Virgin Australia to allow pets in the cabin by end of the year
Virgin Australia is set to allow pets on planes by the end of the year.
The airline first unveiled plans to allow pets in the cabin more than a year ago.
The airline has received the OK from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) to carry small animals in the cabin.
It says the final say on pets in the cabin will rest with the pilot in charge.
“There were a lot of regulatory changes that needed to be put in place including … that under aviation regulations, an aeroplane is considered to be a restaurant for the purposes of food service regulation,” new airline CEO Emerson said.
“We’re looking forward to launching pets onboard before the end of the year.”
The busy Sydney–Melbourne shuttle service is expected to be one the first routes to accommodate pets in flight.
Qantas does not allow pets in the cabin, only in the aircraft hold.
Under Virgin’s new policy, non-service pets will remain in an approved pet carrier that can be placed under the seat.
Travellers with pets will be seated in designated rows, Virgin said.
Assistance and service animals like guide dogs are already allowed in the cabin.
Related News Stories: Virgin Australia overtakes Qantas as largest domestic airline Qatar Airways - Virgin Australia alliance gets final green light Australia regulator gives interim approval for Virgin-Qatar Airways ... Qatar Airways to acquire stake in Virgin Atlantic Virgin Australia launches IPO Qatar Air, Virgin Australia offer free dining at Doha Airport Virgin Australia overcharged 61,000 customers Virgin Australia shares trading on ASX again SkyTeam Airline Alliance | Official Website Tourism Australia and trip.com to boost globally Australia's appeal
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Skyscanner reveals major travel trends 2026 at ITB Asia
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists