Virgin Australia drops Bali fares to $399 and offers $15 Economy X upgrades.

Virgin Australia has launched a dual-sale event targeting the short-haul international market. The airline is offering return fares to Bali from $399. It is also discounting its popular Economy X upgrades to just $15.

This move comes as competition in the Australian aviation sector intensifies. Virgin Australia is focusing on high-demand leisure routes. These include destinations like Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa, and New Zealand.

International Flash Sale Details

The international flash sale features significant discounts on return Economy Lite fares. The lowest price point is the Canberra to Denpasar route. This direct service is a recent addition to the airline's network.

Key fare highlights include:

• Bali (Denpasar): Canberra from $399; Melbourne and Sydney from $419.
• Fiji (Nadi): Melbourne from $579; Sydney from $599.
• Vanuatu (Port Vila): Brisbane from $469.
• New Zealand (Queenstown): Melbourne from $449; Sydney from $515.

The sale covers three distinct travel windows in 2026. These span from mid-April through early December. Travelers must book by 11:59pm AEST on 20 February 2026 to secure these rates.

The 'Extra Comfort, Zero Imitation' Sale

Alongside fare discounts, the airline is promoting its Economy X product. Upgrades are currently available from $15 for domestic and short-haul international sectors. This sale runs until 3 March 2026.

Economy X is positioned as a high-value alternative to standard seating. It is primarily featured on the airline's Boeing 737-800 and MAX 8 fleet.

Economy X benefits include:

• Up to 40% more legroom than standard seats.
• Priority boarding and preferred overhead locker space.
• An increased carry-on allowance of 14kg.
• Complimentary snacks and beverages on international routes.

Industry Impact and Strategy

Industry analysts note that this sale is a strategic response to market shifts. According to IATA, leisure travel continues to drive the post-pandemic recovery. Virgin Australia is using these sales to maintain its share of the holiday market.

The "Zero Imitation" branding is a clear nod to competitors. Other Australian carriers have recently introduced similar extra-legroom products. By lowering upgrade costs to $15, Virgin is reinforcing its value proposition.

For passengers, these sales offer a way to manage rising travel costs. However, availability is limited. Experts suggest booking early to secure specific travel dates in the 2026 calendar.

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