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Virgin Australia has officially commenced its trial pets-in-cabins service with a flight from Melbourne to the Gold Coast.
Flight VA733 on Thursday was the first service to allow pets to be transported in the cabin, with the trial to run until 30 January 2026 so feedback can be gathered from passengers. The airline aims to have the option rolled out across all domestic flights by late next year.
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“Since going on sale, we received incredible feedback from guests, and bookings are stronger than anticipated,” said Virgin CEO Dave Emerson.
“Over 50 per cent of pet bookings have been made for the summer holiday period, proving Aussies want to holiday with their four-legged companions.
“Importantly, we want to ensure there’s no impact on guests travelling without pets. To create a comfortable and safe environment, we’re only allowing four pets on each flight, and pets must remain in their carrier at all times.”
Veterinarian Dr Katrina Warren said she believed the trial would go smoothly, and said there would not be “dogs running everywhere” on board.
“This has been working overseas in Europe and America for so long now, and there’s no reason why it’s not going to work well,” she said.
“Virgin Australia has consulted with medical experts, and the filtration on these planes is fantastic, and the medical advice is that someone with an allergy only needs to sit a couple of rows away to be safe. If you are concerned, you can request to move your seat, and staff will accommodate that.”
The only pets allowed on board are small dogs or cats in approved carriers, at an extra charge of $149. The combined weight of the pet and the carrier must not exceed 8kg, and they must be stowed under the seats in front at 18A, 18F, 20A, and 20F.
Carriers must be soft-sided and leak-proof, and pets will not be allowed out during the flight. Owners should also make use of external animal relief areas before entering the airport.
Service animals will continue to be allowed on flights as normal, and guests may still arrange to have pets transported in the hold as cargo.
Virgin’s main rivals, Qantas and Jetstar, do not plan to follow suit and allow pets at this stage.
