The Ultimate Guide To Virgin Australia Economy X

Virgin Australia’s Economy X makes flying in Economy more comfortable without splurging on Business Class. Economy X is an upgrade option available on all Virgin Australia domestic and international flights, offering a taste of premium perks for a modest fee. In true Aussie style, its laid-back luxury, with more legroom, priority perks at the airport, and a smoother flying experience overall. If you’ve ever wished for more comfort in Economy, upgrading to Economy X from just $15* (exit row seat) could be the smartest move you make on your next flight.

There is nothing better than being able to completely stretch out your legs on a plane, and it’s amazing what it can do for the whole flight experience. We love flying Economy X with Virgin Australia because it gives you more comfort at a comfortable price. From as little as an extra $15, you can upgrade to Economy X which comes with a whole lot of perks to love.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll take a close look at what Economy X offers, how much it costs, and how to book it. This way, you can decide whether it’s a worthwhile upgrade for your next trip.

Virgin Australia Economy X seating on the B737-8

What Is Virgin Australia Economy X?

Virgin Australia first introduced Economy X in 2017 as a happy middle-ground between standard Economy and Business Class. It’s not quite a separate cabin or Premium Economy offering with fancy meals and wider seats. Instead, Economy X offers the same Economy seat with added benefits that make your journey more comfortable both in the air and before takeoff.

Economy X can be added to your flight for a relatively small fee, starting at just $15 for an exit row seat on shorter routes. That’s about the same price as a soggy airport salad or a terminal pint, and instead of instant regret, Economy X gets you a better seat and priority treatment usually reserved for higher-fare passengers and those with Velocity Platinum Status.

Think of Economy X as Economy travel with perks that really move the comfort needle. Your seat will typically be in the first few rows of the Economy cabin or an exit row – prime real estate on the plane. In fact, on Virgin Australia’s Boeing 737-800 and Max 8 aircraft, rows 3 and 4 are designated Economy X. This means Economy X flyers sit toward the front, making boarding and disembarking quicker. As well as other perks, these rows also benefit from up to 40% more legroom compared to regular Economy.

Score up to 40% more legroom in Virgin Australia Economy X rows

Importantly, Economy X is available exclusively on Virgin Australia-operated flights (sorry, codeshare flights won’t have this option). So whether you’re hopping between Australian capitals or jetting off on a Pacific island getaway, as long as you’re flying Virgin Australia, you can upgrade to Economy X when booking, or even later. It’s essentially the next best thing to flying Business Class, at a fraction of the price, offering many of the same comfort benefits minus the fancy meals and Business Class seats.

Key Benefits of Flying Economy X

By paying a little extra for Economy X, you unlock a bundle of benefits that can transform your travel experience. Here are all the perks you’ll get by upgrading to Economy X;

• Up to 40% More Legroom: This is the headline benefit, and it’s a game-changer for comfort. Economy X seats have a much roomier seat pitch (the distance between your seat and the one in front), typically 34–39 inches of pitch vs about 31 inches in standard Economy. That’s at least three extra inches for your legs. On Virgin’s 737 and Max8 aircraft, the Economy X legroom is comparable to what you’d get in Business Class on those same planes.
• Priority Boarding: Economy X passengers get to skip the queue and board earlier than the regular Economy crowd. Along with Business Class and elite frequent flyers, you’ll be the first passengers invited to board. This means you can stroll onto the plane with less rush, settle into your seat calmly, and stow your carry-on in the overhead without the usual scramble.
• Preferred Overhead Locker Space: Ever boarded late and found no space for your carry-on near your seat? Economy X helps solve that. The overhead bins above Economy X rows are designated for Economy X passengers, so you shouldn’t have to play Tetris with your luggage several rows away. This perk means your essentials stay within arm’s reach, and you can exit the plane faster without hunting down your bag. Note this perk is generally honoured, but not strictly policed, and occasionally a stray bag might find its way overhead.
• Priority Check-in: If you’re flying on a Virgin Australia international route, Economy X grants you access to priority check-in counters. Instead of lining up in the long Economy queue, you can use the dedicated premium check-in lane. This is often the Business Class counter or a separate Economy X line, depending on the airport. That means less time in line and more time to relax airside.

Economy X guests have preferred overhead locker space

How Much Does Economy X Cost?

One of the most attractive aspects of Economy X is its affordability. Prices for an Economy X upgrade start from as little as $15 one-way, on top of your regular ticket. Economy X pricing depends on your route, how far in advance you book, and which seat you choose.

Virgin Australia markets Economy X from $15, but common prices on popular routes can be a little higher. We checked a variety of routes below, based on booking 28 days in advance in an exit row seat;

• Sydney - Melbourne (1h25m) from $15
• Brisbane - Vanuatu (2h35m) from $33
• Cairns - Sydney (2h55m) from $35
• Melbourne - Darwin (4h40m) from $35
• Perth - Sydney (4h20m) from $35
• Perth - Brisbane (5h45m) from $35
• Melbourne - Launceston (1h10m) from $51
• Adelaide - Sydney (1h50m) from $59
• Brisbane - Queenstown (3h30m) from $61
• Perth - Hobart (4h10m) from $68
• Melbourne - Bali (6h25m) from $95

Economy X fees are charged per passenger, per flight. So if you have a connection, you’d pay separately for each leg you choose to upgrade. For most domestic trips, expect to pay around $15–$60 each way for Economy X, while longer flights of 3-5 hours, like Perth or Bali, might be in the $35–$100 range.

Virgin Australia 737 MAX-8 arrives in Brisbane

Keep in mind there isn’t a fixed formula or distance-based pricing that’s publicly available, and Virgin can adjust Economy X prices dynamically. This means a shorter flight might cost more to upgrade than a longer flight, depending on demand. The only way to know exactly what it will cost for your trip is to check during booking. You’ll see the Economy X seat price before you pay, so you can decide then. If you didn’t add it during the initial reservation, you can also see the price later via “Manage Booking” or ask at check-in (more on that soon).

We recommend adding Economy X earlier in your booking journey, for a higher chance to pay less.

How Can I Book Economy X?

Adding Economy X to your booking is very simple. You can secure an Economy X seat during the initial booking, after booking, or even at check-in. Here’s how you can lock in your Economy X upgrade;

1. When making your booking

The simplest way to upgrade is by selecting an Economy X seat while you’re booking your flight online on the Virgin Australia website or in the Virgin Australia app. During the seat selection stage, Economy X seats will be indicated in purple, and with an Economy X label once selected. Just pick your preferred Economy X seat and the system will add the upgrade fee to your total before checkout.

2. After making a booking

If you’ve already purchased your ticket and later decide you want the Economy X experience, you can still add it. Simply find your booking in the Virgin Australia app or visit the Manage Your Booking section of Virgin Australia’s website and choose seat selection for your flight. Available Economy X seats (if any remain) will be shown, and you can pay the upgrade fee online to reserve one.

Economy X seat selection page

3. At Check-In

Even if you arrive at the airport without an Economy X seat, you might still snag one at the last minute. During check-in, whether online or at the airport, any remaining Economy X seats are offered for purchase. Online check-in will prompt you if upgrade seats are open, or you can ask airport staff if any Economy X seats are available for purchase.

Does Economy X Earn Bonus Points?

If you’re a Velocity Frequent Flyer wondering about Points, paying cash for an Economy X upgrade does not earn extra Velocity Points or Status Credits. You’ll earn Points based on your original fare type only, since Economy X is considered a seat selection fee, not a separate fare class.

However, you can redeem your Velocity Points on your Economy X seat if you wish to pay for your Economy X upgrade at the same time as redeeming your flight purchase.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Economy X

Flying Economy X is already a nice little upgrade, but here are a few of our insider tips and tricks to help you maximise the experience;

• Choose your seat wisely: Exit rows offer maximum legroom, while the first row of Economy lets you disembark faster and avoid seat recline from the passenger in front.
• Select early for the best seat: The most desirable Economy X seats go quickly, so be sure to secure yours during booking for the widest choice.
• Check for last-minute Economy X: If you didn’t upgrade earlier, you might still score Economy X during online check-in or at the airport.
• Use Velocity Platinum status: Platinum members get complimentary Economy X seating on domestic and short-haul international flights.

Summing Up: Should I Pay For Economy X?

Now for the million-dollar (or rather, $15…depending on route) question: Is upgrading to Economy X actually worth the money? It’s a yes for most travellers, because being comfortable in-flight is always a win. But of course, this will still depend on the flight length and your needs.

For those who crave comfort or have long legs, Economy X can be a travel lifesaver. An extra 7-8 centimetres of legroom might not sound huge on paper, but in practice, it’s the difference between feeling cramped versus relaxed. Your knees and lower back will thank you, especially on flights of two hours or more.

But even if you are of a shorter stature, who wants to be cramped next to your neighbour? Even an Economy X middle seat gives more space and makes you feel you have oodles of space to stretch out.

Economy X gives you many of the benefits of flying in a better class without the hefty price tag. It’s perfect for those who want a little extra comfort and convenience on their next Virgin Australia flight.

This guide was written in partnership with Virgin Australia. Information is based on our independent analysis and current publicly available details.