Virgin Australia has become the first airline in the country to allow pets in the cabin. The inaugural pets-in-cabin flight will depart from Melbourne Airport to the Gold Coast on October 16, 2025. The service will operate as a trial until January 30, 2026, to assess its success.
Tickets for pets (limited to small dogs and cats) are being offered at an introductory rate of $149 per animal, per flight. Initially, each flight would be limited to just four pets. With this new service, Virgin Australia hopes to boost economic opportunities for both the tourism and pet travel sectors, while giving Australians more freedom to explore with their small four-legged companions.
A Service Australians Have Been Waiting For
The airline notes that with around 70% of Australian households owning a pet, there has been strong demand for more pet-friendly travel options. Inspired by similar services in Europe and the United States, Virgin Australia first revealed plans to introduce the service in March 2024. Since then, the Australian airline has worked closely with leading international carriers that already offer similar services, sought guidance from animal welfare organizations and accessibility groups.
The goal has been to design a program that puts animal welfare and passenger comfort first. During the trial, Virgin Australia will gather valuable customer insights and feedback, which will help shape plans for a wider rollout across its domestic network next year. Commenting on the news, Virgin Australia Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dave Emerson, said:
“Pets on flights is another example of Virgin Australia leading the way with new and improved service offerings and first-to-market experiences for our guests. Innovation has always been a hallmark of Virgin Australia. We were the first airline in the country to offer online check-in, baggage tracking, and globally, we were the first airline to reward guests for sitting in the middle seat (through our Middle Seat Lottery promotion).”
Addressing Hygiene And Allergies
Virgin Australia’s Group Medical Officer, Dr. Kelly Bofkin, said the airline has taken a rigorous approach to managing allergy and hygiene concerns around pets in the cabin. She explained that ensuring the health and comfort of all passengers has been central to the service’s development, with every decision informed by customer feedback since the 2024 announcement.
Virgin Australia’s aircraft are equipped with advanced HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters that remove more than 99% of airborne particles, including pet dander, Bofkin said. The cabin’s airflow is designed to circulate from ceiling to floor, refreshing the air 20–30 times every hour and further minimizing the spread of allergens.
Additionally, to help minimize allergy risks, Virgin Australia has introduced designated “buffer zones,” consisting of two rows in front of and two rows behind the pet seating area. Initially, only four pets weighing under eight kilograms would be allowed per flight, with seats limited to window positions in two dedicated rows (18A, 18F, 20A, and 20F). Pets will not be permitted under any other seats on the aircraft.
Pet Travel Guidelines
Only small cats and dogs are allowed, with a maximum combined weight of eight kilograms per carrier. Pets must travel in an approved soft-sided, leak-proof carrier no larger than 44 cm (L) × 26 cm (W) × 28 cm (H). An absorbent mat must be placed inside the carrier during travel.
During the flight, pets must be secured in a pet carrier, which must be stowed under the seat in front of the owner. Pets are not permitted outside of the carrier at any time whilst onboard the aircraft.
When boarding with a pet, passengers must ensure that they are up to date with vaccinations. Unfortunately, passengers traveling with pets will not be able to access Virgin Australia lounges, due to food safety regulations.