Virgin Australia Boeing 737-800
Virgin Australia 737-800 · 176 seats · Business / Economy
Virgin Australia Boeing 737-800
Virgin Australia's 737-800 carries 8 Business and 168 Economy passengers on all major domestic routes. Business pitch is 37-38 inches in a 2-2 layout with 5.1 inches of recline. Economy gets 31 inches -- one inch more than Qantas's 737-800, which makes a noticeable difference on longer flights. The A$110 million cabin refresh program (2023-2025) is adding USB-A and USB-C power at every seat, seatback device holders, and refreshed interiors. If you end up on a pre-refresh aircraft, you'll notice the missing power outlets immediately. WiFi is rolling out fleet-wide.
Best Seats on the Virgin Australia 737-800
Business rows 1-4 are all comfortable, with rows 1-2 getting served first and deplaning fastest. In economy, Virgin sells 'preferred seats' in rows 5-12 for an extra fee, but the pitch is the same 31 inches as everywhere else -- you're paying for the forward position, not extra legroom. The actual extra legroom is in exit rows 14-15 and Economy X rows 3-4 (29-35 inches depending on position). On refreshed aircraft and all MAX 8s, every seat has USB power. On older aircraft, bring a portable charger.
Seats to Avoid
Rows 28-36 at the back get engine noise and slow deplaning. Middle seats (column C) are 31 inches of pitch with no armrest territory -- uncomfortable on flights over 2 hours. Check whether your aircraft has been refreshed before boarding: the difference in amenities (power, entertainment, cabin feel) between old and new is significant. Older 737-800s without the refresh lack seatback entertainment and power outlets entirely.
Cabin Specifications
This Virgin Australia Boeing 737-800 features 176 seats in a Business / Economy configuration. Our analysis has identified 32 seats rated as "Best" or "Good" for comfort and convenience.
Business class offers 8 seats with 38" seat pitch and 21" width. Economy class offers 168 seats with 31" seat pitch and 17.5" width.