Virgin Australia has decided to extend its ‘Pets in Cabin’ trial until the end of June.
The trial kicked off in October 2025 and was due to to end this month. Available on select flights between Melbourne, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast, the add-on allows passengers to stow pets under 8kg in a carrier under the seat in front of them. Since launching, Virgin Australia reports that it has transported over 300 cats and dogs.
Libby Minogue, Chief Marketing and Customer Operations Officer at Virgin Australia, said:
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. We’ve not only received strong, positive feedback from pet owners, but also guests travelling without pets.
It costs an extra AUS$149 to bring a dog or cat onboard, with only four seats per aircraft designated as pet-friendly.
Most airlines only allow pets in cabins if they are providing an essential service for passengers, for example an assistance dog. However, more airlines are allowing pets to upgrade from the hold to the cabin for flights, including Air France, and Delta Air Lines on domestic routes.
To learn more about the trends shaping passenger experience, join us at Aviation Festival Asia 2026.
For more like this, see:
