From October 2025, Virgin Australia will become the first airline in Australia to officially welcome small pets into the cabin. For pet owners, this trial could make travelling with furry companions far easier – and far less stressful – than sending them in the cargo hold.
However, not everyone is on board, with comments about allergies, smells, and noise among the most common complaints. Here’s how the trial will work and how Virgin Australia plans to address the concerns.
How will the Virgin Australia pets trial work?
The Pets in Cabin trial launches on 16 October 2025 and will initially operate on:
- Flights between Melbourne-Gold Coast (dogs only)
- Flights between Melbourne-Sunshine Coast (dogs and cats)
The trial runs through to 30 January 2026. Virgin Australia confirms that it plans to expand the service more broadly across its domestic network later in 2026.
Here are the main rules that apply if you’re taking a pet onboard:
-
- Prices start at $149 per pet during the introductory trial period
- Book via Virgin Australia’s Guest Contact Centre.
- This service is for small cats and dogs only, who must remain in an approved carrier that fits under the seat in front.
- Pets and their carrier must weigh under 8kg. The carrier should be under 44 centimetres (L) x 26 centimetres (W) x 28 centimetres (H).
- A maximum of four pets are permitted per flight, with seating restricted to designated window seats 18A/F and 20A/F.
- Pets must remain in their carriers and under the seat at all times.
- An absorbent pad is required both in the carrier and under it when onboard.
- A veterinary-issued certificate is required for pets with existing health conditions, 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.
“Our guests have been telling us for years how much they want to travel alongside their pets, and now they finally can,” said Virgin Australia CEO Dave Emerson. “It’s a model that’s proven successful in the US and Europe, and we’re thrilled to bring it to Australia.”
To reduce allergy risks, pets are confined to specific rows at the rear of the cabin. Virgin also points to HEPA filtration systems that refresh cabin air from top to bottom every few minutes, which should minimise impact for guests seated more than a few rows away.
Pets are not permitted in Virgin Australia Lounges, so owners will need to remain in public terminal areas until boarding.
Summing up
It’s not yet confirmed whether the $149 pet travel fee will earn Velocity Points or Status Credits. We’ve been told that Virgin Australia is still working through the finer details of whether the pet fee will count as eligible spend.
For pets that are too large to travel in the cabin – or for flights outside of the current trial – Virgin Australia continues to offer checked cargo services through providers such as Jetpets. As always, approved service animals are still able to travel onboard, free of charge.
Community