Published on
October 26, 2025
Virgin Australia is making waves in the Australian aviation industry with the launch of its groundbreaking Pets in Cabin service. This innovative offering allows small dogs and cats to travel with their owners in the cabin on domestic flights, marking a significant step toward more pet-friendly air travel in the country. By becoming the first Australian airline to introduce this service, Virgin Australia is paving the way for a new era of travel, where pets can seamlessly accompany their owners on flights, ensuring both convenience and comfort. This move not only caters to the growing demand for pet-friendly travel options but also sets a new standard in the airline industry, enhancing the travel experience for pet owners across the nation.
Virgin Australia has recently launched a new “Pets in Cabin” service, becoming the first Australian airline to allow passengers to travel with their pets in the cabin on flights between Melbourne, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast. This move represents a significant milestone in the airline’s effort to cater to the needs of pet owners and enhance the travel experience for their furry companions.
The new service, which is aimed at providing convenience and comfort for both pet owners and their pets, will initially allow small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin for an additional fee of $149 per animal (approximately £73). This is part of a broader trend across the aviation industry, where more airlines are exploring ways to accommodate pets as part of their services, recognizing the growing demand for pet-friendly travel options.
Safety and Comfort Guidelines
To ensure the safety of the pets and passengers alike, Virgin Australia has set specific guidelines for how pets must travel. Pets are required to be placed in an approved, soft-sided, leak-proof carrier. This carrier must have absorbent mats inside, ensuring that any accidents during the flight are contained, and it must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of the passenger. For the entire duration of the flight, pets must remain in their carriers, stowed under the seat, which is a key safety measure to avoid any disruption during the flight. This ensures that the pets stay secure, comfortable, and safe, while also minimizing any potential disturbances to fellow passengers.
Trial Period and Future Expansion
The “Pets in Cabin” service will initially operate as a trial, running until January 30, 2026. During this period, Virgin Australia plans to collect feedback from passengers who choose to travel with their pets. This feedback will be crucial for refining the service and understanding how best to meet the needs of pet owners while maintaining a positive and comfortable environment for all passengers.
Virgin Australia has emphasized that this service is just the beginning. The airline has plans to expand the offering to all eligible domestic flights by late 2026. As pet travel becomes increasingly popular, Virgin Australia aims to provide a more comprehensive pet-friendly experience for its customers. The airline’s focus on improving its services for pet owners aligns with broader trends in the travel and hospitality sectors, where there is a growing recognition of the importance of catering to the needs of travelers with pets.
Restrictions and Pet Limitations
Although the service is a step forward for pet owners, there are several important limitations in place to ensure a smooth travel experience. Each flight will be allowed to carry a maximum of four pets, and these pets must weigh under eight kilograms each. This weight restriction ensures that the pets can comfortably travel in the cabin without causing any logistical challenges for passengers or the airline. The weight limit also ensures that the pets are small enough to fit in the carriers and under the seats without compromising safety and comfort.
Pets traveling in the cabin will be seated in designated window seats. Specifically, pets will be allowed to travel in seats 18A and 18F, as well as 20A and 20F, in order to maintain an orderly and comfortable arrangement for both pet owners and other passengers. No pets will be permitted under any other seats, ensuring that there are no issues with space or safety during the flight. This seating arrangement also allows passengers traveling with pets to have easier access to their companions throughout the journey.
Vaccination and Health Requirements
As part of Virgin Australia’s commitment to the health and safety of both pets and passengers, pets must be up to date with their vaccinations before travel. This is an essential requirement that ensures pets are healthy and safe to fly. By adhering to these health standards, Virgin Australia ensures that there are no potential risks to passengers from traveling with animals on board.
Furthermore, pets will be restricted from areas where food and beverage services are available, including Virgin Australia’s lounges. This is in line with regulations and food safety standards, ensuring that there is no risk of contamination or disruption in the catering areas.
A Step Toward Enhanced Travel for Pet Owners
Virgin Australia’s “Pets in Cabin” service represents a significant development in the airline industry, offering pet owners a more flexible and convenient way to travel with their animals. The growing trend of pet-friendly services is reflective of a broader shift in the travel industry, where companies are increasingly focused on making travel experiences more inclusive and comfortable for both people and their pets.
The introduction of this service not only allows pet owners to bring their furry companions along for the journey but also sets a precedent for future offerings in the Australian aviation market. As the trial period continues and customer feedback is gathered, Virgin Australia will refine its service to ensure that traveling with pets becomes as seamless and enjoyable as possible for all involved.
Virgin Australia has launched its groundbreaking Pets in Cabin service, marking a new era of pet-friendly air travel in Australia. This initiative caters to the growing demand for convenient travel options for pet owners, setting a new standard in the industry.
With plans to expand this service to other domestic routes in the near future, Virgin Australia is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of pet-friendly travel in Australia. The airline’s commitment to meeting the needs of its customers demonstrates a clear understanding of the evolving demands of modern travelers, making it easier than ever for pet owners to bring their beloved pets along on their travels.
