Virgin Australia is proud to be a Codeshare partner with Etihad Airways – the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates.
As integrated alliance partners, we offer an expanded global network of seamless connectivity, and increased loyalty rewards through reciprocal frequent flyer programs and lounge access.
Etihad’s fleet of 57 aircraft operates close to 1000 flights per week, serving an international network of 67 destinations in 45 countries. Together Virgin Australia and Etihad fly to 110 destinations.
Check-in
You will need to check in with the airline operating your flight.
Note: The operating airline will be noted on your itinarary. You can also check the operating airline by viewing your booking online.
Information screens at airports will also display flight information for Virgin Australia and Etihad Airways flights and provide guidance on where to check in.
Lounge Access
Velocity Platinum and Gold members receive complimentary entry into Etihad Airways Al Reem Lounge at Abu Dhabi Airport and Etihad Pearl Business Class lounges worldwide*.
Etihad Guest Gold and Gold Elite members receive complimentary entry into the Virgin Australia lounge network*.
*On the same day of travel only.
In-flight
Virgin Australia and Etihad both offer an extensive array of in-flight services.
To see what food and drinks, entertainment and comfort services are available, log onto Virgin Australia or Etihad.
Velocity Frequent Flyer
Velocity members can earn and redeem Velocity Points and earn Status Credits when travelling on eligible Etihad services.
For a full list of benefits when flying with Etihad, visit Velocity’s benefits-at-a-glance.
Etihad Guest members can earn and redeem points when travelling on eligible Virgin Australia services.
Transfer Information
The following information is for guests arriving into Australia on an Etihad flight, and connecting onto a Virgin Australia flight.
Arriving into Sydney with a Domestic Connection
You are required to collect your bags from the carousel and clear Customs and Quarantine. Turn left immediately after Quarantine (before entering the Arrivals Hall) and enter the Seamless Transfer Lounge. If you are booked on formal codeshare flights (one ticket for the entire journey) check in for your domestic flight at a Virgin Australia check-in counter. Here you will receive a bus pass, to use to transfer to the Domestic Terminal.
Arriving into Brisbane with a Domestic Connection
You are required to collect your bags from the carousel and clear Customs and Quarantine. After entering the Arrivals Hall, turn right and walk to the Domestic Transfer Desk. If you are booked on formal codeshare flights (one ticket for the entire journey) check in for your domestic flight at a Virgin Australia check-in counter. Here you will receive an Air Train pass, to use to transfer to the Domestic Terminal. Upon arriving at the Domestic Terminal, make your way to your departure gate.
Arriving into Melbourne with a Domestic Connection
You are required to collect your bags from the carousel and clear Customs and Quarantine. After entering the Arrivals Hall, turn right and make your way upstairs to the first floor. Check in for your domestic flight at a Virgin Australia check-in counter. Note: Melbourne’s International and Domestic terminals are connected.
The following information is for guests who have an Australian domestic departure (check-in), and need to connect through another domestic port onto an international Etihad flight.
Domestic Check-in Connecting through Sydney
When you check in at an Australian domestic port, your bags will be checked through to your final destination. You will receive a transfer wallet, which contains a map of the transfer port and a bus pass to use in Sydney. Upon arriving in Sydney, make your way to the transfer lounge at Gate 37. You will then be shown downstairs to the transfer bus – which will take you to the International Terminal. Upon arriving at the International Terminal please proceed to the check in counters for Etihad Airways to receive a boarding pass for your international flights.
Domestic Check-in Connecting through Brisbane
When you check in at an Australian domestic port, your bags will be checked through to your final destination. You will receive a transfer wallet, which contains a map of the transfer port and an Air Train pass to use in Brisbane. Upon arriving in Brisbane, proceed outside to the Air Train which will take you to the international terminal. Upon arriving at the International Terminal please proceed to the check in counters for Etihad Airways to receive a boarding pass for your international flights.
Domestic Check-in Connecting through Melbourne
When you check in at an Australian domestic port, your bags will be checked through to your final destination. You will receive a transfer wallet, which contains a map of the transfer port. Upon arriving in Melbourne, make your way to the Etihad Airways check in counter located at the international departures area. Here you will receive a boarding pass for your international flight. Note: Melbourne’s Domestic and International terminals are connected.
* This free transfer service is available to guests who have booked a formal connecting journey. If you have purchased two separate tickets, you will be required to collect your baggage and check in for your next flight at the transfer port.
Baggage
Domestic, international short haul and international long haul definition
The following information relates to baggage allowances on specific Virgin Australia and Etihad Codeshare flights.
Note: VA represents Virgin Australia international long haul flights, DJ represents Virgin Australia international short haul and domestic flights, while EY represents Etihad flights.
If you are travelling on a:
- flight showing a VA flight number that is operated by VA, you will receive the VA baggage allowance for your applicable fare type.
- flight showing a VA flight number that is operated by EY, you will receive the VA baggage allowance for your applicable fare type.
- flight showing an EY flight number that is operated by EY, you will receive the EY baggage allowance for your applicable fare type.
- flight showing an EY flight number that is operated by VA, you will receive the EY baggage allowance for your applicable fare type.
- flight showing an EY flight number that is operated by DJ, you will receive the EY baggage allowance for your applicable fare type.
Note: Baggage allowances may differ if you stop over on route to your final destination.
* This does not include infants or sporting equipment.
Contact Us
For more information relating our Codeshare partnership, please contact:



