Heads up, travellers: Virgin Australia is changing its carry-on baggage rules. From 2 February 2026, the standard carry-on allowance will become 8 kg.

Why the change?

Virgin says the update is about simplifying things, improving safety, reducing boarding delays and making better use of overhead space.

What the new baggage rules look like

Here’s the breakdown under the refreshed policy.

Economy Class

• One main carry-on bag, up to 8 kg

• Plus one small personal item (handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack) that fits under the seat in front

Premium / Velocity / Business / Economy X

• Two carry-on bags, with a combined total of up to 14 kg

• One piece may weigh up to 8 kg

• Plus one personal item, same under-seat rules as above

Infant & other allowances

• A collapsible stroller counts as one standard carry-on item (must fit size limits: 56 × 36 × 23 cm)

• Adults travelling with infants can bring one extra small personal item (say, a nappy bag)

• And yes — guests with infants can still check in up to three infant items free of charge.

Size (dimensions) for personal items

• Maximum dimensions: 45 cm × 33 cm × 20 cm (must fit under the seat in front)

When & how this applies

• The new rules apply to all travel on or after 2 February 2026.

The High Achievers’ lunches are a key part of MTA’s ongoing commitment to recognising excellence within its nationwide network of travel Advisors. The program celebrates Advisors who consistently deliver exceptional service, demonstrate strong business performance and contribute to the growth and success of MTA.

This year, the annual events brought together MTA’s leading advisors at some of Australia’s most celebrated dining destinations, in Perth at the Ritz Carlton, Melbourne at Farmer’s Daughters, Sydney at the Shangri-La, Gold Coast at QT and Adelaide at Greek on Halifax.

Pictured: High achievers in Gold Coast with MTA Co-Founder Karen Merricks (L-R)  James Irving, Karen Merricks – MTA Co-founder, Jason Denisenko and Nicola Irving.Don Beattie, CEO of MTA – Mobile Travel Agents, who was in attendance at most events, said the lunches were an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication, expertise and exceptional results of the company’s most successful Advisors.

“These lunches are about celebrating excellence within our advisor network and providing a platform for our leadership team to connect directly with those who consistently deliver at the highest level,” Beattie said.

“Our network continues to deliver outstanding results for clients across Australia, and our average total travel value (TTV) per Advisor is up 6.4% in FY 24/25 compared to the previous financial year. It’s an outstanding reflection of the skill, service and commitment our Advisors bring to their clients and their businesses every single day. Our High Achievers are achieving this and more, and we’re so proud that more than 160 of them have hit this benchmark this year.”

Each lunch was attended by the team’s Business Success Managers, with Co-founder Karen Merricks joining a number of events to celebrate the advisors’ achievements and personally recognise their outstanding contributions.

Pictured: High achievers in Melbourne and Perth

Katrina Carichini, MTA – Mobile Travel Agent, one of the High Achievers recognised this year said it was her first time attending one of the lunches.

“It was such a wonderful experience to share with my colleagues. The event gave us a chance to reflect on the achievements of the past year and celebrate our individual and collective success.. I’m especially grateful to our wonderful clients for their continued trust and support. Being recognised in this way fills me with pride to be part of the MTA family.”

“Our platinum agents – there are now over 90 of them – are earning really big incomes.”

When reflecting on the birth and rise of MTA – Mobile Travel Agents, Merricks looks back like one would on the growth of a family – with much pride.

“It’s been a quarter of a century, but it seems like yesterday when we launched,” she remarks.

“We set out to have a company that values people and family… and I feel we’ve created that – a business that upholds family values and a company full of the most amazing people.”

It’s a family affair

At the 2024 MTA – Mobile Travel Agents national conference in Fiji, I was struck by the genuine warmth and camaraderie within the organisation – it felt like one big travel family. It’s an atmosphere I expect will endure.

“We really love being together and catching up. I am so proud of MTA and the people we have around us,” Karen explains.

“All of our head office team, our brilliant advisors and our supplier connections.”

With Merricks experiencing a difficult few months late last year on a personal level (Karen lost her beloved sister to bowel cancer in 2024), she stresses how important it is to “hold those we love close and cherish our time together”.

“I don’t feel business should be any different,” Merricks says.

“It’s about caring support and enjoying the ups and downs of life.”

MTA for mums

Merricks, together with husband and business partner Roy, started MTA as a way to help women – especially those with children – undertake a more fulfilling journey in the travel industry. They also wanted to support women in rejoining the workforce. And it stemmed from Karen’s own experiences.

“Flexible hours was a big issue. You don’t want to miss out on kids’ events, like Christmas plays and sports carnivals,” Karen says.

“So I needed access remotely to my own GDS system, not through the office where I had to keep calling to go and do my work, which was a half-hour drive for me just to go and book a domestic ticket. That just wasn’t workable.

“I wanted to be able to work from a home office; do my work when I wanted… and then be able to get the kids and work again in the evening because it suited me to do that.

“So we talked about it at length. And then Roy, said, ‘well, ifyouwant it, everyone wants it’.”

It turns out a lot of travel professionals actually did. But it wasn’t simple, as Roy puts it, “because none of the systems were there”.

“Only about a third of travel agents even had an email!” Roy explains, about the lack of digital systems that we now take for granted.

After doing their homework on remote set-ups already in existence in places like the US, they were ready to go on 18 February 2000.

True to its family-oriented ethos, even the Merricks’ children Ben and Sara got involved in the business from the start – especially on the digital side of things.

“It was controversial, but once we launched, we just knew it was going to work,” Karen says.

Unless you call earning big money controversial, it’s hardly contentious any more.

“And these guys [members] are happy because they have freedom, they have flexibility; they work around their families.”

Long may that happiness continue. Happy birthday MTA – Mobile Travel Agents!

First published on KarryOn – Mark Harada

The ETA is a digital visa-waiver system, similar to the USA’s ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), designed primarily for tourism and business travel and does not replace a standard visa. Starting 8 January 2025, travellers from most non-European countries will need an ETA to enter the UK unless they hold an eVisa. This includes citizens from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea. Meanwhile, citizens of most European nations will require an ETA from 2 April 2025.

Australians can apply for the ETA now via the UK Government website or the UK ETA app, available for Apple and Android devices.

The ETA application costs £10 (approximately A$20) and can be completed online by:

• Providing passport and contact details
• Uploading a valid digital photo
• Answering a short set of questions
• Paying the £10 fee with a credit or debit card

More info on the UK Gov website

MTA was honoured to receive the awards for “Highest Growth in Tours” and “Top Tour Producer”.

“Winning these awards is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Travel Advisors as well as the support of our valued supplier partners”, said Don Beattie – MTA CEO, on receiving the awards, “We’re honoured to be recognised by Virtuoso”.

This year the awards were held at the Four Seasons Hotel on the banks of the iconic Chao Praya River and the theme was “Together for Tomorrow”. The annual awards honoured Virtuoso members and partners who “elevate the travel industry and create memorable experiences for luxury travellers in Australia and New Zealand.”

The recognition highlights Rhona’s exceptional dedication and knowledge of the cruise industry in a career spanning over 25 years. Rhona has consistently demonstrated her ability to go above and beyond in providing outstanding service and cruise solutions to advisors and clients alike.

The CLIA Cruise Industry Awards serve as a platform to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations within the cruise sector. As one of the most respected accolades in the Australian cruise industry this award underscores Rhona’s expertise and professionalism and enhances her reputation as leading authority in the field.

MTA has long been recognised as a leader in the travel industry, known for its innovative approach and commitment to customer satisfaction. With a network of experienced leaders like Rhona Rodgers, MTA continues to set the benchmark for excellence in the cruise and travel sector. 

She chose to be a part of MTA because she says it was a natural fit due to its reputation for empowering agents with autonomy while offering a fully-inclusive support system. 

The MTA network provided Lawson with the flexibility to tailor her services to individual client needs while benefiting from the credibility and resources associated with the reputable network.

Speaking to TravelTalk, Lawson said the benefits of being an MTA Advisor are multifaceted. 

“Our Business Development Managers are a great resource to bounce ideas off or to sense check business ideas. 

“Our Support team takes so much of the mid-office admin off my hands while our Assistance team is there to look after my clients for me if I’m away,” Lawson said.

“Our Product team provides insights into exclusive offerings and negotiates favourable rates for us, and Marketing helps me with resources to ensure I stay front of mind for my clients, leaving me to focus on delivering exceptional service to my clients.”

The benefits aren’t limited to the agent. It’s helpful for travellers, too.

“Clients booking through me as an MTA Advisor enjoy personalised attention and access to a vast network of resources. 

“They benefit from my first hand travel knowledge and expertise gathered over years in the industry in curating bespoke travel experiences, coupled with the backing of MTA’s support infrastructure,” Lawson said.

“From seamless booking processes to tailored recommendations and ongoing assistance, clients can expect a level of service that exceeds their expectations.”

“I’ve been able to establish trust and credibility within my community, leading to sustained business growth.

“With MTA taking the title of “Most Outstanding Mobile Travel Network” at last year’s 2023 NTIA awards this has also helped my credibility being affiliated to an award winning network’.

Lawson said despite not operating a “traditional brick-and-mortar agency”, she’s able to bring services to her clients, whether that’s through in-person consultations, phone calls, or digital communications.

“By leveraging technology and personalised attention, I ensure that my clients receive a tailored experience from start to finish, creating memories that last a lifetime. Being that it’s my business I have a vested interest in making sure that each and every client has a great experience,” she said.

Lawson said she built up her MTA business with a combination of getting word out through her existing network, word-of-mouth referrals, and strategic marketing. 

“By consistently delivering exceptional service and cultivating strong relationships with clients, I’ve been able to establish trust and credibility within my community, leading to sustained business growth.”

Lawson’s career so far has been an adventure. 

“I once found myself planning itineraries and booking accommodations while on a Norwegian Fjords cruise. Despite the unconventional setting and remoteness, I was able to access a reliable internet connection and our MTA Virtual Office allows me to work from anywhere so I was able to ensure my clients received uninterrupted service,” she said.

She also recalls one memorable request was from a client who wanted to visit all the filming locations of their favourite soap opera. 

“It was a delightful challenge to coordinate their itinerary across multiple cities, ensuring they got the full “soap opera experience” while maintaining a sense of humour throughout the planning process,” she laughed.

Lawson’s advice for anyone interested in becoming an MTA Advisor is simple.

“Immerse yourself in the world of travel, stay updated on industry trends, and never stop learning.”

“Building a successful career as a travel advisor requires passion, dedication, and a genuine desire to create unforgettable experiences for clients. Embrace technology, work on your communication skills, and never underestimate the power of personalised service in an increasingly digital world.”

credit: TraveltalkMag

This year’s conference, themed “Celebrate the Journey,” will gather over 300 travel professionals from across Australia to explore the evolving landscape of the travel industry. It marks the first national gathering for MTA since 2020 and the inaugural occasion of hosting the event overseas, highlighting the organisation’s commitment to innovation and global collaboration.

MTA is honoured to welcome Dr. Joanne Orlando, a respected international researcher, social commentator, and futurist, as the keynote speaker for the conference. Dr. Orlando is renowned for her groundbreaking work in changing our relationship with technology, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI).

During her keynote address, Dr. Orlando will delve into the role of AI in the travel industry, exploring its current applications, weaknesses, and opportunities for enhancement. She will share insights on leveraging AI to augment, rather than replace, the roles of travel agents, empowering them to enhance business efficiency and client satisfaction. Additionally, Dr. Orlando will provide a glimpse into future AI trends in the travel sector and outline the professional trajectory for industry professionals.

“We’re delighted to have Dr. Joanne Orlando as our keynote speaker for our National Conference,” said Karen Merricks, Managing Director and Founder of MTA. “Her expertise and insights into the intersection of technology and travel align perfectly with our theme of celebrating the journey and navigating industry changes. Dr. Orlando’s engaging keynote promises to equip our attendees with practical tools to thrive in the digital era.”

Dr. Orlando’s keynote address is anticipated to be one of the highlights of the conference, offering attendees invaluable strategies for boosting productivity, mental health, wellbeing, and safety in an increasingly digital world.

According to Smartraveller website, “cashless payments can be made online prior to travel on arrival at designated payment counters at Bali’s airport and seaport”. Travellers should refer to the Bali Provincial Government’s official website for more information.

The current advice for travellers to Indonesia is to “excercise a high degree of caution in Indonesia overall due to security risks”, but the government has not recommended that Australians need to reconsider their need to travel to Indonesia or Bali.