11/16/2025
It’s finally happening in Australia - pets are being welcomed into the cabin. No more cargo holds for our dogs on these flights. My heart.
Virgin Australia has started a trial that lets small cats and dogs sit with their humans in the main cabin on specific domestic routes. Pets ride in an approved soft carrier under the seat. The airline limits it to four pets per flight to keep things calm and safe.
The trial runs between Melbourne and the Gold Coast and Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast. If it goes well, they plan to expand it. It’s the first time an Australian airline has offered this to regular passengers, and it follows new approvals that cleared the way.
There are rules. Pet plus carrier can’t exceed 8 kg. You need to book ahead and check in early. Some rows are set aside so everyone knows where pets will be. Cats are currently on the Melbourne - Sunshine Coast route only, while dogs can fly both routes.
Safety got attention too. HEPA filters refresh the air from ceiling to floor, and pets stay in their carriers. If you or your pet has special needs, there are options to seat you away from animals. Vets recommend a checkup, and flat-faced breeds may need extra care.
Most of all, this means holiday memories don’t have to start with a goodbye at the cargo door. For many of us, that’s huge. Here’s to more wagging tails at the window seat.
References:
Virgin Australia takes off with Australia’s first Pets in Cabin flights - Virgin Australia Newsroom
Pup in the air! Pets will soon be allowed on some Australian flights – here’s how it will work - The Guardian
Virgin Australia’s plan to allow pets in cabin on domestic flights gets tick from Food Standards - ABC News
Flying with your furry friend in the cabin - Virgin Australia
Disclaimer: Images are generated using AI for illustration purposes only.It’s finally happening in Australia - pets are being welcomed into the cabin. No more cargo holds for our dogs on these flights. My heart.
Virgin Australia has started a trial that lets small cats and dogs sit with their humans in the main cabin on specific domestic routes. Pets ride in an approved soft carrier under the seat. The airline limits it to four pets per flight to keep things calm and safe.
The trial runs between Melbourne and the Gold Coast and Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast. If it goes well, they plan to expand it. It’s the first time an Australian airline has offered this to regular passengers, and it follows new approvals that cleared the way.
There are rules. Pet plus carrier can’t exceed 8 kg. You need to book ahead and check in early. Some rows are set aside so everyone knows where pets will be. Cats are currently on the Melbourne - Sunshine Coast route only, while dogs can fly both routes.
Safety got attention too. HEPA filters refresh the air from ceiling to floor, and pets stay in their carriers. If you or your pet has special needs, there are options to seat you away from animals. Vets recommend a checkup, and flat-faced breeds may need extra care.
Most of all, this means holiday memories don’t have to start with a goodbye at the cargo door. For many of us, that’s huge. Here’s to more wagging tails at the window seat.
References:
Virgin Australia takes off with Australia’s first Pets in Cabin flights - Virgin Australia Newsroom
Pup in the air! Pets will soon be allowed on some Australian flights – here’s how it will work - The Guardian
Virgin Australia’s plan to allow pets in cabin on domestic flights gets tick from Food Standards - ABC News
Flying with your furry friend in the cabin - Virgin Australia
Disclaimer: Images are generated using AI for illustration purposes only.