Virgin Australia will operate its first Pets in Cabin flight from Adelaide on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, with bookings now open for eligible services.
The Adelaide launch adds two new city pairs to the airline’s Pets in Cabin network: Adelaide-Melbourne and Adelaide-Gold Coast, both operating in both directions. The first Adelaide service will be VA218 from Adelaide to Melbourne, departing at 11:50am on 23 June, with Virgin Australia planning a gate send-off for guests and their pets.
Virgin Australia first announced the Adelaide expansion in February 2026. The service itself launched in October 2025, and the airline says almost 1,500 pets have flown in cabin since then.
Pets in Cabin routes
Virgin Australia’s Pets in Cabin network now includes:
- Adelaide to Melbourne
- Melbourne to Adelaide
- Adelaide to Gold Coast
- Gold Coast to Adelaide
- Melbourne to Gold Coast
- Gold Coast to Melbourne
- Melbourne to Sunshine Coast (Maroochydore)
- Sunshine Coast (Maroochydore) to Melbourne
Adelaide-Melbourne services are available to book for travel until 31 January 2027. The other trial routes are available to book for travel until 30 September 2026.
Virgin Australia says it is working with airport partners on further expansion and intends, subject to final airport approvals, to make Pets in Cabin a standard offering on eligible flights from next year.
How to book
Pets in Cabin services cannot be booked online. Guests need to call the Virgin Australia Guest Contact Centre on 13 67 89 and agree to the Pets in Cabin terms and conditions.
The introductory price is $149 per pet, per flight, in addition to the passenger’s own fare. Velocity Frequent Flyer members can also book eligible Pets in Cabin sectors from 18,600 Velocity Points, again in addition to their own fare.
Key rules for pets
The service is limited to small dogs and cats. Virgin Australia allows up to four pets per eligible flight, and each pet plus carrier must weigh under 8kg.
Pets must travel in an approved soft-sided, leak-proof carrier no larger than 44cm x 26cm x 28cm. The carrier must fit under the seat in front and pets must stay inside the carrier throughout the airport and flight, except when directed during security screening.
Guests travelling with pets are seated in designated window seats only: 18A, 18F, 20A and 20F.
Pets must be up to date with vaccinations. Some animals, including pets with health conditions, pets recovering from surgery or injury, pregnant pets, pets aged 8-12 weeks, pets over 12 years old, and brachycephalic breeds, may need veterinary clearance. Pets under eight weeks old cannot travel.
Approved assistance animals continue to be able to travel in the cabin on eligible Virgin Australia domestic services at no cost.
What happens at the airport
Virgin Australia says guests should arrive with their pet already secured in an approved carrier, with an absorbent mat inside and all but one opening secured with cable ties. The pet also needs to be wearing a harness or collar and leash.
At check-in, staff will inspect the carrier, complete the Pet Acceptance Form, attach a “Live Animal” tag and provide a green security seal. At security, the empty carrier is screened like cabin baggage while the owner takes the pet through screening as directed by airport security staff.
Pets in Cabin guests pre-board the aircraft, sit in the designated rows, place the carrier under the seat in front on top of an absorbent mat, and remain seated after landing until most guests have disembarked.
Pets are not allowed in Virgin Australia Lounges or other food and beverage service areas under Australian food standards rules.