Which has the bigger carry-on allowance, Qantas or Virgin Australia?

Qantas: 56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14.2 × 9.1 in), up to 7 kg (15.4 lb). Virgin Australia: 56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14.2 × 9.1 in), up to 8 kg (17.6 lb).

Do Qantas and Virgin Australia include a carry-on on basic economy?

Qantas: Every Economy fare includes the 7 kg carry-on. Virgin Australia: Economy Lite includes the 8 kg carry-on and personal item but no checked bag; Choice and Flex include one 23 kg bag.

Where do Qantas and Virgin Australia fly from?

Qantas's main hubs are Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL). Virgin Australia's are Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), BNE. The better pick is often whichever flies nonstop from your airport.

Are Qantas and Virgin Australia partners?

They aren't in the same alliance (Qantas: oneworld; Virgin Australia: none), so miles and status generally don't transfer between them.

QF vs VA · 2026 comparison

Qantas vs Virgin Australia

Qantas doesn't clearly win any category; Virgin Australia wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.

Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction

Qantas

No clear category wins

Virgin Australia

Wins 1 category

A more generous carry-on weight limit

Quick verdict

Qantas doesn't clearly win any category; Virgin Australia wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit. Both include a carry-on on every fare.

Carry-on size: Qantas: 56 × 36 × 23 cm · Virgin Australia: 56 × 36 × 23 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: Qantas: Included on every fare · Virgin Australia: Included on every fare

Side by side

	Qantas	Virgin Australia
Bags
Carry-on size	56 × 36 × 23 cm	56 × 36 × 23 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare	Included on every fare	Included on every fare
Carry-on weight limit	7 kg (15.4 lb)	8 kg (17.6 lb)
Personal item	Must fit under the seat	45 × 33 × 20 cm
Network
Alliance	oneworld	None
Loyalty program	Qantas Frequent Flyer	Velocity
Main hubs	SYD, MEL	SYD, MEL, BNE

Highlighted values are better for travelers. Fees are for U.S. domestic economy flights; on-time data is 2025 U.S. DOT figures for each airline's own flights.

Bags and fees

Both airlines allow a carry-on up to 56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14.2 × 9.1 in).

Both include it on their cheapest fares.

Carry-on weight limits: 7 kg (15.4 lb) on Qantas, 8 kg (17.6 lb) on Virgin Australia.

Personal items: anything that fits under the seat on Qantas, and 45 × 33 × 20 cm (17.7 × 13 × 7.9 in) on Virgin Australia.

Basic economy

Qantas (Economy): Every Economy fare includes the 7 kg carry-on.

Virgin Australia (Economy Lite): Economy Lite includes the 8 kg carry-on and personal item but no checked bag; Choice and Flex include one 23 kg bag.

Loyalty and where they fly

Qantas is in oneworld and Virgin Australia is not in an alliance.

Loyalty programs: Qantas Frequent Flyer (Qantas) and Velocity (Virgin Australia).

Qantas's main hubs are Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL). Virgin Australia's are Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), BNE. The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.

Which should you book?

Choose Qantas if you want…

to earn and use oneworld miles and status
nonstops from SYD, MEL

Choose Virgin Australia if you want…

a more generous carry-on weight limit
nonstops from SYD, MEL, BNE

On a route both fly, the cheaper ticket isn't always the cheaper trip: add the bags you'll actually bring, and check the fare rules before you book.