For The First Time, Australian Airlines Allow Pets To Enter The Cabinet

JAKARTA - Virgin Australia became the first airline in Australia to allow pets to fly in the aircraft cabin.

This new service, dubbed Pets in Cabin, is now available for flights between Melbourne, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast.

Through this service, dogs and small cats can travel with their owners at an additional fee of 149 US dollars or Rp. 2.4 million per animal. However, only four animals weighing under eight kilograms are allowed to be on every eligible flight.

For convenience and safety, pets must be placed in a special bag made of leak-resistant soft ingredients and equipped with a liquid absorber. The bag must be stored under a seat throughout the flight and should not be opened.

This trial program will run until January 30, 2026. If successful, Virgin Australia plans to expand this service to all domestic flights by the end of 2026.

This policy is actually common abroad. Many international airlines such as Air France, American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines have long allowed small animals to be in the cabin, provided they use approved containers.

According to the Australian Animal Medicines survey, about 69 percent of households in Australia have pets with a total of 29 million animals across the country.

On a Virgin Australia flight, passengers carrying pets will sit in special ranks, namely chairs 18A, 18F, 20A, and 20F.

We are excited to be able to provide new ways for Australians to take a vacation. Pets are part of the family, and this service ensures that every family member, both human and feather, can enjoy a journey together," said Virgin Australia CEODave Emerson, quoted from The Independent website.

He added that similar services have been successfully implemented in the United States and Europe for years. Virgin Australia believes this program will also be welcomed by travelers in Australia.

To be able to fly, pets must be at least eight weeks old, have been fully vaccinated, and have health certificates from veterinarians who claim to be airworthy.

Meanwhile, auxiliary animals (assistance animals) can still fly on all Virgin Australia flights at no additional cost. Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson also welcomed the initiative.

Allowing pets to be in the cabin reflects Virgin Australia's passion for always doing things in a different way. I can't wait to see the happiness this service brings to passengers and their four-legged friends." he said.

With this step, Virgin Australia opens a new chapter in the world of domestic aviation. This makes the flying experience warmer and more animal-friendly across the country.

Virgin Australia allows pets to fly in the aircraft cabin (Photo: Doc. Virgin Australia)