Fur parents can now book the all-new Virgin Australia Pets in Cabin service on flights, an Australian airline first. The Pets in Cabin service trial will commence on VA flights between Melbourne and Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast airports from next month.
Tickets for furry flight companions – small dogs and cats only – (except no cats on the MEL-OOL flight for the trial) are available for the introductory price of $149 per animal, per flight.
The highly anticipated first Virgin Australia Pets in Cabin flight will take off from Melbourne Airport on 16 October 2025 with eligible flights available to book until 30 January 2026 when the service will expand to all eligible domestic flights next year.
Since the service’s announcement in March 2024, VA has consulted with several stakeholders and will source passenger feedback from the trial before the full rollout. Public reactions have been mixed, including agent feedback sourced by Karryon.
How Pets in Cabin flights will work
There are some rules to flying with pets, such as a limit to four fully vaccinated pets aged over eight weeks and weighing under 8kg (including approved carrier)
Passengers with pets will be seated in window seats in two designated rows only (seats 18A and 18F and 20A and 20F) with pets secured in their carrier and stowed under the seat in front of the owner for the flight.
Virgin Australia aircraft are fitted with advanced air filtration systems that removes 99 per cent of airborne particles, including pet dander, for passengers with allergies, even when seated near pets.
Additionally, flyers with allergies can choose alternative seating in the same cabin class, free of charge.
Pets are not allowed to access the Virgin Australia Lounges; however, there are no procedure changes for approved assistance animals, which are still free to fly anywhere in the cabin.
Virgin Australia Group CEO Dave Emerson said 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 the option for Australians to travel with their small four-legged friends.
“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,” he said.
“With almost 70 per cent 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.”
To book a Pets in Cabin service on flights between Melbourne and Gold Coast and Melbourne and Sunshine Coast, travellers need to call the Virgin Australia Guest Contact Centre on 13 67 89.
For more info, head here.
