complimentary access to these seats.
7. Does Virgin Australia have a free seat selection window during online check-in?
Yes, the free seat selection window during Virgin Australia online check-in opens 48 hours before departure. During this window, Lite fare passengers can often select a standard seat for free.
Also Read: Can I Upgrade My Seat on Azul Airlines?
Final Thoughts
Navigating the Virgin Australia Seat Selection policy is straightforward once you understand the fare types and their associated benefits. For budget travellers on Lite fares, the free seat selection window during online check-in offers a valuable opportunity to choose a seat without paying a fee. For those seeking flexibility and additional perks, Choice and Flex fares provide excellent value. If you are a frequent flyer with Velocity Gold status, you can enjoy complimentary seat selection as part of your membership. For expert guidance on securing the best seat for your journey, Grouptripo is available at +1-833-894-5333.