Virgin Australia will review its policy barring men from sitting beside unaccompanied minors prompted by backlash after a man was asked to swap seats after being sat beside two unaccompanied boys.

The incident involved 33 year old Johnny McGirr, who was asked to move seats after he was sat next to two boys estimated to be aged between eight and 10.

Mr McGirr told the flight attendant that it was sexist and discriminatory to ask him to move, which she just apologised for and said that was the policy.

According to a Virgin Australia spokeswoman, the policy is not intended to offend male passengers but is for the safety of children.

The same policy is shared by other airlines including Qantas, Jetstar and Air New Zealand.

Virgin Australia took to twitter after the incident to say "In light of recent feedback, we're now reviewing this policy. Our intention is certainly not to discriminate in any way."