Pets in the cabin: Virgin Australia switches this on from 16 Oct — exactly how it works (and how to book)
Little Furry Friends getting ready to FLY! (PC: Virgin Australia)
Australia’s first pet-friendly flights are here. Virgin Australia is trialling Pets in Cabin on select domestic services, letting small dogs (and on one route, cats) travel in a carrier under the seat in front of you — starting Thursday 16 October 2025. Capacity is tight (four pets per flight), designated rows only, and you’ll need to call to book. Below is everything you need to know in one place.
At a glance (bookmark this)
Launch: 16 Oct 2025 (trial runs to 30 Jan 2026)
Routes: MEL–OOL (Gold Coast) dogs only; MEL–MCY (Sunshine Coast) dogs and cats
Fee: A$149 per pet, per flight (introductory trial pricing)
Weight/size: Pet + carrier ≤ 8 kg; soft-sided carrier max 44 × 26 × 28 cm (must fit under seat)
Where you sit: Window seats 18A, 18F, 20A, 20F only (max 4 pets per flight)
Booking: Phone only via Virgin’s Guest Contact Centre; book ≥ 72 hours before departure
Check-in: Be at the counter ≥ 75 minutes before your flight
Who can’t book: Travellers under 18 alone, anyone travelling with an infant, and bookings involving assistance animals (separate policy applies)
Quick tip: Because only four spots exist per flight, lock the pet booking first before you commit hotels or ground transport.
What’s actually changing (and why it matters)
Until now, Aussie airlines have only permitted assistance animals in the cabin. Virgin’s trial brings us in line with parts of North America and Europe where small pets have flown for years. Expect benefits for pet-parent travellers and regional tourism (pet-friendly hotels, cafes, holiday parks), plus plenty of debate around allergies and etiquette. Virgin’s framework answers this with designated rows, under-seat carriers, buffer seating and HEPA-filtered airflows.
The rules - eligibility, carrier and seating
Species: Small dogs and cats (no exotics).
Age & health: 8+ weeks, vaccinated; some cases require a vet fit-to-fly letter (e.g., brachycephalic breeds, pregnancy, post-op/recent injury, very young/older pets).
Carrier: Soft-sided, escape-proof, leak-proof base + absorbent mat; pet must be able to stand, turn, lie down comfortably inside.
Seat map: Window seats 18A/F and 20A/F only; pet stays in the carrier, under the seat for the entire flight (no laps).
Capacity: Max four pets per flight (one per eligible seat).
Routes detail: MEL–MCY allows dogs and cats; MEL–OOL is dogs only during the trial.
Restricted breeds: Some dog and hybrid cat breeds are not permitted under Australian rules - check the prohibited list before you book.
Not eligible to purchase: Solo travellers under 18; travellers with an infant; travellers with assistance animals on the same booking (covered separately).
How to book (step-by-step)
Find your flight: Choose a MEL–OOL or MEL–MCY service within the 16 Oct 2025–30 Jan 2026 window.
Call Virgin: Add Pets in Cabin via the Guest Contact Centre (online booking isn’t available).
Have details ready: Pet type/breed, estimated combined weight, carrier dimensions, vaccination status, any vet letter if required.
Seat allocation: You’ll be assigned 18A/F or 20A/F (subject to availability).
Arrive early: Check in ≥ 75 minutes before departure at a staffed counter with your pet already in the carrier.
At the gate: Your pet remains in the carrier except at security or designated relief areas.
Cost: A$149 per pet, per sector during the trial (fee is additional to your fare and ancillary selections).
Prep checklist for a smooth trip
Carrier training: Do a few practice runs at home so your pet can relax inside the carrier for the whole journey.
Bathroom breaks: Plan pre-security and pre-boarding relief stops where available.
Docs: Vaccination proof and any fit-to-fly certificate (if applicable).
Food & water: Small pre-flight snack and water; consider a pee pad inside the carrier.
Allergies in your group? Arrange seats away from rows 18/20; Virgin uses buffer zones and HEPA filtration, but positioning helps.
FAQs
Do I earn/redeem points on the pet fee?
Treat it like an add-on for now — plan for no points on the surcharge unless the agent confirms otherwise when you call.
Are pets allowed in lounges?
No. Food & beverage zones (including lounges) are generally off-limits to pets.
What happens after the trial?
Virgin has flagged a broader 2026 rollout pending trial feedback. Expect more routes and refined processes.
ACTION NOW
This is a big step for Aussie domestic travel. The caps (only four pets per flight) will keep demand high — so if you’re eyeing the Gold Coast or Sunny Coast this summer, we’d book early and keep plans flexible. We’ll update this guide as Virgin expands the program.
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