VIRGIN AUSTRALIA: We had Economy X first, so there!

Yesterday, I wrote a post about the launch of Qantas’ new Economy Plus seats. Today, I write a post where Virgin Australia gives a less-than-subtle middle finger to the Qantas initiative, rightly claiming that they did it first with their Economy X seats. To top if off, they are offering a sale on the fares, which makes their offering cheaper than what Qantas is offering to those who have to pay for Economy Plus.

Virgin Australia’s $15 Economy X sale

If you’ve ever eyed off those roomy seats near the front of the plane and thought, “Nice… but not at that price”, Virgin Australia has just given you a reason to think again.

The airline has launched a month-long Economy X sale, with upgrades starting from just AU$15 per person, per sector on selected domestic routes. Cheaper than an airport sandwich.

The promotion runs from now until 11.59 pm AEST on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, and applies to new and existing bookings where Economy X is available.

Economy X

Virgin rolled out Economy X back in 2017, long before the Qantas Economy Plus offering, which just debuted this week.

IEconomy X offers more comfort than standard economy but at a price much lower than Business Class.

Here’s what you get:

• Up to 40% more legroom (same as Qantas)
• Priority boarding (same as Qantas)
• Priority check-in and security (same as Qantas) where available
• Dedicated overhead locker space (same as Qantas)
• Up to 14kg cabin baggage allowance (same as Qantas)

Costs: AU$15 and AU$23

Under this sale, many popular routes are priced at just AU$15 for an Economy X upgrade, including:

• Sydney ↔ Melbourne
• Sydney ↔ Brisbane
• Brisbane ↔ Melbourne
• Sydney ↔ Gold Coast
• Melbourne ↔ Hobart
• Brisbane ↔ Cairns
• Adelaide ↔ Alice Springs

Longer routes will cost a little more, mostly at AU$23, including:

• Sydney ↔ Perth
• Melbourne ↔ Perth
• Sydney ↔ Cairns
• Melbourne ↔ Darwin
• Brisbane ↔ Perth
• Perth ↔ Broome
• Melbourne ↔ Hamilton Island

The prices are per person, per sector, in both directions, and are subject to availability.

Virgin throws shade at Qantas

Virgin isn’t shy about pointing out that it got here first. Adopting the cheeky attitude of a RyanAir social media campaign, it is poking a little fun at Qantas. Virgin did have Economy X since 2017, and it has taken nearly 10 years for Qantas to decide that marketing a remarkably similar product might be a good idea. That’s a ‘nimble’ behemoth organisation for you.

But then Virgin Australia can’t help itself, and rubs it in by also reminding us of its track record of firsts, which includes Online check-in, Pets in Cabin on eligible flights and Baggage tracking for passengers

Not bad, as corporate bragging goes.

Worth it?

The answer to this is subjective. Personally, for AU$15 on a short hop between Sydney and Melbourne, say, I’m not so sure. But for a longer route, like East Coast Australia to Perth, I would gladly pay the AU$23. If I were 6′ or more, the decision even on short haul would be a no-brainer.

Economy X when not on sale

Even outside sale promotions like this, Virgin Australia offers competitive pricing, with domestic upgrades starting at AU$15 and International short-haul from AU$58. I think Virgin might be using the launch of Qantas’ Economy Plus product to remind its regular customers that it already offers a similar product, often at a lower price.

2PAXfly Takeout

If you’re flying domestically, it’s well worth checking whether you can upgrade for the price of a coffee and a muffin.

If you are tall, your knees will thank you. If you are not, you may just enjoy the priority boarding, extra on-board luggage allowance, and the almost guarantee that there will be space above your seat for it.

Check out the full set of Terms and Conditions for Economy X.