Virgin Australia has announced an extension to its ‘Pets in Cabin’ trial, which was originally due to finish this month.
The highly-anticipated pet flights first took off in October and will now be available to book between Melbourne and the Gold Coast and Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast, through to June 30, 2026.
Additionally, cats were originally only able to fly on the Sunshine Coast route but from January 31 will be able to travel on all Virgin Australia pet flights.
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Virgin Australia Chief Marketing 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,” she said.
“We’ve not only received strong, positive feedback from pet owners, but also guests travelling without pets.”
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Over the peak Christmas period alone, more than 300 dogs and cats flew on Virgin Australia ‘Pets in Cabin’ flights.
The airline said it plans to expand the service to other eligible domestic flights in the coming months.
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What is the pet policy on Virgin Airlines?
Virgin Australia will allow small pets like cats and dogs to travel in carriers that can be stowed under the seat, just like hand luggage.
The carrier and the pet must weigh no more than 8kg total. Carriers must meet strict size and ventilation requirements.
Pets must remain in their carriers at all times during the flight – no roaming or sitting in their owners’ laps.
Travellers with pets will be seated in separate rows from general passengers.
Pet owners will preboard the aircraft before sitting in the designated Pets in Cabin seats in either rows 18 and 20 (seats 18A, 18F, 20A and 20F).
There is a limit of four pets weighing under 8kgs (combined with the carrier) permitted on each eligible flight.
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What if I have allergies?
Addressing allergy and hygiene considerations has been an important part of the process.
“Our aircraft are fitted with advanced HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filtration systems, which capture more than 99 per cent of airborne particles, including pet dander,” Virgin Australia Group Medical Officer, Dr Kelly Bofkin, said previously.
“Cabin airflow dynamics are such that air circulates from top to bottom and the cabin air is renewed 20-30 times per hour, which greatly reduces the risk of airborne allergen transfer.
“Additionally, the creation of ‘buffer zones’ (two rows behind and two rows in front of the allocated pet rows) ensures that the risk to guests of allergen exposure is significantly reduced.”
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How will Virgin Australia manage if a dog relieves itself on the flight?
Virgin Australia has engaged a veterinarian to develop guidelines regarding exercise, feeding, hydration, and toileting prior to the flight.
These recommendations will be communicated to all guests purchasing the Pets in Cabin service to help ensure the comfort and wellbeing of their pets.
In addition, airports that operate pet-friendly flights all have a suitable animal relief area.
To manage any unexpected incidents, pet carriers must have a leak-proof base, and absorbent mats must be placed both inside and beneath the carrier.
Can pets come into the Virgin Australia Lounge?
In accordance with the Australia Food Standards Code, non-assistance animals are prohibited from entering inside food establishments. As Virgin Australia airport lounges serve and prepare food, pets are not permitted access to these areas.
Will I know if pets are on my flight?
The trial Pets in Cabin service will be available on Virgin Australia flights between Melbourne and the Gold Coast and Melbourne to the Sunshine Coast.
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