Virgin Australia has officially announced it: from October 16, 2025, dogs will finally be allowed in the cabin on select domestic flights. It’s the first time in Australian aviation history this has been possible and it’s a huge milestone for Aussie pet parents.
I know firsthand what a big change this is. Back in 2021, I flew my rescue pup Eliza from Melbourne to Sydney – but she had to go in the cargo hold. It was safe but nerve-wracking and I promised myself that if cabin travel ever became an option here, I’d be first in line.
Full disclosure though: Eliza is what I call a “schmedium” dog – she’s over the 8kg limit. So she won’t be squeezing under the seat with me anytime soon. And I know there’ll be plenty of other Aussie pawrents in the same boat.
If I could magically shrink her down, this is exactly how I’d prep her for the cabin. For bigger pups, the old-fashioned road trip is still a pawsome option – you can sniff out our Dog-Friendly Road Trip Guide for inspiration.
Quick Facts: Virgin Australia’s Pets in Cabin Trial
- Start date: Thursday October 16, 2025
- Trial routes: Melbourne ↔ Gold Coast, Melbourne ↔ Sunshine Coast
- Trial window: Runs until January 30, 2026, with plans to expand nationally next year
- Price: From $149 per pet, per flight
- Pet limit: Maximum of four pets per eligible flight
- Seating: Only in window seats of rows 18 & 20 (18A, 18F, 20A, 20F)
- Size/weight: Pet + carrier must be ≤ 8kg combined
- Carrier: Soft-sided, leak-proof, no larger than 44cm (L) × 26cm (W) × 28cm (H), with an absorbent mat inside
- Health: Vaccinations up to date; some pets (brachycephalic breeds, senior dogs, pregnant, or recovering from surgery) will need a vet certificate to fly
- Booking: Via Virgin’s Guest Contact Centre (13 67 89)
(Assistance animals, including guide dogs, remain unaffected – they can still travel free of charge in the cabin across all Virgin flights.)
Dog Friendly Flights in Australia – Why This Is a Big Deal
Until now, dog travel in Australia has meant long road trips or sending dogs in the cargo hold. Virgin’s new dog friendly flights change the game, making short domestic holidays and dog friendly getaways more accessible for pet parents.
With almost 70% of Aussie households owning a pet, this trial could reshape not just the way we travel, but also the dog friendly tourism industry – from accommodation to cafés, beaches, and beyond.
Is My Dog a Good Candidate for Flying in the Cabin?
Not every dog is suited to air travel, even short domestic hops. Before you book, ask yourself:
- Temperament: Can your dog settle calmly in a carrier for 1–2 hours?
- Size: Are they under 7kg (to allow for carrier weight) and comfortable in a snug but safe space?
- Health: Are they fit, vaccinated and cleared by your vet? Brachycephalic breeds especially need extra care.
- Age: Pups under 8 weeks can’t travel; seniors may need vet sign-off.
- You: Are you confident handling check-in, security and boarding with your dog in tow?
If you’re unsure – check in with your vet before making plans.
My 30-Day Prep Plan (If Eliza Were Small Enough!)
Flying in the cabin is brand new for Aussie dogs, but it’s second nature in the U.S. and Europe. Here’s how I’d get Eliza ready if she were within the weight limit and how you can prep your pup:
Weeks 4–3: Make the carrier their happy place
- Feed meals and treats inside the carrier.
- Cover partially with a blanket to mimic cabin conditions.
- Build up to 20–30 minutes of calm hang-outs daily.
Week 3: Test the “under-seat” fit
- Virgin requires 44 × 26 × 28cm carriers.
- Practice sliding it under a coffee table or desk at home.
Week 2: Airport-style practice
- Short car rides → busy place → back into the carrier.
- Reward calm behaviour with treats or a favourite chew.
Week 1: Vet check & paperwork
- Confirm vaccinations are up to date.
- If your dog is flat-faced, elderly or has health issues, get a “fit to fly” certificate.
Flight day:
- Small, light meal a few hours before departure.
- Long potty break before heading to the airport and outside the terminal
- Pack wipes, spare absorbent mats, leash and a comfort item.
Cabin-Dog Packing List
- Approved soft-sided carrier with absorbent mats (inside + spare).
- Collar/harness, short leash.
- Wipes, waste bags.
- Comfort item (small blanket or T-shirt with your scent).
- Chew or lick mat for calming.
- Small water bottle (offer sips before/after flight, not during boarding).
What to Expect at the Airport & Onboard
- Check-in: Virgin staff will inspect your carrier, add a “Live Animal” tag and seal it.
- Security: Dog comes out briefly while the carrier goes through screening.
- Boarding: You’ll pre-board and stow the carrier under the seat in front of you (window seats only, rows 18 & 20).
- During flight: Your pup stays in the carrier the whole time. HEPA filtration and buffer rows reduce allergen risks.
- Arrival: Remain seated until most passengers have disembarked, then head straight to the relief area.
Make It a Dog-Friendly Trip
If you’re flying these first routes, make it count:
Gold Coast: sunrise walk at Burleigh Headland, dog-friendly cafés in Palm Beach, off-leash play at The Spit.
Sunshine Coast: coastal sniffari along the boardwalk, hinterland stays that welcome pups, weekend markets that allow dogs.
(We’ll link to full Pawtripper destination guides soon – from dog friendly accommodation to cafés, beaches, and parks.)
What’s Next on Pawtripper
While Virgin’s new dog friendly flights are a game-changer for small dogs, bigger pups like Eliza (and many of yours!) will still be travelling in the cargo hold or sticking to road trips. Both have their perks – and we’ll keep sharing guides for every kind of journey.
Over to You
Would you fly with your dog in the cabin? Or are you, like me, in the “schmedium or larger dog club” looking at other travel options? Send us your thoughts – calm snoozer, anxious wriggler, or not a chance?
Follow us on Instagram for updates as we track the very first dog friendly flights in Australia.
