How to read a fare's conditions before you book

Two fares on the same flight can come with very different rules. The names differ from airline to airline, so here's what each airline's own pages say, as at 30 October 2026. Conditions differ by airline and change over time, so always read the fare rules shown when you book.

1. Virgin Australia: Lite, Choice, Flex and Business

Virgin Australia's domestic fares page lists four fare types. On Lite, checked baggage and standard seat selection are available to buy, while Choice and Flex include a checked bag and a standard seat. The page says changing a Lite or Choice fare attracts a fee plus any fare difference, Flex has no change fee (fare difference may apply), and cancelling a Lite fare means loss of fare. Virgin says these rules are in addition to your rights under the Australian Consumer Law.

2. Jetstar: Starter

Jetstar's Starter fare product guide says checked baggage isn't included but can be bought, and seat selection isn't included (you're randomly assigned a seat at check-in at no extra charge). Date and time changes attract a change fee, and a fare difference may apply. Cancellation refunds aren't available, "except in certain circumstances including under the Australian Consumer Law, your local law or Conditions of carriage". Jetstar also notes that inclusions can vary depending on where you booked.

3. Rex: Saver and Flex

Rex's fare rules page sets out several fare types. For Saver, date and time changes more than 14 days before departure are permitted at no charge, with a fee closer to departure, and the fare is non-refundable, though it can be kept as Travel Bank credit (for a fee) if cancelled before midnight prior to departure. For Flex, changes are permitted until 60 minutes before departure at no charge, and if cancelled, the fare can be kept as Travel Bank credit at no charge or refunded for a fee. Rex says nothing in its fare rules prevents your consumer guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law.

4. Qantas

Qantas's fare types page says fare rules are based on your departure and arrival country, and links to the rules for each route, including flights within Australia. Read the rules for your route on that page when you book.

5. What to look for in any fare

• What's included: carry-on, checked bag, seat selection.
• Changes: is there a fee, and until when?
• Cancellations: refund, credit or loss of fare?
• Name changes: permitted or not?
• Where you booked: agents and third parties may have different terms.

Quick checklist

• [ ] Found the fare type name on your booking
• [ ] Read that airline's rules for that fare
• [ ] Checked inclusions, changes and cancellations
• [ ] Added the cost of any extras you need before comparing

We don't list fares here, because they change all the time. Check the airline's own website for current fares and conditions.

Sources (checked 30 Oct 2026, Melbourne time)

• Virgin Australia, Domestic fares: https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/travel-info/flying-with-us/fare-types/domestic-fares/
• Jetstar, Starter fare product guide: https://www.jetstar.com/au/en/help/starter-fare-product-guide
• Rex, Fare Rules: https://www.rex.com.au/specials/fare_rules.aspx
• Qantas, Fare types: https://www.qantas.com/en-au/book/flights/fare-types