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Virgin Australia starts flying with pets on board
October 20th 2025
Virgin Australia (VA) has launched Australia’s first flights with pets on board the aircraft. Read More » The first Pets in Cabin services took off on last Thursday on two routes: Melbourne-Gold Coast and Melbourne-Sunshine Coast. The trial will run until January 30 next year to gather feedback ahead of an expected rollout of the service on all eligible domestic flights by the end of 2026. "We see very confident the Pets in Cabin trial will be a success," VA CEO, Dave Emerson, said. "It’s an offering that’s worked effectively in the U.S. and Europe for decades and something Australian travellers have waited to be introduced for years." VA’s Pets in Cabin service, which costs A$149 (US$97), is restricted to small dogs and cats, with the pet to be kept in an approved carrier that fits under the front of the seat for the duration of the flight. Each flight will be limited to a maximum of four pets in two designated rows.
