Virgin Australia to Welcome Pets Onboard by Year-End

New Rules Clear Way for In-Cabin Pet Travel

Virgin Australia will soon allow pets to fly in cabins, aiming for a launch before Christmas this year. The airline secured approval from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) to bring small animals onboard with strict conditions.

Pets must remain inside airline-approved carriers that fit under the seat in front of their owner during the entire flight. Only designated rows will accommodate pet owners to manage allergies and passenger comfort throughout the journey.

Pilot Has Final Say on Each Animal

Although new rules clear the path, each flight’s captain will still decide whether pets may board that specific service. Under Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules, the pilot can deny pets if safety or operational concerns arise mid-process.

Virgin has consulted vets and doctors to address risks like allergies and pet-related discomforts for non-pet-owning passengers.

Trial Flights Will Begin on Key Routes

Virgin will trial pet-friendly flights on busy routes such as Sydney to Melbourne before expanding the service nationwide. CEO Dave Emerson confirmed many regulatory hurdles delayed the project, including defining planes as “restaurants” under food laws.

Virgin announced the initiative in early 2023, but legal exemptions and safety assessments extended the timeline significantly.

Virgin Becomes Australia’s First Pet-Friendly Airline

Once launched, Virgin will become the only Australian airline to permit non-service animals in cabins alongside their owners. In contrast, Qantas and Jetstar still only allow approved service dogs in cabins while other pets travel in cargo holds.

Virgin’s move aligns it with major North American carriers like United and Air Canada, where in-cabin pet travel is standard.