Walking through the airport in search of my gate, I heard the familiar “oohs” and “aahs” of people cooing over cute animals, immediately I knew I was headed in the right direction.

Today Virgin Australia took off on Australia’s first-ever flight with pets in the cabin.

I boarded the plane in Melbourne and travelled with three dogs up to the Sunshine Coast – this is how it all worked.

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Off the bat it’s important to point out that Virgin isn’t just letting any pets on board, there are some very strict restrictions in place.

If, like me, you’re the proud pet parent of a large dog, you’re unfortunately out of luck.

Pets on board must weigh under eight kilograms, including the weight of the carrier, which they must stay in for the duration of the flight and their time inside the airport – unless in a designated pet relief area.

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When asked if the rules are likely to change in the future to allow for larger animals on board, vet Dr Katrina Warren says she doesn’t see it happening.

“I think logistically it won’t happen with larger pets,” she explained to media ahead of the first flight.

“I would love to fly with my border collie, but I think this program is going to be for the smaller pets.”

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There were three dogs on board Virgin’s inaugural flight, two pomeranians, one named Bambi and the other Monty, and a papillon named Poppy.

While cats are also a part of the program, they won’t initially be permitted on flights between Melbourne and the Gold Coast.

Bambi, Monty and Poppy were given a warm welcome by flight attendants and fellow passengers alike as they boarded the flight, and at first all was well.

The dogs didn’t make a peep as their owners placed them under the seats in front of them and other passengers began to board.

But then it happened – a crying baby came on board.

Unfortunately, the sound of the baby crying did seem to set off one of the dogs, who then went on to yap here and there for the first half of the flight.

But, there is some good news if this immediately turns you off the thought of a pet flight.

Unlike a crying baby, if you don’t want to sit near the pets, you can easily choose not to.

Virgin has capped each of their pet-friendly flights at a maximum of four pets, each in a designated seat that are marked as a pet seat when other customers enter their seat selection.

On our flight today, the pets were seated on the window of rows 18 and 20, leaving plenty of room at either end of the plane for those choosing to be seated far from any on-board animals.

Aside from the odd yap here and there, if you weren’t told there were pets on board, you probably never would have noticed.

At the moment, Virgin is running a trial travelling routes between Melbourne and the Gold Coast, and Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast until January 2026.

But, after experiencing it first hand, I imagine the pet-friendly flights could really take off here in Australia. 

Virgin Australia’s Pets in Cabin service explained

Pet type: Small dogs or cats only. Please note, cats will not initially be permitted on flights between Melbourne and the Gold Coast.

Pet limit: A limit of four pets weighing under 8 kilograms (combined with the carrier) will be permitted on each eligible flight.

Carrier requirements: Pets must travel in an approved soft-sided leak-proof carrier measuring no more than 44 centimetres (L) x 26 centimetres (W) x 28 centimetres (H). Absorbent mats must be placed inside the carrier when travelling. Suitable carriers are available for purchase from leading pet supply retailers.

Pet containment: Pets must be secured in a pet carrier which must be stowed under the seat in front of the owner for the duration of the flight. Pets are not permitted outside of the carrier at any time whilst onboard the aircraft.

Seating allocation: Guests travelling with pets will be seated in window seats in two designated rows only (seats 18A and 18F and 20A and 20F). Pets will not be permitted to be stowed under any other seat on the aircraft.

Vaccination proof: Pets must be up to date with vaccinations prior to travel.

Health and safety: Pets with existing health conditions, including those that are pregnant, are recovering from surgery or injury, are between 8-12 weeks of age, are over 12 years of age or are brachycephalic breed, must have a veterinary-issued certificate confirming the pet is fit to fly. Pets under eight weeks old are unable to travel.

Allergy-safe seating: Virgin Australia aircraft are fitted with advanced air filtration systems removing 99 per cent of airborne particles including pet dander, providing peace of mind for guests with allergies, even when seated near pets. Additionally, guests with allergies can choose alternative seating in the same cabin class, free of charge. More information on health onboard here and air filtration here.

Lounge access: In accordance with food standards regulations, pets are not permitted in any food and beverage service areas, including Virgin Australia Lounges.

The writer travelled as a guest of Virgin Australia.

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