After a four-month trial period, Virgin Australia will roll out its Pets in Cabin services to more select domestic flights in 2026, subject to airport approvals. Almost 1,000 pets have taken to the skies since the trial began in October 2025, which the airline says ‘has far surpassed [their] expectations.’
Pegged to launch after the Easter Holidays, Adelaide and Launceston are next on the list, joining Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Virgin Australia is still working with other airports with the aim of a national rollout.
What flights can my pets accompany me on?
Currently, Virgin Australia passengers can bring their small dogs and cats on select flights listed below.
- Flights between Melbourne-Gold Coast
- Flights between Melbourne-Sunshine Coast
The airline plans to welcome pets on select flights to and from Adelaide and Launceston after the Easter Holiday period. Virgin Australia Chief Marketing and Customer Operations Officer, Libby Minogue, says being able to travel with pets removes a major barrier to taking holidays or visiting relatives.
“We are also continuing to work with our airport partners to expand the service to additional locations, including Adelaide and Launceston, meaning even more Australians will soon be able to enjoy flying with their four-legged family members,” she said.
Here are the main rules that apply if you’re taking a pet onboard:
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- 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.
“The response to our Australian-first Pets in Cabin offering has far surpassed our expectations, which shows the sheer demand for the offering.”
Velocity Frequent Flyer members can continue to book their four-legged friend on flights with 18,600 Velocity Points per sector, though we suggest that it’s better value to pay the $149 fee in cash and save up your points for future reward flights.
Summing up
The Pets in Cabin trial can now be booked up to 30 June 2026 for the Melbourne-Sunshine Coast and Melbourne-Gold Coast routes. Virgin Australia will later announce when bookings for the new Adelaide and Launceston services will begin.
For pets that are too large to travel in the cabin, 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.
American Express Velocity Platinum
- Sign-up Bonus:
- Up to 100,000 bonus Velocity Points¹
- Rewards Earn Rate:
- 1.25 Velocity Points earned per $1 on all eligible spend except for government bodies⁵. 2.25 Velocity Points per $1 spent on selected Virgin Australia purchases⁵. 0.5 Velocity Points per $1 on Government spend⁵
- Annual Fee:
- $440 p.a.
- Offer expires
- 30 April 2026
- The American Express Velocity Platinum Card has 70,000 bonus Velocity Points on offer for new American Express Card Members who apply, are approved and spend $5,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months of approval, plus an additional 30,000 Velocity Points when you spend a minimum of $1 on your Card within 90 days of paying your second year annual Card Fee¹. (Offer ends 30 April 2026. New Amex Card Members only. T&Cs apply.) Includes several perks such as Virgin Australia Lounge Access² every time you fly domestically with Virgin Australia, 2 VA Guest Lounge Passes³ each year and a Complimentary Domestic Return Virgin Australia Flight⁷.
Recent updates by Hannah Tomasoni.
And let the whinge-fest begin in the comments
Given there’s been no mention of which flight numbers will be used I take that as meaning they’ll be allowed on every flight on the specified routes. I won’t be flying those routes. How many days before some soppy owner takes Fifi out of the cage because she’s whining and needs a little hug? The crew will be powerless to do anything other than request the animal be returned to the cage. If the owner won’t comply will they have police waiting at the terminal? Will they add the owner to the No-Fly list? Very much doubt it.