Kate Webster Virgin Australia has officially launched ticket sales for its long-awaited Pets in Cabin service, marking a major milestone in Australian aviation.
From today, pet lovers can book seats for their small dogs or cats on flights between Melbourne and the Gold Coast, and Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast, with the inaugural pet-friendly flight taking off on Thursday 16 October 2025.
This Australian-first service is available for an introductory price of $149 per animal, per flight and will run as a trial until 30 January 2026, ahead of a wider rollout across the domestic network next year.
Elevating Pet Travel
Virgin’s CEO Dave Emerson said the move is in response to years of customer demand. “Our guests have been telling us for years how much they want to travel alongside their pets – and now they finally can,” he said.
“This is a meaningful shift that reflects modern travellers’ values, with nearly 70 per cent of Aussie households owning a pet.”
Emerson added that the initiative aligns with Virgin’s tradition of customer-first innovation, such as the Middle Seat Lottery and in-app baggage tracking.
Pet Comfort and Passenger Care
Veterinarian Dr Katrina Warren has backed the move, describing it as a “milestone for pet-loving travellers.” She noted the service makes travel “more accessible and inclusive” for those who treat pets as part of the family.
Virgin has gone to great lengths to ensure the comfort of all guests, including those with allergies. Pets must remain in approved carriers under seats in designated window rows, and buffer zones have been created to reduce allergen exposure. The airline also pointed to its advanced HEPA filtration systems, which refresh cabin air 20–30 times an hour.
Dr Kelly Bofkin, Virgin Australia Group Medical Officer, said the airline has “consulted with allergy experts, animal welfare organisations, and other international airlines to build a system that’s medically sound and safe for all passengers.”
The Pet Travel Rules
The trial has several rules to ensure safe and stress-free travel:
- Pets must weigh under 8kg (including carrier).
- Only four pets will be allowed per eligible flight.
- Approved soft-sided carriers are required.
- Pets must remain secured for the entire journey.
- Proof of vaccination and vet clearance for at-risk pets is required.
While cats are not yet permitted on Melbourne–Gold Coast flights, they are eligible on the Sunshine Coast route.
The move is set to stimulate growth in the pet-friendly travel sector, unlocking opportunities for tourism operators, hotels, and regional destinations.
A 2021 poll found 85 per cent of Virgin’s Facebook followers supported pet travel in cabins. More recent data from the Tourism and Transport Forum showed over 63% of pet owners currently leave their animals behind due to lack of inflight options.
Virgin Australia’s Pets in Cabin program is a clear response to shifting travel norms—and could redefine the flying experience for a new generation of pet-loving travellers.