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

As more Australians realise the benefits of bringing pets into their family, travelling with pets has become an important reality for many.

Once relegated to long road trips and potentially-stressful transportation in the aircraft cargo hold, pets can now travel in the aircraft cabin with their owners.

But only one airline, Virgin Australia, is offering the service. And while its competitors have not committed to offering something similar, Virgin has committed to expanding its own offering.

Still technically in the trial phase, Virgin's Pets in Cabin service has been running since October 2025 and is very much a part of the airline's operations.

If you're considering booking a flight with Fluffy, here's everything you need to know ahead of your trip.

Currently only available on flights between Melbourne and the Gold Coast and Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast, Virgin has indicated it is working to expand the service to Adelaide and Launceston, pending airport approvals.

Eventually, the service is expected to be expanded to all eligible domestic routes.

There is a limit of four pets weighing under eight kilograms each (combined with the carrier) on each available flight.

Small dogs or cats only, and they must be eight weeks old or more to travel. If your pet has an existing health condition, is pregnant, is between 8-12 weeks or over 12 years of age, then they need a vet-issued certificate confirming they are healthy to travel.

Brachycephalic breeds need a vet-issued Fit To Fly assessment form.

Yes. Pets must be secured in a carrier, and this must be stowed under the seat in front of the owner during the flight. Pets are not permitted outside of the carrier at any time during the flight.

The carrier must not exceed 44cm (L) x 26cm (W) x 28cm (H), so it is able to fit under the seat in front. It must be an approved, soft-sided, leak-proof carrier. The pet must be fitted with a harness or collar and leash before arriving at the airport.

After checking in, during which time the carrier will be fitted with a "live animal" tag, proceed to seurity as normal.

The pet owner will be asked to take the pet out of the carrier and the carrier will go through the carry-on baggage scan. The owner will carry the pet through the security body scanner and they will be scanned together.

There is no area for pets to toilet during the flight. They should use the external animal relief area prior to entering the airport, and absorbent mats must be placed inside their carrier for the duration of the flight.

Guests travelling with pets will be seated in specific seats. They will be placed in window seats in two rows, in seats 18A, 18F, 20A and 20F

The service can be booked for an introductory price of $149 per pet, per flight, and must be booked by calling the Virgin Guest Contact Centre.

No, you still get the carry-on baggage that is included in your ticket. Your pet and their carrier are an extra add-on that you will have paid for when you book the service.

Dr Tanya Phillips, veterinary representative at Animal Care Australia, says to feed your pet a light meal about 2-4 hours before takeoff. Offer small amounts of water but avoid overfilling their bladder.

Avoid feeding and watering during the flight to avoid regurgitation and aspiration, she says.

Never give your pet sedatives before flying as they can mask breathing problems or distress.