Virgin Australia has launched three new economy fares today: Economy Choice, Economy Flex, and Economy Lite, each with its own set of booking options.

Virgin Australia announced the new range after a review of fares, pricing, and bookings revealed that an average of 30% of customers did not use their checked baggage allowance.

When booking an Economy Choice or Economy Flex fare, passengers will continue to receive 23 kilograms of checked baggage and seat selection. Economy Choice will also provide additional Velocity Frequent Flyer Points and Status Credits, as well as booking flexibility for changes up to 14 days prior to departure without incurring a fee.

Members of the Virgin Australia Club, eligible Velocity Frequent Flyer, and Lounge will continue to be welcomed to the airline’s premium and domestic lounges, regardless of the ticket purchased.

The new fares will reduce Virgin Australia’s lowest lead-in Economy fare to just $59, a 33% reduction from September 2019 prices.

Following a review of fares, pricing, and bookings, the airline is also introducing an Economy Lite seat-only fare, giving travellers the option to remove the unwanted cost of checked baggage from their ticket price.

Virgin Australia is now the only Australian airline to offer Economy, Economy X, seat-only Economy fares, and Business Class, providing customers with the most diverse range of airfare options in the domestic market. It will also bring Virgin Australia up to speed with the majority of major US and European carriers.

Flying with Virgin Australia is now more affordable and passenger-friendly than ever before, thanks to the introduction of a new range of Economy airfares that provides Australian travellers and businesses with more choice and options.

A Virgin Australia Group spokesperson said the new fares follow an extensive review of the airline’s fare pricing and structure.

“We discovered that nearly one in every three Virgin Australia customers don’t bring a checked bag when they travel, despite a bag allowance built into their airfare. On flights between Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, that number is even higher.

“Today we’re putting the power back in the hands of our customers by leaving it up to them to choose what they want. If they don’t want a checked bag or seat selection, they won’t have to pay for it – it’s that simple. If they prefer to keep the extras, there are great value inclusive fare options available.

“Every customer is unique and has different needs and budgets, and we want to welcome all of them on board to experience our award-winning service, in the way that best suits them,” they said.

The introduction of the new Economy fares follows the announcement earlier this week that Virgin Australia will retain its premium loyalty program and premium lounges (formerly known as The Club) in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.