Virgin Australia Launches Pet-Friendly Flights

A New Era of Air Travel: Pets Can Now Fly with You in the Cabin

Virgin Australia is changing the game for pet owners, announcing the launch of its Pets in Cabin service, starting October 16, 2025. For the first time in Australian aviation history, small dogs and cats will be allowed to travel with their owners in the aircraft cabin.

The service kicks off with select flights between Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast, and Melbourne and the Gold Coast (dogs only, for now). Virgin plans a full domestic rollout across eligible routes in 2026, subject to feedback from this initial trial.

What’s the Catch?

Passengers will pay $149 per pet, per flight, on top of their regular ticket. Bookings must be made through the Virgin Contact Centre (13 67 89).

To fly, pets must meet strict eligibility criteria:

• Be a small cat or dog, with the combined weight of the pet and carrier not exceeding 8kg
• Fit comfortably in a soft-sided leak-proof carrier (max 44cm L × 26cm W × 28cm H) that can be stowed under the seat in front
• Be older than 8 weeks
• Be up to date with vaccinations
• Hold a valid veterinary certificate
• Not be a prohibited breed
• Not have given birth within the past seven days
  

The carrier counts as one of your two permitted carry-on bags and must stay under the seat for the entire flight. Pets are not allowed out of the carrier at any time during airport transit or while onboard, except when passing through security screening.

Cabin Setup: Where Will Pets Sit?

Virgin has designated four window seats in economy class (18A, 18F, 20A, and 20F) for passengers flying with pets. Business class remains pet-free.

Each pet must stay in their carrier for the whole journey, including in the terminal. They’re only allowed out at security for screening and must use relief areas before entering the airport. Virgin is working closely with airports to support these new guests, including relief areas for furry travellers.

Addressing Allergy Concerns

Virgin’s Boeing 737 fleet features HEPA filtration systems that remove over 99% of airborne particles, including pet dander. Cabin air is refreshed 20–30 times per hour. For allergy-prone passengers, staff will do their best to reassign seats away from the pet zones within the same cabin class with no additional charge.

Why It Matters

Australia has one of the world’s highest rates of pet ownership, with nearly 70% of households including an animal companion. Virgin’s CEO Dave Emerson believes this service will strike a chord with pet lovers across the country, saying:

“It’s a model that’s proven successful in the US and Europe and we’re thrilled to bring it to Australia.”

Virgin has worked with animal welfare and accessibility groups to shape a service that puts pet safety first.

Prohibited Breeds: Not All Pets Can Fly

While Virgin Australia welcomes many cats and dogs onboard, some breeds are not eligible for the Pets in Cabin service due to government restrictions. Under the Australian Customs Regulations 1956 and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, the following breeds (and their crossbreeds) are prohibited from travel:

Prohibited Dog Breeds

• Czechoslovakian Wolfdog (Czechoslovakian Vlcak)
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro
• Japanese Tosa
• Kunming Wolfdog (Kunming Dog)
• Lupo Italiano (Italian Wolfdog)
• Perro de Presa Canario (Presa Canario)
• Pit Bulls (including all sub-breeds)
• Saarloos Wolfdog (Saarloos Wolfhound)

Prohibited Cat Breeds

• Savannah cat (domestic cat crossed with serval)
• Safari cat (domestic cat crossed with Geoffroy’s cat)
• Chausie (domestic cat crossed with jungle cat)
• Bengal cat (domestic cat crossed with Asian leopard cat)

Travellers must confirm their pet’s breed during booking and provide a valid veterinary certificate to verify eligibility.

Qantas Still Says No

While Virgin leans into this pet-inclusive model, Qantas has reaffirmed its position: no pets in cabin. For now, pets will still travel in the hold on Qantas flights, in temperature-controlled conditions similar to the cabin.

Final Notes Before You Book

• One pet per passenger
• No lounge access for non-assistance animals
• Pet must remain in the carrier at all times
• The carrier must include an absorbent mat and be leak-proof

Is It Worth It?

For many pet owners, this change means less stress, more peace of mind, and one less separation anxiety episode. While it’s still a trial, demand is expected to be strong, and it could reshape how Australians travel with pets forever.

Thinking of travelling soon?
At PetsForHomes, we believe pets are family. Stay tuned as more airlines adopt pet-friendly practices. Until then, keep an eye on Virgin Australia’s updates and let your dog or cat tag along next time you jet off from Melbourne.