Virgin Australia has announced the extension of its pets in cabin trial with more flights now available for bookings.
The decision to extend the trial, which was initially scheduled to conclude at the end of this month, follows strong demand for bookings, well above initial forecasts, and positive guest and team member feedback since the service first launched in October 2025, Virgin said in a media statement.
Over the peak Christmas period alone, more than 300 dogs and cats flew on Virgin Australia pets in cabin flights, highlighting the demand for pet owners wanting to holiday or visit loved ones with their furry companions.
Virgin Australia has also confirmed that from January 31, cats will be permitted to travel on all pets in cabin flight services, having previously been limited to flights between Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast.
Velocity Frequent Flyer members can continue to book pets in cabin flights using Velocity Points in addition to their own fare.
Virgin Australia says it plans to expand the pets in cabin service to more eligible Virgin Australia domestic flights in the coming months.
Virgin Australia chief marketing and customer operations officer Libby Minogue said the response to pet-friendly flights has exceeded expectations, delivering bookings significantly above forecast.
“Our decision to extend the pets in cabin service trial until June this year reinforces the value of innovating around what our guests care about, and we know that they care deeply about travelling with their pets," she said.
“We’ve not only received strong, positive feedback from pet owners, but also guests travelling without pets.
“As we continue to build on the success of pets in cabin flights over the coming months, we look forward to expanding the service to other eligible Virgin Australia domestic flights soon.”
“Our decision to extend the pets in cabin service trial until June this year reinforces the value of innovating around what our guests care about, and we know that they care deeply about travelling with their pets," she said.
“We’ve not only received strong, positive feedback from pet owners, but also guests travelling without pets.
“As we continue to build on the success of pets in cabin flights over the coming months, we look forward to expanding the service to other eligible Virgin Australia domestic flights soon.”
Melbourne Airport general manager operations, Scott Dullard, said the move to allow small dogs and cats in cabins had introduced greater choice and flexibility for travellers.
"Pet-friendly travel has been an exciting service for Virgin Australia passengers, opening new travel opportunities between Melbourne and the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast for all members of the family - including the furry ones,” he said.
"Pet-friendly travel has been an exciting service for Virgin Australia passengers, opening new travel opportunities between Melbourne and the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast for all members of the family - including the furry ones,” he said.
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