After becoming the first Australian carrier to allow pets on flights, Virgin Australia has extended its Pets in Cabin trial till June 30, 2026, after initially being scheduled to end in January. This decision was made after receiving lots of positive feedback from passengers flying with pets and those flying without.
Pets in Cabin
After this service launched in October, 2025, the trial was extended due to the high demand of people wanting to fly with their pets – more than 300 dogs and cats travelled during the peak Christmas 2025 period alone.
Libby Minogue, Virgin Australia Chief Marketing and Customer Operations Officer, said:
…this year reinforces the value of innovating around what our guests care about, and we know that they care deeply about traveling with their pets.
We’ve not only received strong, positive feedback from pet owners, but also guests traveling without pets.
Flights will continue operating between Melbourne Airport (MEL) and the Gold Coast Airport (OOL) and Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY). Virgin Australia said it plans to expand the service to additional domestic routes in the coming months, starting Jan. 31, 2026. Cats will also be permitted on all Pet in Cabin flights. Previously, feline passengers were limited to Melbourne-Sunshine Coast services only.
Do You Meet The Requirements?
In order to participate in this trial, your pet must:
- Be a small cat or dog, with a combined weight of no more than 8 kg.
- Be at least 8 weeks old and not a prohibited breed.
- Be up to date with vaccinations and hold a valid veterinary certificate (if required).
- Not having given birth within the last 7 days.
- Fit comfortably in an approved pet carrier under the seat in front of you.
- Must not enter the airport terminal outside of the carrier and must remain in there at all times (except during security screening or while using the animal relief areas).
And your pet carrier must meet these requirements:
- Must be an approved pet carrier (see image below).
- Your pet must be able to stand up, sit, turn around and lie down comfortably when closed.
- Must have all but one opening secured with cable ties prior to arriving at the airport.
- Must be soft-sided, well-ventilated and escape-proof.
- Must have a leak-proof base and be lined with an absorbent mat.
Customer Response
Dr Katrina Warren, a veterinarian and pet expert, stated:
I’m thrilled that Virgin Australia is extending its Pets in Cabin trial.
It’s wonderful to see the success of the trial, and I hope it paves the way for a broader rollout in the near future.
Scott Dullard, Melbourne Airport General Manager of Operations, also stated that the trial has introduced greater choice and flexibility for travellers. This trial, therefore, opens up new travel opportunities for all family members, including your pets.
Have you ever travelled with your pets? Let us know down below!
