A new era for pet-owners: Virgin paves way for flying with your best friend
By Sarah Falson
Updated August 4 2025 - 2:49pm, first published 2:36pm Subscribe now for unlimited access.
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CEO Dave Emerson told the recent CAPA Airline Leader Summit in Cairns the airline aimed to launch pet-friendly flights by the end of 2025, ABC reported.
A Virgin spokesperson told ACM (the publisher of this masthead) the approval brought them "one step closer to welcoming pets on board select Virgin Australia flights" and more details would be shared soon, including the launch date.
"We are excited to have reached an important milestone in our journey to offer a Pets in Cabin service on select Virgin Australia flights, with the approval of our application by Food Standards Australia New Zealand to amend the Australian New Zealand Food Standards Code," the spokesperson said.
"This change allows food and drinks to be served when pet cats and dogs are present in the aircraft cabin under controlled conditions."
The launch route could be the popular Sydney to Melbourne route. Competitive edge for Virgin
Almost 70 per cent of households in Australia own pets, according to a 2023 report from RSPCA, with dogs being the most common (48 per cent), followed by cats (33 per cent).
Allowing pets in the cabin of domestic flights could give Virgin a competitive edge over its biggest rival, Qantas, which allows pets to be transported in the cargo hold only, and service animals in the cabin.
The Virgin service is expected to allow guests to travel with one small pet dog or cat. The owner will need to book their pet for travel directly via Virgin, and will be provided with a guide which will offer tips and suggestions for travelling with a pet.
Two rows will be designated on select flights for guests travelling with pets. The pet will be required to fit comfortably within a Virgin Australia-approved soft-sided pet carrier, weigh under eight kilograms (including the carrier), and meet certain age and health requirements, on par with International Air Transport Association guidelines.
The pet carrier will need to fit under the seat in front of the owner while also allowing sufficient room and ventilation for the pet. The pet will be required to remain in their carrier during the flight and at the airport, with some exceptions for security screening and if using an animal relief area.
A spokesperson for RSPCA Australia said the organisation "welcomes the announcement made by Virgin Australia to allow some pets to travel on planes in the cabin with their guardian".
"While air travel can pose some risks for pets, travelling in the cabin with their guardian may provide better welfare outcomes for pets compared to travelling in a cargo hold," they said.
"Guardians should ensure that their pet is under control, socialised to other animals and people, and calm and comfortable when travelling."
However, some Aussies don't like the idea due to allergies and personal preference. One Facebook user wrote on a Flight Centre Australia post, "I won't be flying with them. I have allergies to dogs," while another wrote, "I won't be on the same plane. Guess Qantas will get my $$$".
Words by Sarah Falson Sarah is ACM's travel producer. She believes regional travel is just as fun (if not better) than staying in the big cities and loves any travel experience to do with nature, animals and food!.My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me. Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life.
My top travel tip is … Don't plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what's within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.
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