Australia launches pet-friendly in-cabin flights
Virgin Australia has begun offering pet-friendly commercial flights in Australia, allowing eligible cats and small dogs to travel inside the cabin for the duration of the journey. The new service marks a notable shift in domestic air travel, giving pet owners the option to keep their animals close from check-in to arrival.
What animals can fly in the cabin?
Only cats and small dogs are permitted. The combined weight of the pet and its carrier must not exceed 8 kilograms. Pets must be older than eight weeks, current with vaccinations, and may require a valid veterinary certificate. Dogs must meet breed restrictions under local laws, and certain breeds are prohibited in Queensland and Victoria.
Who can bring a pet on board?
Because cabin space is limited, Virgin Australia assigns one of four pet-friendly seats in the cabin: 18A, 18F, 20A, and 20F. The seats are positioned to reduce pet-to-pet encounters during the flight. The program currently covers a limited set of routes: Melbourne to the Sunshine Coast and Melbourne to the Gold Coast. For cats, travel is restricted to Melbourne to the Sunshine Coast.
Passenger eligibility and restrictions
Not all travelers can bring a pet onboard. Passengers traveling alone with a baby, unaccompanied minors, or those traveling with an assistance animal are not eligible to book a pet in cabin. Only a small number of seats per flight are allocated for in-cabin pets, and bookings must be made in advance.
In-flight pet rules
Pets must remain inside their carrier under the seat in front for the entire flight. They cannot exit their carrier during the journey, including in airports, unless in designated animal relief areas or during security screening. There is no dedicated in-flight toilet for pets, so pet relief occurs at the destination’s designated areas.
What about accidents and cleaning?
If a pet has an accident, airlines advise dealing with cleanup after reaching the destination’s animal relief area. Owners may be advised to use absorbent mats, wet wipes, and plastic bags inside the carrier to manage any incidents.
Allergies and safety considerations
Allergens from cats and dogs are less likely to affect passengers due to the carrier setup and the aircraft’s ventilation. Virgin Australia notes that air is refreshed top-to-bottom 20–30 times per hour, and dander in floor-level vents is filtered. Passengers with severe allergies should inform the airline in advance.
Health and safety for pets
Flying can pose health risks for some animals due to altitude, cabin pressure, and temperature changes. The airline may require a veterinary certificate for pets with medical conditions, recent surgery, injuries, brachycephalic breeds, young puppies or seniors, pregnancy, or if sedation is needed. These checks help ensure pet safety and ride comfort.
Booking a spot
To reserve a pet in-cabin spot, travelers must contact Virgin Australia’s Guest Contact Centre and book at least 72 hours before take-off. Because routes and eligibility are limited, plan ahead to ensure your preferred flight accommodates in-cabin pets.
How this compares overseas
Most international carriers with cabin-pet programs keep similar rules: pets travel in carriers under the seat and cannot roam the cabin. Some private charters may offer cabin access without carriers. Always check airline-specific requirements before booking.
