When it comes to travel, flexibility and choice are no longer optional—they’re essential.
Recognizing this, Virgin Australia has taken a significant step forward, introducing expanded Fare Brand availability across all Virgin Australia-operated domestic and short-haul international flights.
In an Australian first, Virgin Australia has increased the availability of Economy Fare Brands for customers when booking flights. Travellers can now choose from a Lite, Choice or Flex fare—no matter when they book (subject to an Economy seat being available).
With more availability comes a cost benefit for the flexible traveller who likes to book in advance, with a reduced average cost of Flex fares.
Whether you’re a last-minute traveller, a savvy planner or a corporate road warrior, these changes are designed with you in mind. They empower travellers to travel on the fare that suits their own needs.
These changes enable all customers to access a greater range of fares, regardless of when they book Virgin Australia-operated domestic and international short-haul routes. This offers more flexibility, choice, and value when booking and flying with us.
What does it mean? If there are seats available in Economy class, we will offer travellers more options in the type of fare that they can choose, as more Fare Brands are available up until the day of travel.
Here’s everything you need to know about how Virgin Australia’s new approach to Fare Brands delivers unparalleled value, choice, and flexibility.
Why the Change?
In a year where Virgin Australia introduced Australian- first initiatives such as bag tracking and Journey Tracking, this latest enhancement reflects the continuous commitment Virgin Australia has made to ensure travellers have more options that align with their unique needs. The expanded Fare Brand availability means that you’ll no longer be constrained by limited fare options when booking close to your travel date (subject to seating availability in Economy).
Instead, you’ll have access to a wider range of fares, enabling you to make travel decisions based on your budget, preferences, and priorities. It’s all about providing more options and putting control back into the hands of the traveller.
Virgin Australia knows business travellers face volatility in their schedules, that meetings change last minute, that once virtual meetings are increasingly becoming in-person. Now, no matter when you book, subject to seating availability, you can access Lite, Choice, and better value Flex fares to accommodate changes if your schedule changes and you need more flexibility.
Business travellers will have a wider choice of fares to select from up until the day of travel. And the other side of flexibility is that if you don’t need a bag for a day trip, you can save money by booking a Lite fare.
For example, you can now choose to fly Choice if needed, or from just an additional $40, fly Flex, allowing you to make same-day changes to your booking which means you’ll save the $99 change fee while benefiting from extra flexibility for your unique travel arrangements.
What’s New?
Let’s break down the key changes:
- More availability of Fare Brands, anytime: Previously, travellers booking close to their departure date could only choose from more expensive Flex fares. Now, Lite and Choice fares are also available—right up until the day of travel, provided seats are available. This means more options and often, better prices.
- Enhanced booking platforms: These updates aren’t just for those booking directly through Virgin Australia’s website or via the Business Flyer Booking Portal. Thanks to continuous collaborative efforts with industry partners, these fares are also available to Virgin Australia’s Travel Management Company partners, allowing agents to leverage better value fares for their clients. Agents can now book these fares on behalf of their clients or alternatively their clients can access these fares when booking via their dedicated online booking tools.
"Corporate Traveller has seamlessly integrated these benefits into our Savi Online Booking Tool, providing our customers with unparalleled flexibility and value from the moment the fares brands became available," said Corporate Traveller Head of Customer Success, Ruth Ford. - Same great inclusions: Importantly, the inclusions for each fare brand remain unchanged. Lite, Choice, Flex, and Business fares continue to offer the same benefits as before, so you’re still getting the great value you expect with Virgin Australia.
Why has this change been implemented now?
In the past 4 years, business travel behaviour has shifted significantly, with travellers booking and flying on altered schedules and frequencies, often requiring greater flexibility in booking windows. Data from Flight Centre Travel Group in 2024, has highlighted a growing trend of business travellers looking to push forward or bring back their travel times to meet their changing schedules (Half of Australian business travellers choose flexibility over cost of fare | FCM Travel)
In response, Virgin Australia has introduced tis Australian-first innovation, allowing a greater range of fares to be selected right up to the date of travel. This move ensures that Virgin Australia delivers the right fare type to customers at the right time, meeting evolving expectations while maintaining competitive value and choice.
How Different Travellers Benefit
This change delivers a range of advantages for all types of travellers. Let’s explore the benefits:
Last-Minute Travellers
For those unexpected trips that require same-day bookings, the expanded fare availability is a game-changer. Previously, you might have been limited to Flex fares, which, while flexible, might not always fit your budget. Now, if there are Economy seats available, you can choose from Lite, Choice, and Flex fares, giving you more cost-effective options at the eleventh hour.
Advance Planners
Planning ahead often means securing better prices. Virgin Australia has reduced the average cost of Flex fares when booked in advance, offering even greater value to those who like to plan ahead. Travellers can now enjoy the peace of mind that comes with booking early, knowing they’re getting a competitive price.
Business Travellers
Business travellers stand to gain significantly from these changes. SMEs and Corporate organisations can stretch their travel budgets further, accessing a greater range of fares across Lite, Choice and Flex, even when booking at the last minute. For example:
- SMEs who are Business Flyer members can enjoy a lower average Flex fare in combination with a maximum 4% off Flex fares1.
- Corporate customers can access a number of tailored discounts on both Choice and Flex fares as per their Corporate Travel Agreements.
These savings can add up quickly, providing tangible benefits to organisations managing travel budgets. The benefit? Businesses are able to fly more within predefined travel budgets, which helps them conduct business more effectively and grow while managing costs.
Real-Life Impacts: More Options, Better Value
We’ve spoken to some of our Travel Management Company representatives about the Fare Brand changes, and they are already seeing benefits. Here’s Ruth Ford again:
"With the ability to book Lite and Choice fares right up to the day of departure, and Flex fares offering value with fewer restrictions, our clients have more choice and better access to competitive pricing. This is especially beneficial for last-minute travel, as all fare classes are available up to the day of departure, provided there is a seat on the aircraft.
The consistent fare benefits remain reliable, even for last-minute bookings—meaning our customers can experience travel that is predictable and stress-free. Our enhanced fare visibility through Savi helps our clients make smarter financial decisions, often saving them money in the long run by opting for flexible fares upfront.
With real-time fare access, data-driven insights, and expert guidance, Corporate Traveller ensures that our customers’ travel programs are optimised for both cost and convenience. Choosing Corporate Traveller means investing in a seamless travel experience, allowing our clients to focus on what matters most: running their business."
Simplified Fare Brands: A Refresher
To ensure you’re making the most of Virgin Australia’s fare options, here’s a quick overview of what each brand offers:
- Lite: The most economical option, perfect for those travelling light without checked baggage.
- Choice: Includes checked baggage and seat selection, offering added convenience.
- Flex: Provides maximum flexibility, including fee-free changes and cancellations.
- Business: Premium inclusions for those seeking the ultimate travel experience.
With the expanded availability right up until the departure date, you’re free to choose the fare that best suits your needs—whether it’s value-driven Lite, versatile Choice or flexible Flex.
Driving Simplicity for Business Travellers
For corporate travellers and businesses managing travel for their teams, these changes simplify the planning process. By offering a wider range of fares right up until the departure date (subject to seat availability), Virgin Australia ensures businesses can:
- Save money: Access discounted fares across all fare brands, enabling better cost management. Lower average Flex fares also provide better value with inclusions such as seat selection, checked baggage and multiple changes to flights without a fee.
- Plan efficiently: Book fares that align with organisational policies and budgets.
- Maximise flexibility: Provide employees with fare options that suit their specific travel needs.
- Increased productivity: Time is the most valuable asset to businesses. Having agility in changing travel arrangements to meet business requirements is key.
- More rewards: Aside from cost benefits and flexibility, travellers who opt for Flex fares can receive extra Status Credits on these fares2.
Inspiring Action: Your Next Steps
Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a corporate travel manager, or someone planning a family getaway, here’s how to take advantage:
Explore your options: Enquire about the Corporate Travel Agreement that’s right for your organisation’s needs, ensuring you’re getting the best possible outcome for your bottom line.
Join Virgin Australia Business Flyer: If you’re a SME or sole trader with an ABN, sign up and be approved for the Business Flyer program* to access exclusive discounts1 and member-only benefits.
Book through your preferred platform: Use Virgin Australia’s Business Flyer Portal, your Travel Management Company or virginaustralia.com to secure your flight.
The Future of Flexible Travel
Virgin Australia’s expanded fare brand availability is an Australian first, reinforcing its position as a leader in customer-centric travel solutions. By offering greater choice, better value and enhanced flexibility, Virgin Australia is setting a new standard for airline travel in Australia and beyond.
So, whether you’re booking today, tomorrow, or six months from now, remember: with Virgin Australia, you can truly book your way.
Are you an existing Business Flyer member? Enjoy more flexibility and choice when you book your next flight with us via our Virgin Australia B2B Portal.
Not yet a member? Join for Free*