Airline confirms long-term rollout of Pets in Cabin flights and plans expansion to new domestic routes following strong demand. Robbie Hodges reports

The Pawprint Economy shows no signs of slowing. As forecast in the Amadeus 2026 Travel Trends report, the world of pet travel is evolving from gimmick to genuine care as new products and services ease the strain of travelling with or without personal pets.

Virgin Australia has confirmed it will continue offering its Pets in Cabin service on an ongoing basis, as demand for travelling with animals grows across Australia. The airline also plans to expand its Pets in Cabin network to include select domestic routes to and from Adelaide and Launceston after the Easter holiday period, subject to final airport approvals.

The Pets in Cabin service allows small cats and dogs to travel inside the aircraft cabin with their owners, rather than in the hold. Since its launch in October 2025, the initiative has marked a shift in Australia’s domestic aviation market by giving travellers more flexibility when flying with pets.

At present, the Pets in Cabin network operates on four routes: Melbourne to Gold Coast, Gold Coast to Melbourne, Melbourne to Sunshine Coast, and Sunshine Coast to Melbourne. The addition of Adelaide and Launceston would extend the reach of the service to more regions, making it accessible to a wider group of travellers.

Libby Minogue, chief marketing and customer operations officer at Virgin Australia, says the response to the Pets in Cabin offering has exceeded expectations.

“This month marks a huge milestone for our Pets in Cabin services, with our 1000th furry friend on track to take to the skies. The response to our Australian-first Pets in Cabin offering has far surpassed our expectations which shows the sheer demand for the offering,” says Minogue.

“For many Australians, pets are family, and being able to travel together removes a major barrier to taking a holiday or visiting loved ones.

“Our intention to continue offering Pets in Cabin services reflects how strongly the service has resonated with our customers. We are also continuing to work with our airport partners to expand the service to additional locations, including Adelaide and Launceston, meaning even more Australians will soon be able to enjoy flying with their four-legged family members.

“We will continue to review the service to ensure it operates safely and reliably for all guests.

“Virgin Australia is making a real difference to the Australian aviation market, and we are proud to continue innovating. We were the first airline to offer online check-in, baggage tracking, and premium extra legroom Economy X seating for domestic services. Pets in Cabin builds on our legacy of customer-led innovation,” she says.

The Pets in Cabin service is available to members of the airline’s Velocity Frequent Flyer programme, who can book eligible flights using 18,600 Velocity Points per sector, in addition to their own fare. This pricing structure allows frequent travellers to include their pets in travel plans without needing separate cargo arrangements.

Veterinarian and pet expert Dr Katrina Warren says the popularity of the service reflects changing attitudes towards pet ownership and travel.

“The success of Pets in Cabin shows just how much Australians value travelling with their pets and keeping them close. Taking steps to broaden the service is a positive move for pet families, and it’s encouraging to see momentum building,” she says.

The introduction of Pets in Cabin flights also supports wider tourism and pet travel sectors, as it enables more people to take holidays without leaving pets behind. This can influence decisions about where and how often people travel, particularly for domestic trips.

As Virgin Australia continues to expand the Pets in Cabin network, the airline is positioning the service as a long-term feature of its offering rather than a limited trial. Further growth will depend on airport approvals and operational considerations, including safety and passenger comfort.

The development reflects a broader shift in travel behaviour, where convenience and personal needs, including travelling with pets, are becoming more central to airline services.