Virgin Australia just expanded its in-cabin pet flights - is your city next?

A further city has been added to Virgin Australia's Pets in Cabin offering as the airline expands its service due to popular demand.

Pet owners in South Australia can now book the service, with the first flight taking off from Adelaide on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

Pet-friendly flights will initially be offered between Adelaide and Melbourne, and Adelaide and the Gold Coast.

The airline says the service, which allows passengers to fly with cats and small dogs in the cabin on certain routes, has had 1500 pets taking to the skies.

READ ALSO: Your complete guide to flying with pets in the cabin: how to book, pack and prep

The service was first launched in October 2025 and now allows pets to be booked between Melbourne and Gold Coast; Melbourne and Sunshine Coast; Adelaide and Melbourne; and Adelaide and the Gold Coast, for $149 per animal, per flight.

The airline says it is working with other airports to launch more services in the future.

Earlier in 2026, it said a service was in the works for Launceston.

Virgin Australia chief marketing and customer operations officer, Libby Minogue, said: "Pets are part of the family, and we know how important it is for many Australians to be able to travel with them interstate.

EARLIER*

Virgin Australia is extending its Pets in Cabin trial following "strong demand" from Aussie pet owners flying with their furry friends.

Flights can now be booked between Melbourne and the Gold Coast and Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast until June 30, 2026 - an extension to the trial period which was initially ending on January 30, 2026.

Virgin said more than 300 dogs and cats flew on Pets in Cabin services over the Christmas period - "well above" initial forecasts.

From January 31, the service will allow cats - which were initially restricted to flights between Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast - to also fly between Melbourne and the Gold Coast.

Virgin Australia chief marketing and customer operations officer, Libby Minogue, said interest in the service had "exceeded expectations".

"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."

The $149 introductory fee for the Pets in Cabin service will be extended for the remainder of the trial.

The service allows small dogs and cats to fly in the cabin with their owners. They must be pre-booked and are only available on above-mentioned routes.

However, there are plans to expand the service to other domestic routes in the coming months.

A limit of four pets weighing under 8 kilograms (the pet's weight combined with the weight of the carrier) are permitted on each eligible flight.

Pets must travel in an approved soft-sided leak-proof carrier, which must be stowed under the seat in front of the owner for the duration of the flight.

Guests travelling with pets will be seated in window seats in two designated rows.

Pets must be vaccinated, and will not be permitted in airport lounges.

Petbarn Pet Academy and Obedience head trainer NSW, ACT and SA, Chelsea Sneddon, said bringing your pet on a flight should only be considered if "absolutely necessary" as air travel can be stressful for animals.

"Unlike humans, pets don't understand what's happening, and unfamiliar environments, loud noises, and changes in cabin pressure can cause stress," she said.

If you do decide flying is the best option, there are some things you can do to make the journey a bit more comfortable for your pet.

Ms Sneddon recommended introducing your new carrier to your pet early so they are familiar with it before you fly.

Before leaving for the airport, engage your pet in a "gentle sniff walk" or provide a puzzle or chew toy.

"A mentally stimulated pet is more likely to relax during travel," Ms Sneddon said.

She advised providing your pet with a light meal a few hours before travel to prevent nausea.

Pack comfort items like a familiar toy or blanket to reassure your pet during the flight, she said.

"If your pet is nervous, consult a veterinarian about natural calming solutions or safe stress-relief products for travel," she said.

*This article was first published on September 18, 2025, and updated on January 20, 2026, February 27, 2026, and June 9, 2026.