Virgin Australia Expands Pets in Cabin to Adelaide: 1,500 Furry Passengers Prove Travel Is Better With Your Best Friend

Virgin Australia has expanded its Pets in Cabin service to Adelaide, allowing small dogs and cats to travel in the passenger cabin on flights between Adelaide and Melbourne, and Adelaide and the Gold Coast. Nearly 1,500 pets have flown since the program launched in October 2025, with 90 per cent of travellers without pets unaware an animal was even on board.

Jet the chihuahua made history this week. He was on the first Virgin Australia Pets in Cabin flight from Adelaide to Melbourne, sitting under the seat in front of his owner Prue Burton. The six-year-old chihuahua was one of two furry passengers on the 11:50am flight, marking the first time the service has expanded beyond Virgin Australia's original Melbourne-Queensland routes.

"I love seeing the people's faces light up when they see a little live creature in my hand luggage here, so he's been very popular," Burton said, adding that Jet was "super chill and comfortable" throughout the journey .

Since launching in October 2025, Virgin Australia has welcomed almost 1,500 pets on board. The service allows small dogs and cats weighing under 8 kilograms (including their carrier) to travel in the cabin for $149 per animal per flight, or 18,600 Velocity Points per sector. A limit of four pets is permitted per flight, with designated window seats in rows 18 and 20.

The expansion to Adelaide follows overwhelming customer demand. Virgin Australia Chief Marketing and Customer Operations Officer Libby Minogue said the addition reflected the successful rollout across the airline's network.

"Since launching Pets in Cabin services, we've welcomed almost 1,500 pets on board and have continued to receive positive feedback from customers across our network," Minogue said.

The Adelaide expansion adds two new routes to the Pets in Cabin network: Adelaide to Melbourne and Adelaide to the Gold Coast. These join existing services between Melbourne and the Gold Coast, and Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast. Adelaide to Melbourne services is available to book until 31 January 2027, while all other routes are bookable until 30 September 2026.

Here is the truth about this expansion. Virgin Australia has proven that pets and passengers can share a cabin without chaos. Ninety per cent of travellers without pets reported they were unaware a pet was even on board. That is not luck. That is smart planning.

Subject to final airport approvals, Virgin Australia intends to make Pets in Cabin a standard offering on eligible flights from next year. The airline is working with airport partners to assess further expansion opportunities, with additional destinations expected to be announced in the coming months.

For allergy-conscious passengers, Virgin Australia aircraft are fitted with advanced air filtration systems that remove 99 per cent of airborne particles, including pet dander. Guests with allergies can choose alternative seating in the same cabin class at no additional charge.

As Virgin Australia expands its Pets in Cabin service to Adelaide, The Silicon Review asks a final question. When your best friend has four legs and a wet nose, why should travel mean leaving them behind?

FAQ:

Q: Does Virgin Australia allow pets in the cabin on all flights?
A: No, Virgin Australia's Pets in Cabin service is currently available on select routes between Adelaide-Melbourne, Adelaide-Gold Coast, Melbourne-Gold Coast, and Melbourne-Sunshine Coast.

Q: How much does Virgin Australia charge for Pets in Cabin?
A: Virgin Australia charges $149 per animal per flight, or 18,600 Velocity Points per sector.

Q: Which pets are eligible for Virgin Australia's Pets in Cabin service?
A: Small dogs and cats with a combined pet and carrier weight of under 8 kilograms are eligible.

Q: How many pets are allowed per Virgin Australia flight?
A: A maximum of four pets are permitted on each eligible Virgin Australia flight.

Q: Do I need to book in advance for Virgin Australia's Pets in Cabin service?
A: Yes, bookings must be made at least 72 hours before departure by calling the Virgin Australia Guest Contact Centre on 13 67 89.

Q: Where do pets sit on Virgin Australia flights?
A: Pets sit under the seat in front of their owner in designated window seats 18A, 18F, 20A, and 20F, and must remain in their carrier for the entire flight.

Q: Does Virgin Australia allow pets in the cabin on all flights?
A: No, Virgin Australia's Pets in Cabin service is currently available on select routes between Adelaide-Melbourne, Adelaide-Gold Coast, Melbourne-Gold Coast, and Melbourne-Sunshine Coast.

Q: How much does it cost to take a dog or cat in the cabin on Virgin Australia?
A: The introductory price is $149 per pet, per flight, with the option to use 18,600 Velocity Points per sector.

Q: Can I bring other pets like rabbits, birds, or guinea pigs in the cabin?
A: No, the service is limited to small domestic dogs and cats only. Rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, and other animals are not permitted.

Q: Do I need to buy a separate flight ticket for my pet?
A: No, but you must book the Pets in Cabin service by calling the Virgin Australia Guest Contact Centre on 13 67 89. The $149 fee is in addition to your own fare.

Q: What are the weight and carrier requirements for Virgin Australia Pets in Cabin?
A: The combined weight of your pet and carrier must not exceed 8kg. The carrier must be soft-sided and no larger than 44cm (L) x 26cm (W) x 28cm (H).

Q: What if my pet gets anxious or needs to go to the toilet during the flight?
A: Pets must remain in the carrier for the entire flight. Place an absorbent mat inside the carrier and bring extras, as accidents cannot be cleaned until you reach the animal relief area at the destination.

Q: What health certificates are required to fly with a pet in the cabin?
A: A veterinary certificate is required for: pets aged 8-12 weeks or over 12 years, brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, pregnant pets, and those with health conditions or recent surgery. The certificate must be issued within 14 days of travel.

Q: Are there allergy-safe seating options for passengers without pets?
A: Yes, Virgin Australia aircraft have advanced air filtration systems that remove 99% of pet dander. Passengers with allergies can choose alternative seating in the same cabin class at no charge.

Q: Which routes can I book Virgin Australia Pets in Cabin on?
A: Current routes include Adelaide-Melbourne, Adelaide-Gold Coast, Melbourne-Gold Coast, and Melbourne-Sunshine Coast (both directions).