Virgin Australia has become the first Australian airline to allow its littlest travellers a dedicated checked baggage allowance when flying on domestic, international short haul and international long haul routes.

The change means that parents travelling with a child under 23-months-old on Virgin Australia-operated flights can check-in one additional 23kg bag free of charge, as well as two special infant items, such as a pram, cot, car seat or baby capsule.  Parents travelling with an infant are also welcome to bring an additional 7kg carry-on bag for essential baby products.

General Manager of Ground Operations, Paul Woosnam said: “We know travelling with an infant can be incredibly stressful and we’re pleased to make that journey a little more effortless by introducing an infant baggage allowance on domestic and international flights.

“We want to be the airline of choice for travelling families and we’re proud to be the only carrier in Australia to recognise that travelling with an infant sometimes means packing far more than usual. We think parents will be pleased too, as they can now pack a little extra for themselves on their next trip,” Mr Woosnam said.

Infant baggage allowance is the newest announcement in a suite of initiatives introduced by Virgin Australia to make travelling easier for families.