Is Paying For Extra Legroom On Domestic Flights Actually Worth It?

There’s a particular optimism involved in choosing the cheapest seat on a flight to Perth, as though the version of you boarding the aircraft will be considerably less attached to personal space. I’m inclined to think a few extra dollars are worth considering before that theory gets tested. With Virgin Australia, Economy X makes the strongest case on longer domestic flights, when you’re carrying work gear, or when an early departure is the beginning of a very long day.

On a quick hop with a small bag, I’d be less concerned. Paying for extra legroom should come down to how much you’ll appreciate it on that particular trip, which is why the price on the seat map deserves more attention than the temptation to upgrade everything.

Virgin Australia’s Economy X starts from $15 per person per sector on selected domestic Economy X Exit Row seats. At that starting price, it’s an easy proposition to entertain, although the decision gets more interesting once you consider the baggage allowance and boarding benefits that come with it.

What do you actually get with Economy X?

Economy X sits within the Economy cabin, offering additional space and priority perks without the step up to Business Class. According to Virgin Australia’s published inclusions, that means up to 40% more legroom, Priority Boarding, preferred overhead locker space and a carry-on allowance of up to 14kg across eligible pieces.

The extra room is likely to get your attention first, but the other inclusions deserve a look, particularly if your idea of travelling light still involves a laptop, a camera and enough chargers to open a small electronics shop.

Economy X benefits vary by airport, aircraft and route, and are subject to availability. The legroom figure is “up to” 40%, so check the particular seat you’re choosing rather than assuming every option is identical.

When would I pay the extra?

A flight between the east coast and Perth is the obvious place to start. A little more room to stretch out becomes a more compelling purchase when you’ll be using it for several hours, especially if standard Economy seating already feels like a fairly precise fit.

I’d also give Economy X a look for an early flight followed by back-to-back meetings. When your calendar has ambitions for every available minute, there’s something to be said for making the journey itself less of an effort. Priority Boarding and preferred overhead locker space can make getting settled more straightforward, while the extra legroom gives you a little more breathing space before the day gets going.

That’s a reasonable argument for someone managing their own travel budget, too. If you run a small business, you’re probably quite capable of talking yourself out of every optional expense while booking, then wondering why you’ve made the day unnecessarily hard. I’d judge this one against the length of the trip and the schedule at the other end.

The same applies when you’re travelling for pleasure. You don’t need a meeting waiting for you to justify being comfortable, and there’s no prize for arriving on holiday having saved an amount you’d happily pay for lunch.

How useful is the extra carry-on allowance?

For anyone travelling with work equipment, the baggage allowance could be the more persuasive part of the package, provided you pack within the rules.

Virgin Australia allows Economy X passengers to bring two small bags with a combined weight of up to 14kg, with neither bag exceeding 8kg. Each can measure up to 48cm x 34cm x 23cm. There’s also an option for a standard bag and suit pack, subject to their respective dimensions, plus a personal item that fits under the seat.

In practice, that gives you more flexibility when an overnight trip involves more equipment than clothing. It doesn’t allow one 14kg suitcase, or two full-size cabin bags, so check both dimensions and weight before deciding that the upgrade solves your packing problem.

Eligible Velocity status holders may already receive the higher allowance, which is another reason to check what your booking includes before paying extra. Virgin Australia’s carry-on guide sets out the permitted combinations.

When is standard Economy enough?

If you’re taking a short flight with very little baggage and you’re comfortable in a standard seat, I’d be quite happy keeping the money. The value of extra legroom is personal, and an upgrade doesn’t become essential simply because it’s offered at checkout.

It’s also worth separating the benefits you’ll use from those you already have. A frequent flyer with priority entitlements might be paying mainly for the space, while someone who prefers to board later may place little value on Priority Boarding. Neither needs to justify the purchase using the entire list of inclusions.

Then there’s the price itself. The advertised $15 starting point applies to selected domestic Economy X Exit Row seats, per person and per sector, on top of the flight. Your selected seat may cost more, and a connecting journey involves multiple sectors, so compare the actual total before committing.

Exit Row seats have eligibility requirements, including being at least 15 and willing and physically able to assist in an evacuation. You also need to understand cabin crew instructions in English, among other conditions.

For me, the strongest case for Economy X is a longer flight at a price that feels modest relative to the trip, especially when the baggage allowance is useful too. On a short flight with an almost empty backpack, standard Economy is a perfectly sensible choice. It’s worth making the decision while booking, when you can still do something about where your knees will spend the afternoon.

virginaustralia.com

Frequently asked questions

Is Economy X a separate cabin?

Economy X is an upgraded seat within Economy, with additional legroom and priority perks. It isn’t Business Class.

Can I add Economy X after booking?

Yes. You can add Economy X through Manage Your Booking or during check-in, subject to availability. The applicable price will be shown when you select your seat.

Does Economy X change my fare rules?

No. Your original fare rules still apply, so check those separately if you need flexibility to change your flight.