Virgin Australia to Trial Pet-Friendly Flights for Cats and Dogs in 2025

Australia’s first in-cabin pet flights could launch later this year — here’s what you need to know.

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Pigs won’t fly, but cats and dogs just might. Virgin Australia has cleared all the regulatory hurdles, and it looks like they’ll be introducing pet-friendly flights by the end of this year. 

If that happens, Virgin will be the first commercial airline in Australia to allow pets in cabins (service and support animals, of course, have always been allowed). 

Virgin first floated the idea about a year ago, and since then, they have navigated the turbulence of Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules, landing solutions for each one. The trickiest obstacle was around food service. Because food and beverages are served on a plane, it is subject to the same regulations as are applied to restaurants, the most pertinent here being that pets are not permitted in the dining area. 

Virgin Australia actually had to get the rules altered to allow an exemption. With that now done, there is only one other thing that can stop you from taking your travel-compliant fur baby on board with you — the pilot. The pilot of an aircraft has absolute authority over the aircraft, including its passengers and cargo. If the pilot says no, it’s no go for your pet. So make sure kitty keeps her claws inside the cage. 

Rules for pets on Virgin Australia flights

Full details have not been provided yet, but what Virgin Australia has said so far is that they will trial pets on flights on selected domestic routes, possibly beginning with Sydney to Melbourne. Only small cats and dogs will be permitted (up to 8kg, including the weight of the carrier). 

Owners with pets will be confined to designated rows, and carriers will have to be stowed beneath the seat in front. Pets will need a certificate of health from a vet and should be no younger than eight weeks. 

You’ll need an approved pet carrier, too. It needs to be rigid and large enough to allow your pet to stand and turn around freely. Your pet must remain in the carrier throughout the journey. Yes, that means it will eat, drink and…you know, everything else…while inside the carrier. 

Pets on flights around the world

Australia is lagging behind when it comes to pets on planes; airlines in Europe, Asia, USA and the Americas already cater for passengers with paws. A couple of Russian airlines even allow seats to be booked for larger pets.

Response to Virgin Australia’s announcement has been mixed, with some potential flyers being thrilled while others are appalled. Noise, hygiene, and allergies and among the common concerns expressed. However, a lot of people have said they’d much rather travel next to a small animal in a cage than the obnoxious humans they often have to deal with.  

Regardless, while it’s still up in the air, it looks like fur-st class travel will be coming to Australia very soon.