Pet lovers, rejoice! Virgin Australia has just announced a game-changing service that’s set to make every animal owner’s dream come true. Starting in October 2025, the airline will allow small pets (think cats and dogs) to fly alongside their owners in the cabin. Yep, you read that right. Say goodbye to the stress of leaving your furry besties behind or worrying about them in cargo, they’re coming with you in style.
This groundbreaking “Pets in Cabin” service kicks off with a trial run on flights between Melbourne and the Gold Coast, and Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast but will likely expand if it proves popular. Tickets for your four-legged travel buddies start at $149 per pet, per flight. While cats are allowed on most routes, they’re giving the Gold Coast-Melbourne path a miss for now. (We don’t know why either, but hey, progress is progress.)
Why the hype?
Virgin Australia is officially the first airline in the country to offer this service and with almost 70% of Aussie households owning pets, it’s about time! CEO Dave Emerson shared the excitement, saying, “Our guests have been asking for this for years, and we’re thrilled to make it happen. Pets in Cabin is already a hit overseas, and now Australians can enjoy travelling with their furry family members too.”
But don’t just take his word for it, vet and pet guru Dr Katrina Warren is all for it too, calling the service a “milestone” for pet owners. She added, “Pets are family, and this move makes travel more inclusive for animal lovers.”
How it works
Of course, there are a few rules to keep things safe and comfy for everyone onboard:
- Only small dogs and cats weighing under 8kg (including their carrier) are allowed.
- Pets must stay in an approved soft-sided carrier under the seat in front of you for the entire flight.
- There’s a limit of four pets per flight, so make sure to book early.
- Pet seats are in designated rows, so allergy sufferers can breathe easy, literally. Virgin’s planes are equipped with HEPA filters that remove 99% of airborne particles, including pet dander. Plus, buffer zones and alternative seating options are available for anyone with allergies.
What about safety?
Virgin’s got that covered too. Pets need to be healthy to fly, no sick pets, no pregnant ones, and no jet-setting for pups under eight weeks old. If your pet has a medical condition or is, let’s say, a little senior, you’ll need a vet certificate to show they’re fit to travel.
Aussie-first, but not the first worldwide
While this is a first for Australia, airlines in Europe and North America have been doing it for years. Carriers like Air France and United Airlines already let pets join their owners in the cabin on domestic routes, and it’s been a hit. Virgin Australia worked closely with these airlines and consulted vets, animal welfare groups, and allergy experts to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Why it matters
This isn’t just a win for pet owners, it’s a huge boost for Australia’s tourism and pet travel industries. Think about it: more pet-friendly hotels, more travel options for families with animals, and way less stress for everyone. A recent survey even found that 63% of pet owners skip trips because they can’t take their pets with them. Virgin Australia is changing the game, making travel more accessible and inclusive.
The trial phase will help the airline gather feedback before rolling out the service across more domestic routes next year. If it’s a success (and let’s be real, how could it not be?) travelling with pets in Australia could look very different by 2026.
