VIRGIN AUSTRALIA: Pets to fly in cabins by Christmas

The initiative for pets to travel in the cabin on Virgin Australia was first announced over a year ago. That was back in March 2024. It has taken until today (July 31, 2025) for Virgin Australia to announce the start date of the initiative. Virgin’s new CEO, Dave Emerson, speaking at the CAPA – Centre for Aviation, Airline Leaders Summit in Cairns, confirmed the airline had cleared the last regulatory hurdle, regarding food safety, allowing pets to travel with their owners onboard from December 2025.

An exact date is yet to be announced but Virgin is set to soon release details of the plan, and a guide for pet owners.

Paws on planes — what travellers need to know

Virgin Australia will allow small cats and dogs up to 8kg (including carrier) to travel in the cabin — but only on select flights and in designated rows. Pets must remain in a carrier that fits beneath the seat in front, and will not be allowed to roam the aisles.

The first routes are expected to be short domestic hops like Sydney–Melbourne. The program will only be extended to longer flights only if the pilot program proves successful.

The initiative follows a rule change from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) that opened the door for domestic airlines to allow pets in cabins for the first time.

Virgin’s pitch to pet parents ‘Like flying with your child’

Virgin’s CEO, Dave Emerson, at the CAPA Airline Leaders Summit in Cairns, confirmed the last regulatory hurdle has been cleared.

“Aircraft are considered restaurants. You’re not allowed to bring your pets into a restaurant, so we had to get an exemption. That process took just over a year.”

Dave Emerson, Virgin Australia CEO

Virgin is now in the final planning stages. Pricing has not yet been announced. The airline has signalled it will charge a fee for the new in-cabin service. The service will be offered in addition to the existing pet travel available in the cargo hold.

“It’s something you see in Europe and the US, and we think Australia is going to be super-excited for this.”

Dave Emerson, Virgin Australia CEO

Qantas and Jetstar say “no thanks”

The move by Virgin Australia is quite polarising. I certainly fall into the ‘now I will have to take an antihistamine before I fly Virgin Australia‘ camp. I’m allergic to most pet fur. On the other hand, I have good friends and relations who will welcome this initiative. They will celebrate the initiative to travel more with their furry family members.

Don’t expect to see cabin pets on Qantas or Jetstar anytime soon. Both airlines have so far refused to follow Virgin’s lead, citing concerns about customer comfort and cabin cleanliness. They’ll continue to transport pets the old-fashioned way — in the hold.

2PAXfly Takeout

For pet owners who’ve long dreamed of bringing their furry companions into the cabin, Virgin’s move could be a loyalty game-changer. But this convenience comes with only limited seats on restricted flights and strict rules regarding storage and weight. Those who intend to use the service will need to plan ahead and be prepared to pay a premium for the privilege.

I remain in the pet-free-flight camp. But then again, I don’t have a furbaby, and I need drugs to avoid allergies to most of their fur anyway. So, I am definitely not the target market for this new service.