How To Check-In For Virgin Australia Flights At Sydney's Cruise Terminal

Using Virgin Australia’s seamless sea-to-sky transfer service

Tom Goward06 Jan 2026

Guide: Virgin Australia Check-In Sydney OPT Cruise Terminal

Arriving in Sydney after a cruise shouldn't mean wrestling with luggage through the city before your flight. As of January 2026, Virgin Australia has relaunched its seasonal check-in and baggage drop service at the Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT) in Sydney. The game-changing option brings convenience for the thousands of cruise passengers disembarking in Sydney each summer.

Originally launched in 2018 in partnership with OACIS, this service was put on pause but has now returned for the 2025-26 cruise season. Virgin’s cruise terminal check-in allows passengers travelling on a domestic Virgin Australia flight to check-in and drop their bags directly at the Sydney OPT. Passenger baggage is then transported by Virgin Australia to Sydney Airport, and loaded onto the guest’s flight ahead of departure.

The aim is to create a seamless, luggage-free experience that lets passengers explore Sydney unencumbered. Here's everything you need to know about using the service, including a step-by-step guide.

How To: Virgin Australia Cruise Terminal Check-In

Virgin Australia’s check-in and bag drop counters at Sydney OPT are open seasonally in line with cruise ship disembarkation times. The service is currently in operation until the end of the current cruise season in April/May 2026.

Follow these steps for a smooth experience:

Disembark your cruise ship.
Find the Virgin Australia/OACIS check-in counters within the Sydney Overseas Passenger Terminal.
Check-in as normal with your photo ID, drop your bags and collect your boarding pass.
Enjoy luggage-free time and explore Sydney if you have the time (checked bags are transported directly to the airport and loaded onto your flight).
Head to the airport and proceed through security, then board your flight.
Collect your luggage after landing as normal.