Virgin Australia Seat Selection Guide (2026)

Advance seat selection included FREE on all fares except Economy Lite. Lite passengers: can purchase Standard Seat selection up to 3 hours before departure, OR get free Standard Seat selection within 3 hours of departure (subject to availability).

Have a question about Virgin Australia seat selection?

Talk to an Expert

Seat Selection Fees

Seat Type	Fee
Standard	Free for Choice/Flex/Business. Lite: paid until 3 hrs before, then free.
Preferred	Preferred Seating (front of aircraft): purchasable on Choice/Flex fares. Free when available for Velocity Platinum and Platinum Plus members, and for Gold members on Choice and Flex fares. Released for complimentary selection during check-in (48 hrs before) for eligible members.
Extra Legroom	Economy X: up to 40% more legroom and Priority Boarding on available Virgin Australia-operated domestic and short-haul international flights; separate from Preferred Seating; fee varies by route
Exit Row	Economy X fee applies. You must be 15 or older and meet the exit-row safety requirements.

Free Seat Selection

No — Advance seat selection included FREE on all fares except Economy Lite. Lite passengers: can purchase Standard Seat selection up to 3 hours before departure, OR get free Standard Seat selection within 3 hours of departure (subject to availability).

When Can You Select a Seat?

Available from time of booking via Manage Your Booking or Virgin Australia App. Lite fare: purchasable up to 3 hours before departure.

How to Select Your Seat

Go to 'Manage Your Booking' on virginaustralia.com or open the Virgin Australia App.
Enter your booking reference and last name.
Select 'Seat Selection' from the menu.
Choose your preferred seat from the seat map.
Pay any applicable fees to confirm your selection.

Tips for the Best Seats

Economy Lite: free Standard Seat selection opens 3 hours before departure — no need to pay if you can wait.
Velocity Platinum and Platinum Plus members, plus up to eight companions on the same booking, can reserve a Preferred Seat free on eligible Virgin Australia domestic and short-haul international flights, if available; Gold members get the same on Choice and Flex fares. The seat isn't assigned automatically.
Families (3+ in one booking): Virgin Australia auto-assigns best remaining seats together 48 hours before departure.
Economy X is a separate upgrade product, not part of Preferred Seating. It provides up to 40% more legroom and Priority Boarding on available Virgin Australia-operated domestic and short-haul international flights.
Some Economy X seats are in exit rows. To sit there you must be 15 or older and meet Virgin Australia's physical, communication, assistance, infant, animal and seat-belt-extension conditions; Virgin Australia decides eligibility at check-in, boarding or on board.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is seat selection free on Virgin Australia?: Advance seat selection included FREE on all fares except Economy Lite. Lite passengers: can purchase Standard Seat selection up to 3 hours before departure, OR get free Standard Seat selection within 3 hours of departure (subject to availability).
How much does Virgin Australia charge for seat selection?: Standard: Free for Choice/Flex/Business. Lite: paid until 3 hrs before, then free.. Preferred: Preferred Seating (front of aircraft): purchasable on Choice/Flex fares. Free when available for Velocity Platinum and Platinum Plus members, and for Gold members on Choice and Flex fares. Released for complimentary selection during check-in (48 hrs before) for eligible members.. Extra Legroom: Economy X: up to 40% more legroom and Priority Boarding on available Virgin Australia-operated domestic and short-haul international flights; separate from Preferred Seating; fee varies by route.
When can I select a seat on Virgin Australia?: Available from time of booking via Manage Your Booking or Virgin Australia App. Lite fare: purchasable up to 3 hours before departure.
What happens if I don't select a seat on Virgin Australia?: You'll be assigned a seat at check-in, typically a middle seat in the back of the plane.