Virgin’s pet-friendly flights get ready for take-off

These domestic flights will let you bring your furry best friend along the for the ride.

By David Flynn, February 12 2025
Virgin’s pet-friendly flights get ready for take-off

Virgin Australia is working towards the launch of pet-friendly flights which will let travellers bring a dog or cat into the cabin, rather than consigning them to the cargo hold.

Although first announced in March 2024, with flights originally “expected to launch” before March 2025, a Virgin Australia spokesperson tells Executive Traveller “we look forward to updating travellers on a launch date for our highly anticipated pets in cabin services soon.”

However, “due to the new nature of this service in Australia, the approval process is taking longer than anticipated.”

The airline is now preparing a Pet Travel Guide containing tips and suggestions for travelling with a pet, ahead of trialling the scheme on selected flights (Sydney-Melbourne is tipped as the launch route) to gather feedback before the program is rolled out more broadly.

With the Civil Aviation Safety Authority having approved Virgin’s procedures for pets travelling in the cabin, the airline has also released more details of how the pet-friendly flights will operate.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Two rows in Virgin’s Boeing 737 will be designated for passengers travelling with pets
  • Those two rows will be in economy – the business class cabin will remain pet-free – and they won’t be exit rows, or the cherished extra legroom row 3
  • Passengers will be allowed to fly with one small dog or cat at least eight weeks old (with a limit of one pet per passenger)
  • Bookings for your plus-one pet will need to be made directly through Virgin’s Guest Contact Centre
  • Pets will be confined to a soft-sided ventilated airline-approved pet carrier, into which they will need to “fit comfortably”
  • That carrier must be stowed under the seat in front of the passenger for the duration of the flight, while also allowing sufficient room and ventilation for the pet – which could prove a tight fit for poodles and pugs, let alone medium-sized mutts
  • The total weight of pet and carrier must not exceed 8kg
  • The pet carrier will count as one of your two carry-on bags, and attract an additional yet-to-be revealed fee
  • As a benchmark, most US carriers charge US$125 (A$200) per pet on one-way domestic flights, while Lufthansa charges €50-€70 (A$82-$115) per pet

Virgin says these high-flying dogs and cats will have to remain in their carrier at all times in the departure and arrival airports, except for security screening and if they need to use the airport’s animal relief areas (which have recently been upgraded at both Sydney and Melbourne).

The airline’s ongoing discussions “with regulators, industry partners and stakeholder groups” includes taking advice from doctors and veterinarians on issues such as dealing with the allergies of other passengers on these flights.

Oh, and this will just be for domestic flights within Australia – so don’t go planning to take your dog on a VA flight to Doha or Denpasar.

Virgin's dog-friendly flights could soon be trialled on selected domestic routes.
Virgin's dog-friendly flights could soon be trialled on selected domestic routes.

Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus has previously said the airport was looking forward to helping Virgin Australia deliver the Australian-first service.

“We’ve been investing significant effort into providing relief areas for assistance animals and these facilities have ample capacity to serve Virgin Australia’s new guests.”

“We expect the pets in cabin concept will prove a popular offering and we look forward to working with Virgin Australia to make it a reality.”

Virgin says a poll taken via its Facebook page saw 85% of respondents in favour of the airline allowing pets in the cabin.

The airline has cited additional research claiming nearly 70% of Australian pet owners would travel with their pet in the cabin, while 57% said they would fly more regularly if the service was a reality.

However, public response to Virgin’s announcement remains sharply divided.

Social media comments following the initial announcement appear almost evenly split for and against, while a snap poll conducted by Executive Traveller saw 53% of people against Virgin’s new pet-friendly policy and 47% in favour.

Meanwhile, Qantas and Jetstar say while they will continue to allow service dogs to travel in the cabin with their owners, all other animals must be transported in the cargo hold.

18 Aug 2021

Total posts 5

I hope Virgin will clearly identify those flights which allow pets so people who feel it is not hygenic to travel in a cabin with pets, can choose to avoid those flights. Perhaps when these flights are nearly empty Virgin may decide rethink their policy. I assume that during an emergency where cabin baggage must be left on the plane, what will happen to the pet in the pet carrier? Will it have priority over other passengers during an evacuation?

12 Jul 2019

Total posts 12

Well it's not paying for a seat and it's treated as luggage. ie stored under the seat in front.

23 Mar 2015

Total posts 5

An aircraft operating a 'non-pet' flight may have previously operated a  'pet-friendly' flight.  Unless turnaround cleaning is improved, both flights will be affected by animal allergens.

Separation by row will also not eliminate the spread of allergens.  Remember smoking rows many years ago?  The smell permeated the whole plane, and sitting in the last 'non-smoking' row was unbearable for many non-smokers.

There is also the problem that if one dog barks, others will want to respond.  Not only does this multiply the noise, but the impact on any cats (and their waste products) would be problematical.

No thanks.

One World

31 Mar 2020

Total posts 20

Kudos to you sir, as someone who suffers from allergies all their life i remember the smoking, once i had to be taken off a plane in singapore because the smoking section started behing me only to be put back on the same seat, i couldn't breathe, now they start with animals, what about crying children, and loud talking people, i hate flying.

08 Mar 2024

Total posts 1

Excellent comment!!

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

05 Jan 2015

Total posts 17

And exactly how are Virgin going to de-louse that particular aircraft to ensure that I, and tens of thousands of others are not exposed to the hair, fleas and dead skin of these revolting animals in a PASSENGER plane?

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

10 Feb 2018

Total posts 3

Yes - just imagine the increased chaos during an emergency evacuation! No one will leave their pooch behind.

Air Canada - Aeroplan

28 Feb 2015

Total posts 129

This seems to me the most important reason for not allowing pets on board. We all know that one is supposed to leave one's carry-on on board in an emergency evacuation - but many people try to retrieve it anyway. If people are willing to endanger themselves and others doing that, how many more would endanger others by trying to retrieve Fido/Kitty from under the seat? Possibly blocking other passengers' exit if the pet-owner is in the aisle seat?

08 Mar 2024

Total posts 2

Hmm I will never fly with virgin again once this starts nor will about 50% of the population This is becoming a sense of self entitlement issue For example what kind of person that thinks its ok that they can have a dog on a flight barking peeing defacating  passing gas the list goes on own a dog by all means but it is your dog other people should not have to put up with it This is a new absurd issue in Australia even bunnings allows them until they attack a child it will happen 

JD1
JD1

03 Aug 2020

Total posts 22

I know for pet owners this will be welcomed.  We all want to see pets well looked after but at the end of the day what would happen if someone who has an allergy is subjected to this.  Would it be the same where airlines can't guarantee a nut free environment.  I know it's important for pets to be well looked after but I'm not sold on this

QF

11 Jul 2014

Total posts 1029

All I can say is DON'T DO IT

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

23 Mar 2020

Total posts 4

Many airlines have (quite rightly) suspended or removed peanuts from flights, as the “wants” of some (for a snack) simply don’t outweigh the “needs” of others (for a safe flight without life-threatening allergic reactions).

So, I really hope that Virgin has considered this. It may not be necessary to remove dogs and cats completely from these flights, but at least give those with allergies a fair opportunity to choose their seats in a safe section of the plane. Preferably without paying $$$ for the “convenience” of choosing a seat, and without the embarrassing re-seating when boarded (or worse, reacting!) to an (otherwise) adorable canine or feline.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

21 Mar 2017

Total posts 39

I just flew LAS LAX on American Airlines on Tuesday - I saw 3 dogs on boarding getting on. Otherwise, you wouldn't have even noticed they were there. I imagine my 5kg cavoodle would be the same. Bring it on. Take her to see her grandparents in VIC!!!

QF

11 Jul 2014

Total posts 1029

The 3 dogs were they in carry-on dog bags or on leashes? From experience in Australia it's the dog owner not the dog you have to worry about.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

13 Nov 2018

Total posts 122

I also recently flew in the United States on United from SFO to EWR on a redeye. It was widebody, and we were in business. (Polaris). Across the aisle from me was a golden retriever and its owner. I forgot that the dog was even there. Although I have to point out there is significant room available at the owners feet in a lie flat business class seat, enough room for a larger dog. She did not extend the bed, and the dog remained on the floor the entire Flight. I believe there was a mat underneath the dog as well.

As virgin no longer accepts pets unless they are booked through a third-party provider, I think this might be an interesting trial. I get that people have allergies, I have a cat allergy myself, a rather severe one, but people take their pets with them everywhere in daily life. I don’t see how this will be any different. 

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

09 Sep 2013

Total posts 189

Tell me about it, why does every dog owner need to take their hound to Bunnings?  There seems to be more dogs than kids.   Why not just leave the dog at home?

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

24 Jan 2018

Total posts 782

. . . or in the car, with the kids.  

18 Nov 2023

Total posts 27

I guess you’ve checked it out if, as it appears, you have ‘skin in the game’. However, as I understand it, you will need to have your Cavapoo certified by an approved Veterinarian,  including documentation, general inspection, blood sample, testing of blood sample by approved laboratory, 180 day ‘stand-down’ following laboratory blood test, minimum 10 day quarantine at the Australian ‘border’ (otherwise minimum 30 days) … and presumably a similar procedure if you want to take your Cavapoo back ‘home’.. 

Perhaps considerably more economic to shout the ‘Grandparents’ return airfares to LAS (or LAX) … (assuming they don’t need pre travel medical certification).

Air Canada - Aeroplan

28 Feb 2015

Total posts 129

I was on a recent flight with a couple of small babies and you wouldn't have even noticed they were there. But then there are other flights when babies cry a lot. Like dogs who bark a lot.

09 Nov 2018

Total posts 11

Methinks you might care more than most...

24 Jul 2017

Total posts 7

I think it’s a great idea to try this. I hate the thought of my pets travelling in cargo. Too many horror stories. A trial is warranted. It may not work in reality but we need to move with the rest of the world. 😻🐩

30 Mar 2014

Total posts 22

You're making the assumption that the rest of the world has moved in the right direction.....

08 Feb 2018

Total posts 171

scrolled straight to the comments…

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

24 Jan 2018

Total posts 782

I will not be flying on any Virgin flights designated as 🐕‍🦺- friendly.  End of.

Good. More room for my cat.

XWu
XWu

09 May 2020

Total posts 579

I am one of them who vote against having on board pets

I wonder where the pet zone will be placed.

Front cabin, where everyone have to pass through?

Back of the plane where all economy class pax have to pass through to get to the toilet?

Do people have to be made to pay for seats to stay away from the zone? (And you pay for the preferred seating, nowhere guaranteed due to “operational needs”)?

And frankly, if the pet is stuck in a small carrier into the small space under the seat in front, are they better off than in the cargo bay with space for a standard carrier? 

And if the pet “accidentally” gets out, who is responsible for getting it back? (Don’t assume we are dealing with a responsible owner, and not in an inconvenience time like landing phase - does the pilot cancel the approach until they find the pet - anyone have experience from the US?). Granted we are supposed to be dealing with rare events (I am not hopeful) there needs to be predefined processes but I am not sure the Scotts and Vanessas from the marketing department thought it through where they promoted this.

Hopefully they can tag these flights with obvious labels when buying my bundle of rights (don’t assume Qantas is the only airline who think like this) so that unreasonable people like me can exercise my option to avoid.

I don’t have a problem with pets, I have a problem with pets on board, when I already have to worry about other animals on board with overinflated sense of entitlement (again like myself!)

22 Sep 2017

Total posts 100

My guess is the "zone" will be in the extra-legroom seats (except for the exit rows) to accommodate those pet carriers.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

13 Nov 2018

Total posts 122

I have experienced pets on aircraft in the United States several times. The animals seemed to be quite used to travelling this way. I had no issues on any of those flights 

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

10 Feb 2018

Total posts 3

Yes - just imagine the increased chaos during an emergency evacuation! No one will leave their pooch behind. Also when the dog/cat urinates, defecates or vomits who cleans it up and how will the smell affect other travellers.

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

04 Sep 2015

Total posts 27

We have been loyal Virgin flyers since it started in Australia and as a Platinum flyer , I say don’t do it, it is a bad idea !

12 Jul 2019

Total posts 12

No way, will I be on  a Pet Friendly flight... The other passengers are bad enough, let alone animals....Leave your animals at home where they belong!!!!    Not that I even use them, I have a great airline that I fly with, but Virgin can kiss any of my future business goodbye.

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

04 Sep 2015

Total posts 27

We have been loyal flyers with Virgin since it landed in Australia and as a Platinum member I say absolutely NO WAY it is a bad idea , I like animals but I do not want some animal sitting under my seat ever on a flight, it is bad enough with wriggley pax and it will be worse when they have an animal with them ,No No No! 

01 Mar 2012

Total posts 5

The only people responding to the Virgin survey were pet owners obviously

08 Jul 2015

Total posts 26

This is a ridiculous concept. Count me out Virgin, back to Qantas for me. 

08 Mar 2024

Total posts 2

I don't fly Virgin, but I might start using them now. A good initiative, and kudos to them for taking the lead (excuse the pun)

Virgin Australia - Platinum

21 Mar 2021

Total posts 9

Big no from me. I’m very allergic allergic to Cats. Not a good move. 

I’m tired of having to share my cafe meal with someone’s panting farting restless furbaby on the table next to me. Mainly because if I say something when they play up, apparently I’m the problem. 

I feel for the awesome cabin crew who will have to deal with this. Owners often react worse than their pets to interactions. I can see it now, dog/cat won’t shut up, it’s worked itself up into a frenzie is pisses all over the place then the owner puts it on their lap. Cabin crew says it has to go back in the cage. The mouthful the owner gives the crew will be camera worthy. 

I also feel for those who clean the planes afterwords. Nothing like cat urine on a carpet. Those cages leak, especially from a nervous pet. Furthermore, what about the allergens, fleas and other stuff left behind?

This is a bad move Virgin, bad move. 

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

25 Sep 2024

Total posts 1

I fly a lot for business and pleasure, almost weekly and I generally have avoided Virgin in the past, but now will definitely not be flying their service. 

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

30 Aug 2017

Total posts 24

Great idea.

Entertaining to see the chorusing of peanuts here!

16 Jun 2021

Total posts 3

First the cafes, then Bunnings, now planes - give me strength !!!

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

06 May 2018

Total posts 13

Bring it on! Time for AUS to get with the program. No one bats an eyelid in Europe and cats and dogs travel happily and without fuss on all forms of public transport. In the Middle East, where I lived for several years, airline passengers can travel with their falcon in Economy class, providing the bird is hooded, and there are no more than six falcons on any one flight. 

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

29 May 2020

Total posts 34

Works very well in Europe.

Maximum of 2 per aircraft and have to meet strict requirements such as under 6kg, fit in a bag under the seat in front etc so most wouldn't even notice they were on the aircraft.

Most Euro carriers permit it and haven't really heard of any issues (unlike in USA where it is not really controlled).

17 Nov 2023

Total posts 57

Have you walked down a footpath in France or Germany lately?

Hundedreck everywhere.  The Euros can have their pets if they treat planes anything like they treat the average footpath ... 

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

08 Mar 2024

Total posts 2

Serious question - lounge access? Enough issues in lounges now with people not using headphones etc. Will there be a pet area in lounges or will pets be banned? Will pets have to stay in their carriers? I have done dozens of flights in US each year for the last 20 years and its out of control there although has improved recently. In theory a great idea (I am not against it per se) but in practice, by my experience, it doesn't work. Many valid comments above against the idea

09 Aug 2015

Total posts 107

Wow, you've raised an excellent point that's totally been missed by everyone so far! Yes, if people are turning up to fly with their dogs and cats, will VA allow them into the lounge? Maybe they'll need a separate 'pet corner'  for those travelers to keep them away from other lounge guests with allergies etc.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

09 Jan 2017

Total posts 31

When I first heard of this "progressive" initiative, I checked the date.  I was sure it must be April 1st.  But no, incredibly, it appears to be serious.  Crazy, crazy, crazy stuff.  I won't be on any Virgin pet flight. Virgin would need to dedicate exclusive, individual aircraft to pet flights so the majority of sensible passengers can avoid them - but I don't see that happening...  This is beyond stupid.  No more words.

02 Dec 2016

Total posts 32

You can barely get your feet under the seat in front of you let alone a pet in a rigid carrier! I'd love to see them shw us some actual examples.

And if the pet consumes your luggage allowance why should you have to pay any extra?

09 Aug 2015

Total posts 107

Absolutely... 'ferret class' maybe but dogs or even cats? Not unless they're the smallest of the same. When VA surveyed people about flying with their pets, I think people had the idea of their pet sitting in a bag on their lap or even on the seat next to them, not crammed under the seat in front. The more you think about this the more it sounds like a desperate PR stunt by Virgin, trying to get ways for people to talk about them.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

13 Nov 2018

Total posts 122

Clearly, y’all have not been to Europe. There are dogs and cats even in major department stores. My eyes popped out of their head when I saw a little dog in a up market department store in Paris many years ago. It is still the same. I suppose people with allergies just don’t go shopping?

06 Feb 2021

Total posts 63

The fact that this story has gone completely quiet suggests that the retiring CEO's idea was not grasped with the same degree of enthusiasm by the rest of the management team, and has been, ( hopefully,)  quietly forgotten about.  Presumably once they properly investigated and costed the precise detail of how this was going to be implemented, with restrictions on the size of the animal, which flights, which rows of seating, potential additional cleaning costs etc. etc., it became clear it was not viable. There would be addition administration required, upgrades to computer systems to cover the changes, including the interface with systems used by travel agents, and to top it off, potentially they could lose more passengers than they gained.      

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

31 Mar 2016

Total posts 35

Sounds like a typical VA media release… u til they realise it costs money to have systems in place to do this. 

Thing is all is majors went for it and give them great PR PR! 

18 Nov 2023

Total posts 27

This will be an EXCELLENT move for our family … my wife and I use trans Tasman services quite regularly. Choices choices, so many choices. Qantas, Air NZ, Virgin and a plethora of 5th freedom opportunists. Virgin’s move to provide a livestock transportation service will make choices and decisions just that little bit easier. Cross Virgin off our choices list immediately and add a footnote “Do NOT reinstate … ever”. There you go Virgin, less work for you, too. No anguishing over the choice of our two Business seats or two or three hundred bucks for carrying ‘Cuddles’ … I’ve made the decision for you.

15 Sep 2021

Total posts 14

Common everybody,

Some dogs are pretty smart. Maybe they can be trained to fly the plane too.

What about a pet Sulphur-crested Cockatoo? That would provide some entertainment along the way.

Pets are pets! They are not People. Airplane travel is for People!

Unless of course you are vision impaired, different story altogether

25 Feb 2022

Total posts 19

The most ridiculous approach to attracting loyal passengers. Focus on getting the service right for humans before moving to animals. Very doubtful how well represented the survey was, did they ask existing passengers, "would you like a cat or dog sitting near you? Yes of No?" What happens if a passenger has an extreme allergic reaction, I bet they offload the passenger before a dog or cat. They do this in the USA, BUT it is service and guide dogs only, not everyone's pet. They will lose passengers as an outcome.

25 Feb 2022

Total posts 19

Let's just throw health, safety and wellbeing of passengers out the little oval window!

Malaysia Airlines - Enrich

21 Mar 2014

Total posts 23

I recently flew Business with Asiana Airlines from LAX to Seoul ( 13 hours) and the woman across the aisle from me had her dog with her.  Not a peep out of the dog for the whole trip. 

With regards to business lounge access - while in the lounge in Mexico City I noticed a couple of passengers with their dog but I guess all lounges will have their own policy.

I have no issues with small dogs on board provided it's not a free for all and there are limits. 

Mc
Mc

BA

31 Mar 2014

Total posts 25

My wife has an allergy to cats that can lead to significant breathing difficulties and is unable to be in a confined space where there is even a single cat. Not sure Virgin has properly thought this one through. Perhaps they should also seek advice from their risk/safety manager (assuming they have one). One airline off our list if this goes through.

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

24 Jan 2018

Total posts 782

Hopefully, that thought bubble has burst, at 30,000 feet.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

09 Jan 2017

Total posts 31

Wouldn't matter which row or rows were designated for pets, other passengers would have to go past to get to the toilets.

Completely agree with Ian J.  Just let sleeping dogs (cats) die....  sorry, lie......

11 Jul 2024

Total posts 2

Travelled in Papua New Guinea with chickens, pigs, dogs, crocodiles and all manner of fruits and vegetables all over the place in the cabin.  However in Australia its the pet owner you have to worry about, not the pet.

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

24 Jan 2018

Total posts 782

"Virgin also claimed a poll taken via its Facebook page saw 85% of respondents in favour of the airline allowing pets in the cabin"

WoW, isn't that a 'representative poll sample'.  No mention of how many people responded (i.e. 5, 15, 25??).  If Facebook is such a persuasive and representative sample, why do I get sent questionnaires conducted by independent research agencies polling on ground-breaking initiatives such as pre-paid food vouchers.  

For a VA representative to make that ridiculous comment to Executive Traveller suggests to me that they're not taking its discerning readers seriously.  

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

08 Jun 2018

Total posts 13

Agree, a classic abuse of statistical sampling theory. So I conducted my own survey with a sample of 1 (me!). Not surprisingly, the result was 100% in favour of no animals on flights. The same conclusion when I doubled the sample size (me again!).

Qantas

03 Mar 2015

Total posts 22

Looks like false advertising already.  No way are the dogs pictured within the size and weight limit. 

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

09 Jun 2017

Total posts 78

This has to be a PR stunt for a bit of press attention. The pets would have to be tiny to be in a carrier that will fit under a seat. None of the dogs in the photos as part of this story could possibly travel following the rules set out. 

I have no issue with well behaved dogs travelling, whether that be on planes, trains, buses or ferries. My experience of travel in Europe has shown me that generally, dogs are very well behaved and that is because they are so well supervised and looked after by their owners. Small children and some adults, on the other hand (as we have all experienced) can be quite the opposite.

I totally understand and accept that many people have allergies, fear or just don’t want to be on a plane with animals so airlines must take that into account when making any decisions.

04 Dec 2017

Total posts 69

Kids under 7 and pets have no place on a plane. esp international. Save seeing eye dogs, that is.

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

31 Aug 2016

Total posts 3

As a long term member of Virgin Airlines frequent flyer group I was asked for my opinion re this question. My answer was a very strong NO. I am a pet lover but not when their inclusion to anywhere humans gather i.e. restaurants, concerts, sporting matches etc. is considered as of right. Be mindful of the many people who suffer from allergies associated with animals and leave them very much on the ground. I would have to say that the alleged Virgin poll for this was not scrutineered so any result is pointless.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

20 May 2016

Total posts 10

Travelled to Korea over Christmas New Year. When I tried to online check-in for our flight from Jeju to Busan I couldn't do it and when I looked at the seat plan it showed a dog icon in the seat beside me. Rocked up to the airport and I was asked if I was ok sitting next to someone with a dog. Before I could ask was told the dog would be kept under the seat for the duration of the flight.

Boarded and the lady had the dog carrier on her lap but put it under the seat when we sat down.

Short flight but even still the owner unzipped the carrier 'door' so she could talk to the little dog. Then, as we began our decent, and the cabin crew were seated, out came that dog, and it sat/stood on her lap looking around and out the window. Wtaf??

I wouldn't have had an issue if it had been kept under the seat but because of what happened I'm a big no. 

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

22 May 2018

Total posts 74

This the best advertisement for Qantas.. and they don't even pay to tell people about it. I am allergic to cats, so not flying with them is a great plus. Now all I have to worry about is extreme perfume on some women..that gets my nose running too.


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