I just stepped off another flight across the country and if there is one thing I have learnt about flying it is that space is the ultimate luxury, and this is what Virgin Australia Economy X can give you (unless you’re in business class of course). Whether it’s being able to rest your elbows on each side of your seat, or being able to fit your computer bag under the seat in front and still having room for leg stretch. Whether I am flying from Brisbane to Melbourne to Perth or just doing the quick dash to Sydney, most times, I always find myself staring at the back of the heads of the business class travellers on the plane.
When you book with Virgin you are usually faced with a choice: stick with the standard fare or upgrade to Virgin Australia Economy X. I have tried both more times than I can count and the extra space often makes a world of difference. Here is my honest take on whether you should fork out the extra cash for that X on your boarding pass.
What is Virgin Australia Economy X exactly?
Let us keep it simple. Virgin Australia Economy X is not a separate cabin like Business Class. It is essentially Economy Plus. You are still in the same part of the plane as everyone else but you are sitting in the prime real estate. These seats are located in the first few rows (usually row 3 on the Boeing 737 aircraft) and the exit rows.
The big drawcard here is the space. While a standard seat gives you about 76 to 79 centimetres of pitch (that is the distance between your seat and the one in front) Virgin Australia Economy X boosts that up to 86 or even 99 centimetres. That is a 40% increase in legroom which is enough to let even a tall traveller stretch out without their knees hitting the tray table.
Comparing the Cabin Experience
To make it easier to see what you are actually paying for I have put together this comparison table. It shows exactly how Virgin Australia Economy X sits between a standard seat and the high end Business Class cabin for domestic flights.
| Feature | Standard Economy | Virgin Australia Economy X | Business Class |
| Legroom (Pitch) | 76 to 79 cm | 86 to 99 cm | 96 to 127 cm |
| Carry On Baggage | 1 bag (8kg) | 2 bags (14kg combined) | 2 bags (14kg combined) |
| Priority Boarding | No | Yes | Yes |
| Overhead Storage | General | Dedicated Space | Dedicated Space |
| Food and Drink | Purchase Onboard | Standard Economy Menu | Plated Meal Included |
Velocity Status Perks for Virgin Australia Economy X
If you are a frequent flyer your status level is your golden ticket. Here is how it breaks down for the loyalists:
- Velocity Platinum and Platinum Plus: You are the big winners here. Platinum members get complimentary Virgin Australia Economy X seat selection on all domestic and short haul international flights. Even better you can take up to eight companions on the same booking into the extra legroom seats with you for free.
- Velocity Gold: This is where it gets a bit tricky. As a Gold member you do not get Virgin Australia Economy X for free on domestic flights. Instead you get access to Preferred Seating which are the rows just behind the X seats. They do not have the extra legroom but they get you off the plane faster. To get the full experience you will still need to pay the upgrade fee or use a credit card voucher.
- Velocity Silver: No freebies here unfortunately. You will need to pay the standard upgrade rate though you still get your usual silver perks like priority check in.
The Top Benefits of Virgin Australia Economy X
It is not just about having a bit of extra wiggle room for your shins. Virgin provides a few extra perks that make the journey much smoother from the terminal to the tarmac.
Increased Baggage Allowance
One of the best reasons to choose Virgin Australia Economy X is the generous carry on baggage policy. While standard fares are often quite restrictive the upgrade gives you a 14kg carry on allowance.
- You can bring two small bags with a combined weight of 14kg (no single bag over 8kg).
- This is a lifesaver if you are a digital nomad like me carrying a heavy laptop bag and a camera kit at times.
- No more stressing at the gate while the staff pull out the scales.
Priority Boarding and Overhead Space
I hate the gate scramble as much as anyone. One of the best bits of the Virgin Australia Economy X experience is being invited to board right after the Business Class passengers. You get to stroll on, find your seat, and use the dedicated overhead locker space. There is nothing worse than boarding late and finding the bins full of other people’s oversized backpacks, and then having to store your carry on luggage half way down the plane which makes it harder to get off the plane quickly after landing.
Pricing and Value: Economy versus Economy X
The million dollar question is always the cost. In the current market I have seen upgrades for as little as 15 dollars on shorter routes like Sydney to the Gold Coast. For the longer hauls like the 5 hour trek to Perth or a short haul international hop to Bali you are looking at closer to 58 to 100 dollars.
How to Snag a Deal
If you want the best value I recommend checking your booking 27 to 180 days before you fly. Virgin often runs sales where they drop the price of the exit row seats. If you have an American Express or Westpac Altitude card check your account because many of these come with two free Virgin Australia Economy X upgrade vouchers each year if you haven’t got Velocity Cards set up for yourself and your family members.
The Final Verdict: Is it Worth It?
If you are on a 60 minute flight and do not have much carry on you can probably skip it and save your money for a decent coffee or energy drink at the airport. However if you are taller than average or travelling for work Virgin Australia Economy X is an easy choice.
The combination of the 14kg baggage limit and the fact that you can actually open a laptop without the person in front crushing your screen makes it worth every cent. Plus being in Row 3 or thereabouts, means you are the first ones off the plane which can be the difference between catching your Uber quickly or standing in a 20 minute queue.
What about you? Do you think the extra legroom is worth the price or would you rather spend that money on a nice meal when you land?
