Virgin Australia Cleared to Launch In-Cabin Pet Travel by End of 2025

Australia: Virgin Australia is set to become the first major airline in the country to allow pets in the passenger cabin on select domestic routes, following regulatory clearance from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). The service, initially announced in March 2023, is expected to roll out by the end of 2025.

At the CAPA Airline Leader Summit in Cairns, Virgin Australia CEO Dave Emerson confirmed that the key hurdle delaying the launch had been food safety regulations. Under aviation law, aircraft are classified as “restaurants” in the context of food service, meaning animals were previously prohibited from the cabin.

Virgin’s successful application for an exemption required amendments to the Food Standards Code, which were approved by FSANZ last month and endorsed by a ministerial council shortly after.

FSANZ stated in its assessment that, with proper risk management, the microbiological food safety risk posed by small dogs and cats in cabins was low. The regulatory amendment applies exclusively to Australian domestic flights.

Virgin plans to introduce the in-cabin pet service on a limited number of domestic routes, with the Sydney–Melbourne corridor expected to be among the first. Pets must be housed in airline-approved carriers, which fit under the seat and weigh no more than 8 kilograms including the animal. 

Only one pet will be allowed per passenger. Those travelling with animals will be seated in designated rows, separate from general seating. Animals must remain contained in their carriers for the duration of the flight; roaming or sitting on laps will not be permitted.

Despite the regulatory go-ahead, final approval for animals on any given flight will rest with the pilot in command. Under Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations, the pilot holds ultimate responsibility for safety onboard and may refuse carriage of pets, even those meeting airline requirements, if deemed necessary for operational or safety reasons.

Virgin has not clarified whether passengers who are uncomfortable flying near animals will be given the option to change seats or flights. However, the airline cited strong customer demand for pet-friendly travel.

Currently, no other major Australian airline permits non-assistance animals in passenger cabins. Qantas and others continue to restrict pets to the aircraft hold. Assistance animals, such as guide dogs, are allowed in-cabin under existing disability access laws, although reports of logistical issues remain common.

Internationally, major U.S. carriers like Delta, United, and American Airlines permit in-cabin pet travel under similar restrictions. Fees typically range from $95 to $125 (USD) per flight, and strict guidelines on carrier size and ventilation apply.

Virgin’s policy marks a significant shift in Australian aviation norms. While it is being introduced cautiously, with limited routes and weight caps, the approval signals the beginning of more inclusive travel options for pet owners.