Virgin Australia made history in Australian aviation by becoming the first airline in the country to allow dogs and cats to travel in the cabin alongside their owners, rather than in the cargo hold. Called “Pets in Cabin,” this policy has been so successful that it has been extended and expanded to new cities. Here’s everything you need to know about this program, how it works, and its rules.
Virgin Australia cites internal studies showing that nearly 70% of Australian pet owners would like to be able to travel with their pets in the cabin, while a significant number of them forgo certain trips due to a lack of suitable options, preferring to entrust their pets to a third party rather than place them in the cargo hold. In light of this, the airline launched its service, focusing on the most popular tourist routes.
How Virgin Australia’s in-cabin pet service works in practice:
The concept is simple: small dogs or cats travel in a soft-sided carrier placed under the passenger’s seat for the duration of the flight.
Key rules for this service:
– Only small dogs and cats are allowed (no other animals).
– The total weight of the animal and its carrier must be less than or equal to 8 kg.
– The carrier must be soft-sided, leak-proof, and no larger than 44 cm (17,3″) long, 26 cm (10,2″) wide, and 28 cm (11″) high.
– A maximum of four animals is allowed per flight.
– Pet owners are seated in dedicated rows of seats on the window side (seats 18A, 18F, 20A, and 20F have been used, for example).
– The animal must remain in its closed carrier throughout the flight.
– An absorbent mat must be placed inside the carrier, and plastic ties (cable ties) are secured after passing through security to ensure the carrier does not open during the flight, it is recommended to bring a small pair of wire cutters to remove them upon arrival.
Animal health and eligibility requirements:
– Must be at least 8 weeks old.
– Must be up to date on vaccinations; a veterinary certificate may be required (issued within 14 days prior to the flight).
– Must not have given birth within the previous 7 days.
– Dog breeds prohibited for import/export under Australian regulations (Customs Regulations 1956 and Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999) remain excluded.
– Brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced, such as certain bulldogs) must undergo a specific “Fit-to-Fly” assessment form before being accepted, due to their increased respiratory risks at high altitudes.
– Animals undergoing chronic medical treatment must travel with a sufficient supply of medication, allowing for potential delays.
Safety, hygiene, and comfort on board:
Aware that sharing the cabin with animals may raise concerns among passengers, particularly those with allergies, Virgin Australia has implemented several measures to address this:
– The Boeing 737s in service are equipped with HEPA filters capable of capturing more than 99% of airborne particles, including animal dander.
– The cabin air is refreshed 20 to 30 times per hour, circulating from the ceiling to the floor.
– Passengers with allergies can request a seat change within the same cabin class at no additional cost.
– Animals are not permitted in Virgin Australia lounges or dining areas, in accordance with food safety standards.
– Service animals take priority and must not be petted or interacted with by other passengers, even when pets are being transported under the paid program.
Pricing and reservations:
The introductory rate is set at 149 AUD per pet per flight, in addition to the passenger’s ticket. Members of the Velocity loyalty program can also pay this surcharge with 18,600 Velocity points per leg, although this is generally less advantageous than paying in cash if you wish to save your points for award tickets.
Important note: This service cannot be booked online. You must call the Virgin Australia call center (13 67 89 in Australia) and agree to the specific terms and conditions of the “Pets in Cabin” program.
Currently available routes:
The network has gradually expanded to include:
Melbourne ↔ Gold Coast
Melbourne ↔ Sunshine Coast
Adelaide ↔ Melbourne
Adelaide ↔ Gold Coast
For pets too large to travel in the cabin, Virgin Australia continues to offer checked baggage transport through specialized providers such as Jetpets, as well as free transport of service animals (guide dogs, service dogs) in the cabin, which is unrelated to this paid program.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I bring my cat or dog into the cabin on any Virgin Australia flight?
A: No. This service is available only on a limited number of routes in Australia (currently Melbourne, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Adelaide), and only on domestic flights designated as eligible.
Q: What is the maximum weight allowed for a pet in the cabin?
A: A maximum of eight kilograms, including the carrier.
Q: Can I book this service directly on the website?
A: No, reservations can only be made by phone by calling the Virgin Australia call center (13 67 89) and require acceptance of specific terms and conditions.
Q: How much does it cost to transport a pet in the cabin?
A: The introductory rate is 149 Australian dollars per pet per flight, or 18,600 Velocity points per segment for loyalty program members.
Q: How many pets are allowed per flight?