Virgin Australia welcomes pets in cabin on select flights
Dhaka: Virgin Australia is the first airline in Australia to allow small pets in the cabin, following the launch of its new service on October 16.
Launched as a trial on 16 October 2025, the service operates on select domestic routes: Melbourne–Gold Coast and Melbourne–Sunshine Coast.
Eligible pets (small dogs or cats) can fly for an introductory fee of $149 per flight.
Each flight will allow up to four pets, each weighing under 8kg including a soft-sided, leak-proof carrier (max dimensions: 44cm x 26cm x 28cm). Pets must remain secured under the seat in front of their owner at all times.
Designated seating includes only window seats in rows 18A/F and 20A/F. Cats are initially not permitted on Melbourne–Gold Coast flights.
All pets must be vaccinated and healthy. A veterinary certificate is required for pets with health conditions, those aged 8–12 weeks or over 12 years, and for certain breeds. Pets under 8 weeks old cannot travel.
Bookings must be made via the Virgin Australia Guest Contact Centre (13 67 89). Pets are not allowed in Virgin Australia Lounges due to food regulations.
To address allergy concerns, the airline has introduced allergy-safe seating, advanced HEPA filtration systems, and cabin buffer zones. Guests with allergies can request alternate seating at no cost.
The trial follows strong demand, with 85% of Virgin’s Facebook followers previously voting in favour of in-cabin pet travel. Industry studies show over 63% of Australian pet owners currently avoid flying due to lack of pet travel options.
Virgin Australia CEO Dave Emerson said the service aligns with global airline trends and meets growing passenger demand, “With almost 70pc of households owning a pet, we expect this service to be embraced by animal lovers nationwide.”
Veterinarian Dr Katrina Warren praised the move as a major milestone, “It’s a meaningful step forward, acknowledging the important role pets play in our lives.”
Importantly, this new service does not impact existing assistance animal policies, which remain unchanged and continue to be offered at no additional cost.
Virgin Australia aims to expand Pets in Cabin across its domestic network in 2026, following feedback from the trial phase.
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