Virgin Australia expands in-cabin pet flights to new cities following 'extraordinary' demand

Virgin Australia has confirmed its Pets in Cabin service will continue with routes to and from Launceston and Adelaide to be added this year.

The new routes will be announced after Easter pending final airport approvals.

The airline says the service, which allows passengers to fly with cats and small dogs in the cabin on certain routes has had a "rapid uptake".

The service was first launched in October 2025 and now allows pets to be booked between Melbourne and Gold Coast; and between Melbourne and Sunshine Coast, for $149 per animal, per flight.

The airline says the airline is working with other airports to launch more services in the future.

Virgin Australia chief marketing and customer operations officer, Libby Minogue, said the response to the Pets in Cabin services has been extraordinary and this month marks the 1000^th furry friend flying with the airline.

"The response to our Australian-first Pets in Cabin offering has far surpassed our expectations which shows the sheer demand for the offering," Ms Minogue said.

EARLIER*

Virgin Australia is extending its Pets in Cabin trial following "strong demand" from Aussie pet owners flying with their furry friends.

Flights can now be booked between Melbourne and the Gold Coast and Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast until June 30, 2026 - an extension to the trial period which was initially ending on January 30, 2026.

Virgin said more than 300 dogs and cats flew on Pets in Cabin services over the Christmas period - "well above" initial forecasts.

From January 31, the service will allow cats - which were initially restricted to flights between Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast - to also fly between Melbourne and the Gold Coast.

Virgin Australia chief marketing and customer operations officer, Libby Minogue, said interest in the service had "exceeded expectations".

"Our decision to extend the Pets in Cabin service trial until June this year reinforces the value of innovating around what our guests care about, and we know that they care deeply about travelling with their pets."

The $149 introductory fee for the Pets in Cabin service will be extended for the remainder of the trial.

The service allows small dogs and cats to fly in the cabin with their owners. They must be pre-booked and are only available on above-mentioned routes.

However, there are plans to expand the service to other domestic routes in the coming months.

A limit of four pets weighing under 8 kilograms (the pet's weight combined with the weight of the carrier) are permitted on each eligible flight.

Pets must travel in an approved soft-sided leak-proof carrier, which must be stowed under the seat in front of the owner for the duration of the flight.

Guests travelling with pets will be seated in window seats in two designated rows.

Pets must be vaccinated, and will not be permitted in airport lounges.

Petbarn Pet Academy and Obedience head trainer NSW, ACT and SA, Chelsea Sneddon, said bringing your pet on a flight should only be considered if "absolutely necessary" as air travel can be stressful for animals.

"Unlike humans, pets don't understand what's happening, and unfamiliar environments, loud noises, and changes in cabin pressure can cause stress," she said.

If you do decide flying is the best option, there are some things you can do to make the journey a bit more comfortable for your pet.

Ms Sneddon recommended introducing your new carrier to your pet early so they are familiar with it before you fly.

Before leaving for the airport, engage your pet in a "gentle sniff walk" or provide a puzzle or chew toy.

"A mentally stimulated pet is more likely to relax during travel," Ms Sneddon said.

She advised providing your pet with a light meal a few hours before travel to prevent nausea.

Pack comfort items like a familiar toy or blanket to reassure your pet during the flight, she said.

"If your pet is nervous, consult a veterinarian about natural calming solutions or safe stress-relief products for travel," she said.

*This article was first published on September 18, 2025, updated on January 20, 2026 and updated again on February 27, 2026.