Virgin Australia is set to make history as the first Australian airline to welcome pets into the cabin, with tickets for its highly anticipated Pets in Cabin service officially on sale from today.
The airline will launch the service as a trial on flights between Melbourne and the Gold Coast and Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast, with the inaugural flight scheduled to depart Melbourne Airport on Thursday, 16 October 2025. Fares for furry passengers – small dogs or cats – are set at an introductory price of $149 per animal, per flight.
Responding to Strong Passenger Demand
Since first announcing its intention to introduce the service in March 2024, Virgin Australia has worked closely with international carriers already offering in-cabin pet travel, consulted with animal welfare organisations and accessibility groups, and gathered feedback from frequent flyers. The airline says the goal has been to create a service that prioritises animal welfare while ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
CEO Dave Emerson said Virgin Australia expects a strong response from pet owners across the country. “Our guests have been telling us for years how much they want to travel alongside their pets, and now they finally can,” Emerson said.
“It’s a model that’s proven successful in the US and Europe and we’re thrilled to bring it to Australia. With almost 70 per cent of households owning a pet, we expect the service to be embraced nationwide. Beyond convenience for pet owners, it’s also set to boost the pet-friendly travel sector, including hotels and tourism operators.”
The trial will allow the airline to capture customer feedback before expanding the service across its domestic network in 2026.
Safety and Comfort Measures
Virgin Australia has implemented strict health and safety standards, including advanced HEPA air filtration systems that capture more than 99 per cent of airborne particles such as pet dander. To further protect passengers with allergies, pets will be restricted to designated rows with buffer seating zones in front and behind.
Dr Kelly Bofkin, Virgin Australia’s Group Medical Officer, said passenger well-being was at the heart of the program’s design. “We have looked to best medical evidence, worked with other airlines who currently carry pets, and consulted with allergy experts to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for everyone onboard,” Dr Bofkin said.
How It Works
Under the trial program:
- Only small dogs and cats under 8kg (including the carrier) will be allowed onboard.
- A maximum of four pets will be permitted per flight.
- Pets must travel in an approved, leak-proof soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat.
- Owners will be seated in designated window seats in two specific rows.
- Proof of vaccination is required, and pets must be certified fit to fly if they are very young, elderly, or have certain health conditions.
The Pets in Cabin service will not affect existing arrangements for approved assistance animals, which continue to travel in the cabin free of charge on all Virgin Australia flights.
Bookings for the service can be made by contacting the Virgin Australia Guest Contact Centre on 13 67 89.
