Virgin Australia Cancellation Policy (2026)
Virgin Australia does not have a standard 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy like US carriers, but refunds depend on the fare rules.
Have a question about Virgin Australia cancellation policy?
Talk to an ExpertPage updated: August 2026
24-Hour Rule
Limited 24-hour cancellation. Virgin Australia does not have a standard 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy like US carriers, but refunds depend on the fare rules.
Cancellation Fees
| Fare Class | Fee |
|---|---|
| Basic Economy | Non-refundable, no travel credit (Economy Lite) |
| Main Cabin | $99 AUD fee to cancel for travel credit (Economy Choice) |
| Premium | Refundable to original form of payment with a fee, or full travel credit (Economy Flex) |
| Business | Refundable to original form of payment with a fee, or full travel credit (Business) |
Change Fees
| Fare Class | Fee |
|---|---|
| Basic Economy | Not permitted (Economy Lite) |
| Main Cabin | $99-$109 AUD per person per change plus fare difference (Economy Choice) |
| Premium | No change fee, fare difference applies (Economy Flex) |
| Business | No change fee, fare difference applies (Business) |
Refund Method
Travel credit for Choice fares; original form of payment for Flex and Business fares (minus applicable fees).
Same-Day Change
Available for Business and Economy Flex guests at no charge. Not available for Economy Lite or Choice.
No-Show Policy
If you fail to check in or board your flight, your fare may be forfeited and no refund or credit provided.
If Virgin Australia Cancels Your Flight
When an airline cancels or significantly changes your flight, U.S. Department of Transportation regulations require the airline to provide a full refund to the original form of payment — including ticket price, taxes, fees, and any paid extras — regardless of fare type.
Under DOT rules, a "significant change" includes: arrival delayed 3+ hours (domestic) or 6+ hours (international), a change in departure or arrival airport, additional connections, or an involuntary downgrade to a lower class of service.
The refund must be issued automatically within 7 business days for credit card purchases or 20 calendar days for other payment methods. Airlines may offer travel credits or vouchers as an alternative, but must inform you of your right to a cash refund. You are not required to accept a voucher.
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, Aviation Consumer Protection — Refunds (transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/refunds, last updated November 7, 2025).
How to Cancel
- Go to the Virgin Australia website and click 'Manage Your Booking'.
- Enter your booking reference and last name.
- Select the option to change or cancel your flight.
- Review any applicable fees and confirm the cancellation to receive your travel credit or refund.
Tips
- Economy Lite fares are the most restrictive and do not allow changes or cancellations.
- If you book an Economy Choice fare, you can cancel for a $99 fee and receive a travel credit.
- Changes and cancellations must be made before check-in opens.
- If your flight is cancelled by Virgin Australia, you are entitled to a refund or rebooking at no extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Virgin Australia cancellation policy?
- Virgin Australia does not offer a 24-hour free cancellation window. All cancellations are subject to fare-class-based fees from the moment of booking. Refund method: Travel credit for Choice fares; original form of payment for Flex and Business fares (minus applicable fees).
- Can I cancel a Virgin Australia flight for free?
- No — Virgin Australia does not provide a free cancellation period. Virgin Australia does not have a standard 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy like US carriers, but refunds depend on the fare rules.
- What is Virgin Australia cancellation fee?
- Fees vary by fare class. Basic Economy: Non-refundable, no travel credit (Economy Lite). Main Cabin: $99 AUD fee to cancel for travel credit (Economy Choice). Premium: Refundable to original form of payment with a fee, or full travel credit (Economy Flex).
- What is Virgin Australia's change fee?
- Main Cabin: $99-$109 AUD per person per change plus fare difference (Economy Choice). Basic Economy: Not permitted (Economy Lite).
- How do I get a refund from Virgin Australia?
- Travel credit for Choice fares; original form of payment for Flex and Business fares (minus applicable fees).
- What happens if I no-show on Virgin Australia?
- If you fail to check in or board your flight, your fare may be forfeited and no refund or credit provided.