Virgin Australia’s pets on plane trial has proved a major scces witht he carrier now offering flights between Melbourne and the Gold Coast and Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast until 30 June 2026.
The decision to extend the trial, which was initially scheduled to conclude at the end of this month, follows strong demand for bookings, well above initial forecasts, and positive guest and team member feedback since the service first launched in October 2025.
Over the peak Christmas period alone, more than 300 dogs and cats flew on Virgin Australia Pets in Cabin flights, highlighting the demand for pet owners wanting to holiday or visit loved ones with their furry companions.
Virgin Australia CMO and customer operations officer, Libby Minogue, said the response to Pets in Cabin flights has exceeded expectations, delivering bookings significantly above forecast.
“Our decision to extend the Pets in Cabin service trial until June this year reinforces the value of innovating around what our guests care about, and we know that they care deeply about travelling with their pets.
“We’ve not only received strong, positive feedback from pet owners, but also guests travelling without pets.”
“As we continue to build on the success of Pets in Cabin flights over the coming months, we look forward to expanding the service to other eligible Virgin Australia domestic flights soon,” she said.
Virgin Australia has also confirmed that from 31 January 2026, cats will be permitted to travel on all Pets in Cabin flight services, having previously been limited to flights between Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast.
Velocity Frequent Flyer members can continue to book Pets in Cabin flights using just 18,600 Velocity Points per eligible sector, in addition to their own fare.
Virgin Australia plans to expand the Pets in Cabin service to other eligible Virgin Australia domestic flights in the coming months.
Veterinarian and Pet Expert, Dr Katrina Warren, said the Pets in Cabin trial has been a gamechanger for pet parents with small dogs and cats.
“I’ve received lots of positive feedback from people who have embraced this opportunity. It’s wonderful to see the success of the trial, and I hope it paves the way for a broader rollout in the near future,” she said.
Pet owner and passenger Nic Christensen said he was a loyal Qantas flyer but praised the VA offering.
“My husband Brett Williams and I are loyal Qantas flyers but I got to say flying to QLD today for Christmas with our dog Jack on Virgin Australia has been a complete gamechanger,” he posted on LinkedIn.
“Soon as the trial (currently Sunshine Coast and GC) was announced we booked and I can’t speak highly enough of all the team members who helped us on the journey.
“Post pandemic you see in places like Europe where pet travel has just been normalised and it’s great to see Virgin Australia leading the way here.”
Would he now be swapping carriers?
“At this stage no,” Christensen told Travel Weekly, “but I was very impressed and will definitely be travelling Virgin for Christmas and other commitments where the whole family, including Jack, need to come.
“What’s clever about this move by Virgin is that they are making loyal Qantas customers consider and try them – and it has been a great experience.”
Melbourne Airport General Manager Operations, Scott Dullard, said Virgin Australia’s Pets in Cabin trial had introduced greater choice and flexibility for travellers.
“Pet-friendly travel has been an exciting service for Virgin Australia passengers, opening new travel opportunities between Melbourne and the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast for all members of the family – including the furry ones,” he said.
Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Chris Mills said the Pets in Cabin service was a great addition to the airport’s offering.
“We know pets are part of the family and the response to the Pets in Cabin service has been very positive. Virgin’s extension of the program will continue to provide choice for travellers and enable comfortable travel for our four-legged friends.”
Gold Coast Airport Chief Operating Officer, Marion Charlton, said Gold Coast Airport was happy to continue their support of the Pets in Cabin Program.
“Our customers value being able to fly with their pets, which is why we’re proud to support an extension of this trial that keeps our customers – both two – and four-legged travelling together.”
