Overview
- Virgin opened bookings and scheduled the first Adelaide Pets in Cabin flight, VA218, to depart for Melbourne on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
- The service allows small dogs and cats in approved soft-sided, leak-proof carriers that must be stowed under the seat with a combined pet-and-carrier weight limit of 8 kg and a maximum of four pets per eligible flight.
- Passengers pay an introductory fee of $149 per animal and must book via Virgin’s Guest Contact Centre with Pets in Cabin bookings for Melbourne–Adelaide available through January 31, 2027 and most other trial routes extended to September 30, 2026.
- Virgin says it has added HEPA filtration, designated pet rows, buffer seats and free alternative seating for allergic customers while trainers and vets warn air travel can stress animals and recommend preparation steps.
- The program has flown almost 1,500 pets since October 2025 and currently sets Virgin apart from Qantas and Jetstar, which have no in-cabin pet plans at this time.