Yahoo Finance Good news for families as Virgin announces big changes for littlest passengers
The days of stuffing nappies and baby clothes into suitcases could be over, with Virgin Australia now offering a checked luggage allowance for infants.
Designed to make travel easier for families, the move will see infant travellers (those under 23 months of age) granted 23kg of baggage free of charge, as well as an allowance for two infant items like baby capsules, prams or cots.
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Parents travelling with young children will also be allowed to bring an extra 7kg carry-on bag for baby products in the Australian first.
“We know travelling with an infant can be incredibly stressful and we’re pleased to make that journey a little more effortless by introducing an infant baggage allowance on domestic and international flights,” the general manager of ground operations, Paul Woosnam said.
Oh baby, don’t we have some sweet news for you! Our smallest flyers now have their very own baggage allowance. Parents travelling with a baby up to 23 months old can check in an extra bag in addition to two special infant items! 🍼👶 #BabyGotBag pic.twitter.com/o8YHAXyHnS
— Virgin Australia (@VirginAustralia) August 14, 2019
“We want to be the airline of choice for travelling families and we’re proud to be the only carrier in Australia to recognise that travelling with an infant sometimes means packing far more than usual.
“We think parents will be pleased too, as they can now pack a little extra for themselves on their next trip.”
The announcement comes just a day after Virgin Australia announced its new plan to help nervous flyers, which would see nervous flyers receive extra support to enjoy the flight both before and during.
For infants not using a seat, travel is free on domestic flights and 10 per cent of the full fare on international flights.
Qantas offers an infant allowance on international flights of one piece of up to 10kg and three infant items. Infants who do not occupy a seat are carried for 10 per cent of the adult fare.
And on Jetstar, parents can bring infant items like prams and highchairs for free, although caregivers are required to pay an infant fee.
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