VIRGIN AUSTRALIA: On which flights are cats and dogs now welcome on board

From 17 September 2025, you can finally book a seat for your furry companion on selected Virgin Australia flights. The cost, a cool AU$149 per pet, per flight. Australia’s first official Pets in Cabin service is now on sale.

Where you can fly with your pet

Initially, there are only two city pairs on which pets can fly. And that’s restricted to dogs on one of the routes. Dogs and Cats are welcome on the second, and

• Melbourne ↔ Gold Coast (dogs only, sorry cats)
• Melbourne ↔ Sunshine Coast (dogs and cats welcome)

This initial trial runs until 30 January 2026, after which Virgin plans to expand the service across virtually all of its domestic network.

How it works for passengers

Here’s how it works, and I have put together a sort of check-list at the end of this post.

• Eligible pets: small dogs and cats, under 8kg including carrier.
• The cost: $149 per pet each way, in addition to your fare.
• Carriers and rules: pets travel in approved soft carriers, stowed under the seat in front of you. No mid-flight laps, cuddles or TikToks – they stay inside the carrier for the whole flight.
• Seat allocation: owners get window seats in designated rows (18A/F and 20A/F). No sneaking into row 1, no matter how cute your pet is
• How many pets: maximum of four per flight, spread across the rows outlined above

What about other passengers?

Virgin hasn’t forgotten about those who are allergic to some pet hair and dander. I’m putting my hand up for this one. No they are not handing out free antihistamine tablets, but they do remind passengers that they use HEPA filters that capture 99% of particles including pet dander. Cabin air is refreshed roughly 20 to 30 times per hour. If you do feel affected, then Virgin Australia will allow you to change seats at no charge. Yep, that will work on a full flight!

The fine print

Don’t think that this new option doesn’t come without conditions. Your pets must be vaccinated and healthy. Vet clearance will be required for brachycephalic breeds (Frenchies, pugs, etc.). Pets don’t get access to the Virgin Australia lounges, however due to food preparation rules. So if you are travelling with a pet, you will have to sit with the hoi polloi in the rest of the airport.

You have to make your booking by phone. Call the Guest Contact Centre on 13 67 89 well ahead. No rocking up at the airport and saying — ‘Oh can I bring Fido?’

This new policy does not affect the existing arrangements for assistance animals. They remain allowed in-cabin at no charge on all VA flights.

Pet Travel Checklist: What you need to fly Virgin Australia with your furry friend

• Book via the Guest Contact Centre: Call 13 67 89 – you can’t add pets online (yet).
• Eligible pets: Small dogs and cats only. Cats not allowed on Melbourne–Gold Coast flights during the trial.
• Weight limit: Pet + carrier must weigh under 8kg.
• Carrier requirements:
  • Soft-sided, leak-proof
  • Max dimensions: 44cm (L) x 26cm (W) x 28cm (H)
  • Absorbent mat inside (Available at most pet retailers)
• Vaccination proof: All pets must be up to date.
• Health certificate required for:
  • Brachycephalic breeds (pugs, Frenchies, bulldogs, etc.)
  • Pets aged under 12 weeks or over 12 years
  • Pregnant pets, or those recovering from surgery/injury
• Onboard rules:
  • Pets stay in a carrier under the seat in front for the entire flight.
  • Owners seated in window seats (rows 18A/F and 20A/F).
• Number of pets: Maximum 4 per flight.
• Lounges: Pets aren’t allowed in Virgin Lounges due to food regulations.

2PAXfly Takeout

I am the grandson of a farmer. Our family tended towards the view that if animals were not capable of work, anything from producing milk, wool or meat, through to killing mice and rats, then they had no place in the family. That view is now vastly outdated today, when pets are viewed as integral to many families and are treated like and called ‘furbabies‘.

So, while understanding how this new facility for pets may appeal to many travellers, I myself do not welcome the move. However, I think Virgin Australia is introducing this pet friendly policy very responsibly, by announcing it early, holding a trial, and outlining the restrictions fairly clearly. So, well done Virgin Australia. Will Jetstar and/or Qantas follow. So far, they say they won’t.