Virgin Australia has today announced the introduction of a new Regional Fares Program to provide residents in select communities in regional Australia with access to more affordable and flexible air travel.

The program, which is available for residents in regional areas in Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory, is designed for residents with essential travel needs, such as for medical treatment or a family emergency, to book travel to a capital city at short notice and at a capped fare price.

Virgin Australia General Manager Network and Revenue Management, Russell Shaw said the program was launched in response to community feedback to make travel more accessible for those in remote parts of Australia. 

“We understand residents in our regional communities sometimes need to make last-minute travel plans, but short booking timeframes and demand for these services can mean fares become very expensive, and often the lowest fare types aren’t as flexible if plans change.

“We’re pleased to be able to help alleviate some of the stress involved when having to book last minute and to keep our guests located in regional areas connected when it matters most,” he said.

Fares are available to residents who are members of the Velocity Frequent Flyer program and who have their profile linked to a regional address that is within range of an eligible port. Bookings must be made directly through the Regional Fares Program page on the Virgin Australia website here.

Eligible routes[i]

Western Australia

Queensland

Northern Territory

Virgin Australia understands that our guests’ travel plans can change last minute, so to provide greater flexibility, applicable change fees will be waived for bookings with travel between now and 31 January 2021. The airline will further extend booking flexibility until 31 March 2021 should a customer’s travel plans be impacted by COVID-19.

More information on Virgin Australia’s flexible booking policy and the airline’s Passenger Promise, including health and wellbeing initiatives to help protect customers from risks associated with COVID-19, can be found here.

ENDS

[i] Price is based on a return Elevate fare (minimum return fare) or a return Freedom fare (maximum return fare) booked on the internet. Price may vary until ticketed. In order to access a discounted regional fare, you must be a member of Velocity Frequent Flyer and live in an eligible postcode. For members residing in Western Australia, regional fare discounts are available on return Elevate and Freedom (Fare Class Q and Y) bookings to Perth. The regional fare discounts are not applicable when combined with Getaway fares and are not available for Reward Seat or Any Seat. Travel is for leisure purposes only and travel for business is ineligible for this offer. Disability Assistance Concession will not apply to this offer. Virgin Australia reserves the right to change or cancel this offer at any time. Seats are limited and may not be available at peak times or on all flights. A checked baggage allowance is included in your fare. Add $40 for bookings made on the phone or at the airport. All payments made by debit/credit card are subject to a payment surcharge. Changes and cancellations incur a fee and any applicable fare difference. See Virgin Australia’s domestic Fees page for details. Name changes are not permitted.  Refunds are not permitted under your fare rules but you may be entitled to a refund under the Australian Consumer Law in certain circumstances. Check your fare rules for more information. Some flights may be operated by a partner airline. Full terms and conditions at www.virginaustralia.com.