How To Fly With Your Dog Or Cat On Virgin Australia

Flying with your pet just got a little easier thanks to Virgin Australia’s new Pets in Cabin service. This allows small dogs and cats to travel with their owner on selected flights, for an additional fee. It’s the first time an Australian airline has let pets join humans in the cabin, rather than being locked in the cargo hold.

Before booking Virgin Australia's Pets in Cabin, there are several pretty specific rules you will need to understand. From weight limits and breed restrictions to carrier requirements, this isn’t a ‘just pack your dog’ situation. It’s a carefully choreographed dance involving zip ties, vet certificates, and exactly four seats at the back of the plane. This guide explains Virgin Australia’s Pets in Cabin service in clear, simple steps so you can travel with confidence.

TL;DR - Virgin Australia Pets In Cabin

• Launch routes are Melbourne-Gold Coast and Melbourne-Sunshine Coast.
• Pet type is limited to small dogs or cats.
• Weight limit of 8 kilograms, including the pet carrier.
• Pet limit of four animals per flight.
• Carrier must be soft-sided, leak-proof and no more than 44 x 26 x 28 cm.
• Pets must be contained in their carrier under the seat in front for the entire flight.
• Seating allocation will be 18A, 18F, 20A or 20F.
• Vaccinations must be up to date before travel.
• Vet certificates are required for certain pets.
• Banned breeds include Pit Bulls, Japanese Tosa and Savannah cat.
• Lounge access is not permitted for pets, as per food standards regulations.
• Bookings can be made by calling the Virgin Australia call centre on 13 67 89.

What Is Virgin Australia’s Pets In Cabin Service?

Virgin Australia’s Pets in Cabin service allows small dogs and cats to travel inside the aircraft cabin, sitting snugly under the seat in front of their owner, instead of in the cargo hold. Pets in Cabin has initially launched as a trial from 16 October 2025, and is limited to flights between Melbourne and Gold Coast (dogs only) and Melbourne and Sunshine Coast (dogs and cats). Virgin Australia plans on expanding the service to all eligible domestic flights by late next year.

This makes Virgin the first major Australian airline to trial a scheme that lets pets travel alongside their humans in the main cabin. It’s a move that’s already stirred plenty of excitement, and a fair bit of debate among animal lovers and allergy sufferers alike.

Fees And How To Book Virgin Pet In Cabin

In addition to the cost of your own ticket, Virgin Australia is charging an introductory fee of $149 per flight for your pet to join you in the cabin. You can also redeem Velocity Points to purchase Pets in Cabin, but the value is awful at 18,600 Velocity Points per flight.

We recommend paying with cash and not Velocity Points, as the value here is just 0.8 cents per point. A short Virgin Business Class flight like Melbourne to Sydney actually costs less. So, spending 18,600 points on a pet’s floor space is the loyalty equivalent of setting your points on fire, or scooping them directly into the litter box.

Booking a flight for your pet isn’t quite as easy as booking for a human. You will need to call Virgin Australia on 13 67 89 to reserve a ticket for your furry friend, at least 72 hours before travel.

Guests have the option to book a seat for themselves and their pet all at once, or add their pet to an existing booking. Because this service can’t be purchased online, both the contact centre fee and the credit card fee are waived.

Eligibility: Size, Weight, Breeds & Approved Carriers

There is a long list of strict requirements that must be met before you’re allowed to bring your dog or cat on board a Virgin Australia Flight. Knowing the basics before booking can save a lot of drama later, so we have detailed the key points below.

Pet & Owner Requirements

To travel in the cabin with Virgin Australia, pets must be:

• A small domesticated dog or cat
• At least 8 weeks old
• Not weaned within 5 days of travel
• Not a prohibited breed (listed below)
• Up to date with all vaccinations
• Not have any infectious disease
• Not pose a threat to other animals or guests

A vet certificate issued less than two weeks before departure is required when your pet is/has:

• Brachycephalic (snub-nosed)
• 8 to 12 weeks old
• Over 12 years old
• Pregnant (travel cannot occur within 7 days of giving birth)
• Chronic medical conditions
• Had surgery in the last 2 weeks

As the pet-parent, you must:

• Be over 18 years old
• Not be travelling alone with an infant
• Bring a collar/harness and lead to restrain your pet (no or minimal metal)
• Supply adequate food and water for your pet
• Travel with absorbent mats for toileting accidents
• Guests with service requests like wheelchairs require approval from Virgin’s medical team

Carrier Requirements

Under its Pets in Cabin policy, Virgin Australia requires pet carriers to:

• Weigh under 8kg with the pet inside
• Not exceed 44cm long x 26cm wide x 28cm high
• Be soft-sided and well-constructed with non-toxic materials
• Fit completely under the seat in front, without the pet touching/protruding from the sides
• Allow your pet to stand, turn around and lie down
• Have a leakproof base that is lined with adequate absorbent materials
• Have adequate air ventilation of at least 16% of the total surface across all four sides
• Be in good condition and odour-free
• Have sealable doors to prevent accidental opening or escape (Velcro is not suitable)

Prohibited Breeds

There are certain dog and cat breeds, including crossbreeds, which are prohibited from travel under Australian regulations. The breeds that are banned from Virgin Australia’s Pets in Cabin service are listed below.

Prohibited Dog breeds:

• Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro
• Japanese Tosa
• Kunming Wolfdog
• Lupo Italiano
• Perro de Presa Canario
• Pit Bull (plus all sub-breeds)
• Saarloos Wolfdog

Prohibited Cat breeds:

• Savannah cat
• Safari cat
• Chausie
• Bengal cat

You can find Virgin Australia’s full Pets in Cabin terms and conditions here.

What Happens At Airport Security?

After arriving at the security screening point, you will need to send your carry-on baggage and any items like boots and belts through the X-ray machine as normal. Staff will then ask for your pet to be placed on a leash and removed from its carrier, so that the empty carrier can also pass through the X-ray machine.

Owners will proceed through the body scanner and any other procedures with their pet. Once cleared, the pet must be returned to its carrier and locked in with the green security seal provided at check-in.

What To Expect Onboard The Flight

To ensure the comfort of other guests, including those with allergies or phobias, Virgin has set up dedicated seating areas for guests travelling with their pet. On the Boeing 737, there are four seats allocated to pet parents: 18A, 18F, 20A and 20F. These are all Economy seats towards the back of the plane, with pets not permitted to fly in Business Class.

Once on board, your pet must be placed underneath the seat in front and remain there for the entire flight. Virgin will not permit the carrier to be opened in-flight for any reason. This includes if your pet decides to use the bathroom mid-flight, gets motion sick, or is scared.

During an emergency evacuation, Virgin requires your carrier and pet to be abandoned at the seat. Virgin Australia will not provide any medical assistance or divert the aircraft in the event your Pet becomes unwell or dies onboard.

Flying With Your Pet Step-by-Step

Bringing your pet on board isn’t just a matter of showing up with a cute carrier. Virgin Australia has a structured process designed to keep animals, passengers and crew safe. Here’s how to make it through the journey without surprises.

1. Check eligibility carefully to be sure your pet is permitted for travel.

2. Book Pet in Cabin by calling Virgin Australia on 13 67 89.

3. Prepare vet certificates if required for your pet’s age, breed or health status.

4. Ready the carrier with absorbent material and zip-tie all but one access point.

5. Use the pet relief area outside the airport terminal before check-in.

6. Check-in with your pet a minimum of 75 minutes before departure. Staff will assess your pet, and you will need to sign a Pet Acceptance Declaration.

7. Clear airport security by following all staff instructions, then lock your pet carrier with the green security tag provided at check-in.

8. Keep your pet contained at the airport, unless in the animal relief area.

9. Avoid airport food outlets and the Virgin lounge, as pets are prohibited.

10. Board your flight and place your pet carrier on top of an absorbent mat, under the seat in front of you.

11. Keep your pet in its carrier for the whole flight and until you exit the airport terminal.

Passengers Who Are Allergic Or Afraid Of Animals

Virgin Australia insists that allowing pets in the cabin will not significantly affect passengers with allergies or fears of animals. Virgin’s medical team points to HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filtration systems, which are fitted to its aircraft and capture more than 99% of airborne particles. Aircraft also circulate cabin air vertically from ceiling to floor, and with pet carriers stowed under the seat in front, allergens should be drawn into floor-level vents and filtered out rather than recirculated.

Virgin will also establish buffer zones, two rows in front of and behind the designated pet seating area, to further minimise exposure. However, the airline has not explained how these zones will be enforced or monitored, nor how it will identify which passengers should be seated outside them.

Passengers who booked pet-friendly flights before the service was announced are being contacted by Virgin Australia. Concerned travellers will be able to request alternative seating in the same cabin class, at no extra cost.