In pawsitive news, Virgin Australia will extend its Pets in Cabin flights to Adelaide with the first service taking off for Melbourne on 23 June 2026 – now available to book for four-legged friends.
The Adelaide network will initially cover Pets in Cabin flights between Adelaide and Melbourne, and Adelaide and the Gold Coast, in both directions.
The expansion, first flagged in February 2026, follows the program’s launch in October 2025.
Almost 1,500 pets have flown on its services since then, prompting Virgin Australia to extend the trial until 30 June 2026 on the back of soaring demand.
Where Pets in Cabin now flies
With Adelaide added, the bookable Pets in Cabin network now covers Adelaide-Melbourne, Adelaide-Gold Coast, Melbourne-Gold Coast and Melbourne-Sunshine Coast (Maroochydore) services, all in both directions.
Adelaide and Melbourne services are available to book for travel until 31 January 2027, giving pet owners scope to fly over the Christmas and summer holiday season. All other routes are bookable for travel until 30 September 2026.
The routes remain on a trial basis, but subject to final airport approvals, Virgin Australia intends to make Pets in Cabin a standard offering on eligible flights from next year.
What travellers and their pets can expect
The service is open to small dogs and cats only, with a maximum of four pets per eligible flight. Each pet, combined with its carrier, must weigh under eight kilograms.
Pets travel in an approved soft-sided, leak-proof carrier measuring no more than 44cm long, 26cm wide and 28cm high, stowed under the seat in front for the duration of the flight. Owners are seated in designated window seats across two rows.
Pets must be up to date with vaccinations and animals with existing health conditions, brachycephalic breeds and very young or older pets require a veterinary certificate to fly.
For allergy-conscious travellers, Virgin Australia says its aircraft air filtration systems remove 99 per cent of airborne particles including pet dander, and guests can request alternative seating in the same cabin at no charge. Pets are not permitted in lounges or food and beverage service areas.
Why it matters for the travel trade
Virgin Australia Chief Marketing & Customer Operations Officer Libby Minogue said the expansion marks another milestone in the airline’s customer-led approach.
“We’ve seen an overwhelmingly positive response to the Pets in Cabin service, with almost 1,500 pets travelling on Virgin Australia flights since the program launched in October,” she said.
“Pets are part of the family, and we know how important it is for many Australians to be able to travel with them interstate.
“We’re laser focused on improving the travel experience and giving customers more choice, value and flexibility in how they travel, and our Pets in Cabin services are a testament of that,” she said.
Adelaide Airport Executive General Manager, People, Culture & Customer Dermot O’Neill said the SA hub was excited to join the network.
“We’re looking forward to being a part of what has already proven to be a very popular initiative with Virgin Australia’s customers. Pets are part of the family, so it’s great that travellers will now be able to travel with their four-legged friends,” he said.
Eligible pets travel for an introductory price of $149 per animal, per flight, additional to the owner’s own fare. Velocity Frequent Flyer members can book using 18,600 Velocity Points per eligible sector. Approved assistance animals continue to travel in the cabin at no cost.
Pets in Cabin services cannot be booked online. Guests must call the Virgin Australia Guest Contact Centre on 13 67 89 and agree to the Pets in Cabin Terms & Conditions.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Virgin Australia’s growing cabin network gives South Australian families another reason to fly with their four-legged companions in tow. With the trial likely to become standard from next year, it is one more pet-friendly point of difference for clients who would rather not leave the dog behind.
