Virgin Australia has officially launched its long-anticipated Pets in Cabin service, making it the first airline in Australia to offer this unique option for pet owners. This groundbreaking service is now available for flights between Melbourne and the Gold Coast, as well as Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast, with the inaugural flight scheduled for Thursday, October 16, 2025. With a growing demand for pet-friendly travel options, Virgin Australia’s introduction of this service is set to change the way Australians travel with their pets.

From today, pet owners can book the new service for an introductory price of $149 per pet per flight. This offering is available for small dogs and cats, provided they meet the airline’s specific requirements. Virgin Australia plans to operate this service initially as a trial, which will run until January 30, 2026. Following the trial period, the airline intends to expand the service across its entire domestic network, allowing more pet owners to bring their four-legged friends on board.

Virgin Australia’s new Pets in Cabin service is designed to cater to the needs of pet owners who wish to travel with their pets in the cabin. The service will initially be available on flights between Melbourne and the Gold Coast, as well as Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast. This initiative comes after the airline’s announcement in March 2024 and it reflects the airline’s commitment to improving customer service by meeting the needs of pet-loving travellers.

The development of the Pets in Cabin service has involved extensive collaboration with international airlines already operating similar services. Virgin Australia has also worked closely with animal welfare organizations and consulted accessibility groups to ensure the highest standards of care and safety for pets on board. Through this process, the airline has focused on creating a service that guarantees both animal welfare and passenger comfort, ensuring a smooth travel experience for all guests.

The service has been designed not only to meet the needs of pet owners but also to address concerns related to health, allergies and hygiene. Virgin Australia has been working diligently to ensure that the new offering will benefit both pet owners and other passengers who may have concerns about travelling alongside pets.

Virgin Australia’s Pets in Cabin service is open to small dogs and cats only. However, it is important to note that the service will not permit cats on flights between Melbourne and the Gold Coast during the initial phase. Pets must meet several conditions before they can board. Firstly, they must be up to date with vaccinations and any pets with health issues, such as those that are pregnant, recovering from surgery, or over 12 years old, must present a veterinary-issued certificate confirming that they are fit to fly.

To ensure that pets remain safe and comfortable during the flight, they must be transported in an approved soft-sided leak-proof carrier. The combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 8 kilograms and the carrier must fit under the seat in front of the owner. Only four pets per flight will be allowed to travel in the cabin, ensuring that space is sufficient for both the pets and the passengers.

Pet owners will also need to follow specific procedures when checking in, going through security and boarding. For example, pets must remain secured in their carriers at all times while in the airport, except during the security screening process. At the airport, pets will be fitted with a “Live Animal” tag and sealed with a green security seal once checked in.

Once onboard, pets must remain in their carriers for the duration of the flight. Virgin Australia has designated specific seats for pet owners traveling with their animals. These designated seats are located in rows 18A, 18F, 20A and 20F, where the carrier must be placed under the seat in front of the passenger. The carrier must be placed on top of an absorbent mat to ensure cleanliness and comfort.

In terms of health and safety, Virgin Australia has taken a comprehensive approach. The airline has implemented advanced HEPA air filtration systems in its aircraft, which capture more than 99% of airborne particles, including pet dander. Additionally, cabin airflow is designed to reduce the transfer of airborne allergens, ensuring a more comfortable environment for passengers with allergies. For those who are sensitive to pet dander, the airline offers allergy-safe seating options, which can be requested free of charge.

Virgin Australia has also put measures in place to ensure that pets and their owners have a stress-free travel experience. Pet owners will be required to remain seated until the majority of passengers have disembarked from the aircraft, ensuring that they can exit with their pets without delay. Upon arrival at their destination, pets must remain in their carriers, except when using designated animal relief areas at the airport.

Virgin Australia’s new service is expected to significantly impact the pet travel industry in Australia. The introduction of Pets in Cabin flights aligns with a global trend where major airlines, particularly in North America and Europe, have already embraced this service. Airlines such as United Airlines, Air France and Air Canada have long allowed pets to travel in the cabin on domestic routes and Virgin Australia’s move into this market fills a gap in Australia’s aviation industry.

The airline’s decision to introduce the Pets in Cabin service comes at a time when pet ownership is at an all-time high in Australia, with nearly 70% of households owning a pet. Virgin Australia has capitalized on this growing trend, recognizing that pet owners increasingly view their pets as family members and want to travel with them.

Virgin Australia’s introduction of the Pets in Cabin service is a significant milestone for Australian pet owners. It marks the first time that pet owners can bring their small dogs and cats on board with them during domestic flights. The airline has worked extensively to ensure that this service meets the highest standards of animal welfare, passenger comfort and health and safety considerations. As the service is rolled out and expanded across Virgin Australia’s domestic network, it is expected to transform the pet travel sector and create new opportunities for tourism and pet-related businesses across the country.

Source- virginaustralia.com