Virgin Australia launches Toy Tickets with boarding passes for children’s toys

Virgin Australia has launched Toy Tickets, allowing children to request personalized boarding passes for their teddy bears and stuffed toys at check-in counters and lounges across Australia.

The initiative, announced on June 24, 2026, is an Australian airline first and was inspired by a viral moment in which a young passenger was reunited with a beloved teddy bear left behind on a flight to Perth. 

The story gained attention around the world and reminded the airline how much children value their travel companions.

A small gesture with big meaning

With more than 1.2 million children flying with Virgin Australia in 2025, the airline said many young travelers bring a favorite toy along for the journey. Toy Tickets are designed to celebrate those companions and add a little extra to the family travel experience.

Libby Minogue, Virgin Australia’s Chief Marketing and Customer Operations Officer, said the response to the lost teddy story sparked the idea.

“It reminded us just how important these treasured companions are to children,” Minogue said. “Toy Tickets are a uniquely Virgin Australia way of celebrating these special travel companions and make family holidays even more memorable from the moment our guests arrive at the airport.”

Part of a bigger collaboration with Disney and Pixar

The launch ties into Virgin Australia’s partnership with Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5, which includes a themed Boeing 737-800 featuring Woody, Jessie, and Buzz Lightyear on its exterior. The aircraft, unveiled ahead of the film’s theatrical release on June 18, 2026, is the airline’s first co-branded livery in nearly a decade and will operate across its domestic network.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Brisbane Airport (@brisbaneairport)

Beyond the livery, the collaboration includes Toy Story 5-themed giveaways onboard, complimentary coloring packs for children, and access to the Toy Story film series through the inflight entertainment system alongside more than 60 Disney classics.

The post Virgin Australia launches Toy Tickets with boarding passes for children’s toys appeared first on AeroTime.

Go to Source