Virgin Australia has announced the expansion of its pet-friendly flight service, now allowing small dogs and cats to travel from Adelaide. The Pets in Cabin service, which began rolling out in October last year, has proven overwhelmingly popular, with nearly 1,500 pets flown to date.
New Routes and First Flight
The first pet-friendly flight from Adelaide, VA218, is scheduled to depart on Tuesday, June 23. Holidaymakers can now travel with their four-legged friends between Adelaide, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast in both directions. Other existing pet-friendly routes include return flights from the Gold Coast to Melbourne and flights from Melbourne to the Sunshine Coast.
Pet Requirements and Restrictions
Only small dogs and cats weighing under 8 kilograms are permitted, with a maximum of four pets per flight. Pets must be kept in a soft-sided, leakproof carrier with a maximum length of 44 centimetres, height of 28 centimetres, and width of 26 centimetres. Absorbent mats must be placed inside the carrier. Pets must remain in their carriers, stowed under the passenger's feet in designated seats, for the entire flight duration.
Allergy Considerations
For passengers concerned about allergies, Virgin Australia's aircraft are equipped with air filtration systems that remove 99 per cent of particles, including pet dander.
Booking and Pricing
To book a Pets in Cabin flight, customers must call the Virgin Australia Guest Contact Centre on 13 67 89. The cost to add a pet is $149 per animal, and customers must agree to the airline's terms and conditions. The pet-friendly service between Melbourne and Adelaide is available for booking until January 31, 2027, while all other services will be available until September 30, 2026.
Industry and Airport Response
Virgin Australia's chief marketing and customer operations officer, Libby Minogue, said the response to pet-friendly travel has been overwhelmingly positive, and the airline plans to expand the service to other flights subject to airport approvals. Adelaide Airport's executive general manager of people, culture and customer, Dermot O'Neill, welcomed the move, calling it great for holidaygoers who do not want to leave their pets behind.
