Australia’s first-ever Pets in Cabin flights will depart Melbourne Airport on Thursday 16 October 2025

The Australian-first service will initially launch as a trial on flights between Melbourne and the Gold Coast and Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast, with the inaugural flight scheduled to take off from Melbourne Airport on Thursday 16 October 2025. Tickets for furry companions (small dogs and/or cats only) are available for an introductory price of $149 per animal, per flight.

Since announcing its intention to launch Pets in Cabin flights in March 2024, Virgin Australia has actively engaged and collaborated with leading international airlines already operating similar services, consulted closely with animal welfare organisations and accessibility groups, and addressed feedback from frequent travellers to develop a service that prioritises animal welfare and guest comfort.

Virgin Australia will use the trial to capture important customer insights and feedback before planning a broader rollout of the service across its domestic network next year.

The Pets in Cabin service is set to transform Australia’s domestic aviation market, unlocking economic opportunities for the tourism and pet travel industries, and opening up a new world of possibilities for Australians to travel with their small four-legged friends.*

Virgin Australia Group Chief Executive Officer, Dave Emerson, said the airline is thrilled to go on sale with Australia’s first-ever Pets in Cabin flights.

“Our guests have been telling us for years how much they want to travel alongside their pets and now they finally can. It’s a model that’s proven successful in the US and Europe and we’re thrilled to bring it to Australia.

“With almost 70 percent of households owning a pet, we expect the service to be embraced by pet lovers all around the country. Beyond convenience for pet owners, the service is also set to boost the pet-friendly travel sector, including hotels and tourism operators.

“Pets on flights is another example of Virgin Australia leading the way with new and improved service offerings and first-to-market experiences for our guests.

“Innovation has always been a hallmark of Virgin Australia. We were the first airline in the country to offer online check-in, baggage tracking, and globally, we were the first airline to reward guests for sitting in the middle seat (through our Middle Seat Lottery promotion). It’s this innovation and relentless focus on our customer that’s at the core of who we are in the market,” he said.

Veterinarian and pet expert, Dr Katrina Warren, welcomed the launch of Virgin Australia’s Pets in Cabin service, calling it a milestone for pet-loving travellers.

“As both a vet and pet owner, I understand how deeply Australians love their pets and treat them as cherished family members, Dr Warren said.

“Flying with pets in the cabin has already proven successful overseas, and I’m thrilled to see Virgin Australia leading the way with this Australian first. It’s a meaningful step forward, making travel more accessible for pet owners and acknowledging the important role pets play in our lives,” she said.

Virgin Australia Group Medical Officer, Dr Kelly Bofkin, said the airline has taken a rigorous approach to addressing allergy and hygiene considerations.

“Ensuring the health and comfort of all guests has been central to the development of this service, and we’ve carefully reviewed customer feedback since our 2024 announcement to inform every decision. We have looked to best medical evidence, worked with other airlines who currently carry pets and consulted with peak allergy bodies in developing our policies and procedures,” said Dr Bofkin.

“Our aircraft are fitted with advanced HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filtration systems, which capture more than 99 per cent of airborne particles, including pet dander.

“Cabin airflow dynamics are such that air circulates from top to bottom and the cabin air is renewed 20-30 times per hour, which greatly reduces the risk of airborne allergen transfer. Additionally, the creation of ‘buffer zones’ (two rows behind and two rows in front of the allocated pet rows) ensures that the risk to guests of allergen exposure is significantly reduced,” she said.

In a 2021 social media survey of Virgin Australia Facebook followers, 85 per cent voted in favour of the airline launching Pets in Cabin flights. More recent research from Tourism and Transport Forum Australia found that over 63 per cent1 of pet owners are leaving their furry companions with a sitter or loved one due to the lack of inflight pet travel options available in Australia.

Pets in Cabin services are already a standard airline offering across major carriers in North America and Europe, including United Airlines, Air France and Air Canada, which offer pets to travel onboard on domestic routes.

Virgin Australia is proud to bring the internationally recognised service to Australian skies, making travel more inclusive for pet-loving guests.

Important information on the Pets in Cabin service:

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 (4) pets weighing under 8kgs (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). The combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 8 kilograms. 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. More information here.
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. Refer attached diagram.
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 (8) 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 the food standards regulations, pets are not permitted in any food and beverage service areas, including Virgin Australia Lounges.
Booking the service: To book a Pets in Cabin service on flights between Melbourne and the Gold Coast and Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast, guests will need to call the Virgin Australia Guest Contact Centre on 13 67 89.
No changes to assistance animals

The Pets in Cabin service will not result in any change to approved assistance animals being able to travel in the cabin of all Virgin Australia flights at no additional cost. The existing procedure for assessing the eligibility of these assistance animals to travel onboard will not change.

.