Virgin Australia Pets in Cabin lets eligible small cats and dogs travel inside the aircraft cabin on selected domestic routes. The service has strict limits for route, combined weight, carrier dimensions, booking and airport handling. This guide summarises the current rules verified against Virgin Australia’s official information on 23 July 2026.
Important: The program is route-specific and time-limited. Always confirm your exact flight and carrier with Virgin Australia before booking.
Quick Facts: Virgin Australia Pets in Cabin
- Eligible pets: small cats and dogs
- Combined weight: pet and carrier must weigh no more than 8kg
- Maximum carrier size: 44cm L × 26cm W × 28cm H
- Carrier type: soft-sided, ventilated, escape-proof and leak-proof
- Introductory fee: $149 per pet, per flight, in addition to the passenger fare
- Booking: call 13 67 89 more than 72 hours before travel
- Check-in: in person no later than 75 minutes before departure
- Seats: 18A, 18F, 20A or 20F
- During travel: the carrier stays closed under the seat in front
Which Routes Allow Pets in Cabin?
Virgin currently lists Pets in Cabin services between:
- Melbourne and Adelaide
- Adelaide and Gold Coast
- Melbourne and Gold Coast
- Melbourne and Sunshine Coast
Virgin says the Adelaide, Sunshine Coast, Melbourne and Gold Coast routes are available to book for travel until 30 September 2026, while Adelaide–Melbourne services are available until 31 January 2027. Availability can change, so check the official Virgin Australia Pets in Cabin page before arranging travel.
For a wider comparison of Australian carriers, see our Flying with Pets in Australia airline guide.
How Much Does It Cost?
The introductory fee is $149 per pet, per flight sector, on top of the passenger’s ticket. Only one pet is permitted per eligible guest.
Bookings are made through Virgin Australia’s Guest Contact Centre. Ask Virgin to confirm the total price and any booking, payment or change charges that apply to your reservation.
Virgin Australia Pet Carrier Requirements
Virgin measures carriers at their highest, widest and longest points at the airport. A supplier’s stated dimensions do not guarantee acceptance, and travel may be refused if the carrier is outside the limit.
The carrier must:
- Measure no more than 44cm long × 26cm wide × 28cm high
- Be soft-sided, well ventilated, escape-proof and leak-proof
- Provide ventilation across all four sides, with ventilated area equal to at least 16% of the total surface area
- Have a leak-proof base lined with absorbent material
- Allow the pet to stand, sit, turn around and lie down comfortably while closed
- Keep the combined pet and carrier weight at or below 8kg
- Have all but one opening secured with cable ties before arrival at the airport
Virgin specifically states that the Anko Pet Carrier Foldable is not approved because it does not meet the maximum dimensions and security requirements.
How to Measure Before You Buy
- Measure the carrier at its longest, widest and highest points, including frames, pockets and protruding panels.
- Weigh the empty carrier.
- Weigh your pet, then add the two weights together.
- Close the carrier and confirm your pet can stand, sit, turn around and lie down.
- Check that every opening except one can be secured with a cable tie.
A carrier marketed as “airline approved” is not automatically approved for Virgin Australia. Airline rules vary, and even a 1–2cm difference can matter.
Our current expandable two-cat carrier measures 43 × 28 × 25cm and is therefore 2cm wider than Virgin’s 26cm limit. We do not recommend it as a confirmed Virgin Pets in Cabin carrier. You can still browse our pet carrier range for road trips, public transport and other travel, but verify every product against your airline’s current rules before purchase.
For help comparing carrier styles and measurements, read our Australian pet carrier buying guide.
Is Your Pet Eligible?
Your pet must:
- Be a small cat or dog with a combined pet-and-carrier weight of no more than 8kg
- Be at least 8 weeks old
- Be up to date with vaccinations
- Not be a prohibited breed
- Not have given birth within the previous 7 days
- Remain inside the closed carrier except during security screening or in an airport animal relief area
A veterinary certificate issued within 14 days of travel is required in specified circumstances, including some medical conditions, recent surgery or injury, pregnancy, pets aged 8–12 weeks or over 12 years, brachycephalic breeds, and sedation recommended by a veterinarian. Check Virgin’s current list rather than assuming your pet does or does not need a certificate.
How to Book: Step by Step
- Confirm the route. Pets in Cabin is not available on every Virgin Australia flight.
- Check the pet and carrier together. Confirm eligibility, real dimensions and combined weight.
- Call 13 67 89. Book more than 72 hours before departure. Pet places are limited.
- Ask about veterinary paperwork. Arrange any required certificate within Virgin’s stated timeframe.
- Prepare the carrier. Add an absorbent liner and secure all but one opening with cable ties.
- Arrive early. Check in with a Guest Services Agent no later than 75 minutes before departure.
- Follow airport staff instructions. Security screening procedures can vary, so do not remove your pet until directed.
- Keep the carrier closed. It must stay under the seat in front throughout the flight.
Pre-Flight Checklist
- Booking confirmation and any required veterinary certificate
- Current vaccination information
- Secure harness or collar and a lead with minimal metal
- Absorbent carrier liner plus a spare
- Waste bags and pet-safe wipes
- Spare cable ties
- A carrier measured at its true widest, highest and longest points
- A combined pet-and-carrier weight no higher than 8kg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my pet sit on my lap?
No. The carrier must remain closed and stowed under the seat in front during the flight.
Can I book Pets in Cabin online?
No. Virgin directs customers to call 13 67 89 and book more than 72 hours before travel.
Where will I sit?
Eligible pet travellers are assigned one of the designated seats: 18A, 18F, 20A or 20F. Travelling companions who also have pets must occupy separate designated seats.
What about passengers with allergies?
Virgin assigns pets to designated seats. If you have a serious allergy or phobia, contact Virgin before travel to discuss your needs; its public Pets in Cabin page does not state an additional minimum separation distance.
Do Qantas, Rex or Jetstar allow ordinary pets in the cabin?
Virgin describes itself as Australia’s first airline to offer a general Pets in Cabin service for small cats and dogs. Qantas carries ordinary pets through Qantas Freight on selected services; Rex carries ordinary domestic animals as checked baggage or cargo on eligible routes; and Jetstar says it is not equipped to transport pets. Accredited assistance animals are governed by separate rules.
Official Sources
Last fact-checked 23 July 2026. Routes, fees and requirements can change. Confirm your booking and carrier directly with Virgin Australia before travel.