Virgin Australia has officially unleashed a new era of travel, making history with Australia’s first Pets in Cabin flights taking off between Melbourne, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.
The Pets in Cabin service will initially launch as a trial until 30 January 2026 in order for the airline to gather important feedback from customers. Virgin Australia plans on expanding the service to all eligible domestic flights by late next year.
With more than 50 per cent of Pets in Cabin bookings made to date for the summer holiday period, the service is already proving popular among Aussies who are looking to holiday with their four-legged companions for the first time or find an alternative solution to pet boarding services.
To celebrate today’s first Pets in Cabin flight (VA733 from Melbourne to the Gold Coast), Virgin Group Founder, Sir Richard Branson shared a special audio message over the aircraft PA. Guests were also gifted 10,000 Velocity Frequent Flyer Points – enough Points to redeem a one-way domestic flight on Virgin Australia.
Virgin Australia Chief Executive Officer, Dave Emerson, said the airline is excited to once again be making Australian aviation history.
“Launching Australia’s first Pets in Cabin flights is a milestone we’re incredibly proud of,” said Mr Emerson.
“We’re excited to give Australians a new way to holiday. Pets are part of the family, and this new service is about making sure every member, human or furry, can enjoy the journey together.
“We’re very confident the Pets in Cabin trial will be a success. It’s an offering that’s worked effectively in the US and Europe for decades, and something Australian travellers have waited for, for years.
“Innovation has always been in Virgin Australia’s DNA. From being the first airline in Australia to offer online check-in and baggage tracking, to being the first airline in the world to reward guests for sitting in the middle seat (through our Middle Seat Lottery promotion), we’ve consistently led the way. That spirit of innovation, combined with our focus on our customers, is what sets us apart in the market,” he said.
Virgin Group Founder, Sir Richard Branson, said: “I’m thrilled to see Virgin Australia once again rewriting the rule book of aviation,” said Sir Richard.
“Allowing pets to travel in the cabin speaks to Virgin Australia’s spirit of doing things differently and I can’t wait to see the joy this new service brings to travellers and their four-legged companions,” he said.
Important information on the Pets in Cabin service:
- Pet type: Small dogs or cats only.* Please note, cats will not initially be permitted on flights between Melbourne and the Gold Coast.
- Pet limit: A limit of four (4) pets weighing under 8 kilograms (combined with the carrier) will be permitted on each eligible flight.
- Carrier requirements: Pets must travel in an approved soft-sided leak-proof carrier measuring no more than 44 centimetres (L) x 26 centimetres (W) x 28 centimetres (H). Absorbent mats must be placed inside the carrier when travelling. Suitable carriers are available for purchase from leading pet supply retailers.
- Pet containment: Pets must be secured in a pet carrier which must be stowed under the seat in front of the owner for the duration of the flight. Pets are not permitted outside of the carrier at any time whilst onboard the aircraft.
- Seating allocation: Guests travelling with pets will be seated in window seats in two designated rows only (seats 18A and 18F and 20A and 20F). Pets will not be permitted to be stowed under any other seat on the aircraft. Refer attached diagram.
- Vaccination proof: Pets must be up to date with vaccinations prior to travel.
- Health and safety: Pets with existing health conditions, including 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, must have a veterinary-issued certificate confirming the pet is fit to fly. Pets under eight weeks old are unable to travel.
- Allergy-safe seating: Virgin Australia aircraft are fitted with advanced air filtration systems removing 99 per cent of airborne particles including pet dander, providing peace of mind for guests with allergies, even when seated near pets. Additionally, guests with allergies can choose alternative seating in the same cabin class, free of charge.
- Lounge access: In accordance with food standards regulations, pets are not permitted in any food and beverage service areas, including Virgin Australia Lounges.
- Booking the service: To book a Pets in Cabin service on flights between Melbourne and the Gold Coast and Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast, guests will need to call the Virgin Australia Guest Contact Centre on 13 67 89.
No changes to assistance animals
The Pets in Cabin service will not result in any change to approved assistance animals being able to travel in the cabin of all Virgin Australia flights at no additional cost. The existing procedure for assessing the eligibility of these assistance animals to travel onboard will not change.
