Overview
Tigerair (originally Tiger Airways) first took off to Australian skies in 2007, although the airline was originally established several years earlier in Singapore. Its maiden commercial flight was from Melbourne to Gold Coast and two years later, Tigerair commenced its Melbourne to Sydney flights – one of the busiest flight routes in the world. As the low-cost carrier grew, its network branched out to offer cheap flights to destinations around Australia, including Brisbane, Adelaide, Cairns, Alice Springs and Canberra. Its initial base out of Melbourne Airport was expanded to later include Sydney and Brisbane Airports. The first Tigerair international flights were to Denpasar in Bali, departing from Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. Virgin Australia acquired majority of the-then Tiger Airways in 2012, and the remaining stake in the low-cost carrier was acquired in 2014.
As of August 2020, Tigerair is no longer operating services within Australia. Virgin Australia however, the owner of Tigerair, continues to fly throughout Australia. The Virgin Australia network offers flights to key domestic destinations such as Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, as well as to Cairns, Adelaide and Perth, among others. You can book cheap flights in Australia on Virgin Australia with Webjet. Please make sure to check current border restrictions and entry requirements ahead of booking.
Passengers affected by the closure of Tigerair may be eligible for travel credit for use on Virgin Australia flights. These credits must be processed by Virgin Australia and passengers must submit their request to the airline. A Virgin Australia Guest Service Agent will then be in touch to assist with rebooking travel. For more details about travel credits and other information relating to Tigerair or Virgin Australia, please visit our support page.
Pre-Flight Information
Check-in
Tigerair (now Virgin Australia) offers various check-in options
At the Airport
Virgin Australia offers two options for flight check-in at the majority of domestic airports: counter services and self-service check-in kiosks. For domestic flights, check-in and bag drop counters cease operations 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Virgin Australia advises passengers to complete their check-in at least 45 minutes before the departure time of their domestic flight. For passengers who are connecting to an international flight, traveling in a sizable group, or needing extra assistance, it is advisable to complete the check-in process 60 minutes before the flight's departure.
Mobile Check-In
For domestic flights, passengers have the option to check-in using the Virgin Australia App, which is accessible on the App Store and Google Play store. This user-friendly app also provides travelers with easy access to their boarding pass.
No check-in times stated for mobile check-in.
Online Check-In
Virgin Australia's online check-in service for domestic travel becomes available 48 hours prior to departure and concludes 45 minutes before the scheduled flight time.
Baggage
Tigerair (now Virgin Australia) offers several baggage options. Here's what you need to know.
Cabin Baggage
For passengers in Economy, Economy X, and Premium Economy classes, there are three options for carry-on luggage:
- You may bring one single piece of luggage weighing up to 7 kilograms, provided it fits within the specified dimensions of 56cm x 36cm x 23cm.
- You can opt for two small pieces of carry-on luggage, with each piece weighing a combined total of 7 kilograms and dimensions not exceeding 48cm x 34cm x 23cm.
- You can bring one standard piece and a suit pack if the combined weight does not exceed 7 kilograms. A personal item such as a laptop, blanket, overcoat, umbrella, or reading materials is also allowed in addition to your carry-on luggage.
Passengers traveling in Virgin Australia Business Class, or those with Velocity Gold and Platinum memberships, enjoy the following options for carry-on luggage:
- One standard piece with dimensions of 56cm x 36cm x 23cm, weighing up to 7 kilograms.
- Two small pieces, each with dimensions not exceeding 48cm x 34cm x 23cm, and each piece weighing up to 7 kilograms.
- One standard piece and one suit pack, with the suit pack having dimensions of 114cm x 60cm x 11cm, and each piece weighing up to 7 kilograms.
Checked Baggage
All Virgin Australia airfares include a checked baggage allowance. Here's a breakdown of the allowances based on passenger class and Velocity membership:
Economy Class:
- Passengers in Economy Class and those with Velocity Red Status membership are entitled to check one piece of baggage weighing up to 23 kilograms.
- Velocity Silver and Gold members traveling in Economy Class can check two pieces of luggage, each weighing up to 23 kilograms.
- Velocity Platinum members, when traveling on an economy fare, may check three pieces of baggage, each weighing up to 23 kilograms.
Business Class:
- For passengers traveling in Business Class, the checked baggage allowance increases to 32 kilograms per piece.
- Velocity Red, Silver, and Gold members in Business Class are permitted to check two pieces of luggage.
- Velocity Platinum status-holders can check three pieces of baggage when flying in Business Class.
Flights
Airfare Specials
Lounges
Domestic Lounges
Tigerair (now Virgin Australia) operates pre-departure lounges in numerous Australian airports. These domestic lounges are accessible to passengers flying in Business Class and those holding Velocity Gold or Platinum memberships when traveling on a Virgin Australia or codeshare flight. Virgin Australia's domestic lounges offer a range of amenities, including a dedicated business area, impressive buffets with a variety of hot and cold menu items, bar services, coffee stations staffed by baristas, shower facilities, and valet service. The operating hours and alcoholic beverage service may differ depending on the airport. Additionally, some lounges offer private meeting rooms for rent. The ability to bring guests into these lounges is determined by a passenger's Velocity or Virgin Australia Lounge Member status.
In-Flight Experience
In-Flight Entertainment
Tigerair's in-flight entertainment for domestic flights centers on wireless connectivity. Passengers can bring their own devices, whether it's a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, and connect to the onboard entertainment service via the plane's wireless network. To access the array of movies, TV shows, and music, passengers need to download Virgin Australia's free Entertainment App. Additionally, on certain Virgin Australia domestic routes, passengers have the option to purchase in-flight WiFi for internet access.
Dining
Economy Class passengers on Tigerair receive a complimentary snack along with a choice of tea, coffee, water, or juice on most domestic flights. Moreover, for passengers on flights departing between 5pm and 7pm on weekdays, a complimentary beverage choice is extended to include beer, wine, juice, or soft drinks. For passengers traveling in Economy Class between Perth and Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, there's the option to select from an in-flight dining menu, which includes meals and beverages.
In Business Class, passengers are treated to a menu curated by the renowned Luke Mangan, and they can enjoy an assortment of delectable snacks and premium beverages such as fine wines, spirits, and beers. For those who have additional cravings, regardless of their class, a range of value deals, savory and sweet snacks, and heartier bites are available for purchase from the onboard retail menu.
While special dietary meals are not offered on domestic flights, passengers with specific dietary requirements are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages onboard.
Cabin Classes
Business Class
Tigerair (now Virgin Australia) has two types of Business Class seat: the A330 The Business Suite, and the 737 Business Class seat.
Seats in The Business Suite convert to 80 inch fully flat beds, with additional amenities, including a 16 inch in-flight entertainment screen and access to USB ports and power charging points. The Business Suite passengers are also offered a personal amenity kit and are provided with a turn-down service with a doona and pillows. The 737 Business Class' luxury leather seats have a generous recline and a 38 inch seat pitch. All passengers travelling in Business Class or within The Business Suite may enjoy gourmet dishes made by a renowned Australian chef. Gourmet snacks and a selection of beverages, including beer, wine, soft drinks and spirits are also available. A coat check service, in-flight entertainment, lounge access, increased complimentary baggage allowance, priority baggage delivery, and priority check-in and boarding are all standard inclusions.
Economy X
The Economy X experience aboard Tigerair encompasses an upgraded seat within the standard Economy Class cabin. Upgrading to this fare type covers additional legroom, priority boarding, priority airport security screening, and an assigned section for overhead lockers. Economy X is available on all domestic Tigerair flights.
Economy Class
The leather-upholstered Tigerair (now Virgin Australia) Economy Class seat has a pitch of up to 31 inches and more than 17 inches of width. An Economy Class airfare includes a food and beverage service, free coffee, tea and water. Economy Class seats aboard A330 feature seatback entertainment systems, while services operated on select Boeing 737 provide entertainment vis the Virgin Australia Entertainment App (to be downloaded prior to boarding).
Search Cheap flights on Webjet
Virgin Australia operates flights to 44 destinations across Australia, encompassing major cities like Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, as well as scenic locales such as Hamilton Island, Hobart, and the Sunshine Coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tigerair owned by?
Tigerair was owned by Virgin Australia. It was acquired by Virgin Australia in February 2014.
What do I do if my Tigerair flight is impacted?
If your travel booking is affected by the closure of Tigerair, you may be eligible for a travel credit to use on services operated by Virgin Australia. Please see our support page for more information