Virgin Australia reveals tips for smooth travel as it prepares for record breaking summer season

Virgin Australia reveals tips for smooth travel as it prepares for record breaking summer season
Edited by Travel Weekly


Virgin Australia is gearing up for its busiest summer season yet, with a massive flight schedule and a range of initiatives to ensure smooth travel for its passengers.

VA will operate up to 3,000 weekly flights across its domestic and short-haul international network in December and January, offering nearly half a million seats each week.

Popular destinations such as the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Tasmania and Bali are seeing increased flight frequencies to accommodate the surge in holiday travel.

Record passengers & operational resilience

Virgin experienced record-breaking passenger numbers in recent months, with close to 4 million guests carried in October and November. It also accommodated more than 130,000 Rex passengers who have been rebooked onto Virgin Australia flights following Rex’s suspension of jet operations.

To handle the increased demand, Virgin Australia has implemented several measures to strengthen its operational resilience:

  • Increased staffing: Hiring additional guest services and pit crew team members.
  • Enhanced guest assistance: Expanding the Guest Assistance Team to support travellers with accessibility needs.
  • Fleet optimisation: Adjusting the heavy maintenance schedule and acquiring additional aircraft.
  • New ground services equipment: Introducing new equipment to streamline operations.
  • Guest ambassador program: Reintroducing the program to provide additional support during peak periods.

New journey tracker app

Virgin Australia continues to lead the way in customer-focused innovation with the launch of Journey Tracker, a real-time flight update notification feature powered by iOS live activities and Android custom notifications. Available to guests from 12pm AEDT travelling on the Virgin Australia domestic network, the new Virgin Australia app feature aims to provide a seamless travel experience straight from your lock screen.

Virgin Australia is the first Australian airline to introduce this functionality, reinforcing its  commitment to delivering world-class travel solutions.

From three hours before departure, Journey Tracker provides guests with:

  • Real-time updates on flight status, including gate changes and delays, directly on their  lock screen.
  • Instant access to boarding passes, making it easier to drop bags, enter lounges, and  board flights with a single tap once checked in.
  • Seamless integration with the Virgin Australia app, ensuring an effortless experience for your day of travel.

Festive on-board experience

To add to the festive spirit, Virgin Australia is offering a special holiday menu for Business Class travelers and complimentary festive chocolates for Economy Class passengers.

VA’s tips for smooth travel

To ensure a hassle-free travel experience, Virgin Australia advises passengers to:

  • Arrive early at the airport.
  • Check-in online.
  • Be mindful of carry-on baggage limits.
  • Leave gifts unwrapped.
  • Check the Virgin Australia app for flight updates.

With its expanded flight schedule, operational enhancements, and festive offerings, Virgin Australia is poised to deliver a memorable summer travel experience for its passengers.

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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