Virgin Australia/Etihad boost baggage allowance

Virgin Australia and Etihad move to 30kg luggage allowance

Virgin Australia and Etihad have just announced a 7kg increase in the complimentary baggage allowance offered to Economy class passengers, with passengers able to have 30kg of checked luggage on flights from Australia to Abu Dhabi and beyond.

The move also includes larger allowances for members of the Etihad Guest and Virgin Australia Velocity loyalty programs depending on their tier, with Etihad Guest Elite or Velocity Platinum members travelling in economy able to check in as much as 50kg of baggage at no extra cost.

"We believe our generous baggage allowances will prove very popular with our guests across all cabins," said Etihad chief commercial officer, Peter Baumgartner.

And Virgin Australia chief commercial officer, Mark Hassell, said the extra 7kg is a "significant increase for our economy customers travelling from Australia to Abu Dhabi".

The new allowance is effective immediately, while the new guidelines will also allow for additional complimentary carriage of some sporting equipment on flights operated by Etihad Airways.

EY and VA already offer a 40kg baggage allowance in business class and 50kg in first class.

More information in tomorrow's Travel Daily.