Flying In-Cabin with Pets: Veterinary Advice by Dr Tanya Phillips
As a Vet, my biggest advice when preparing your dog (or cat) to fly in-cabin is to
prioritise comfort and calm over convenience. Air travel can be stressful for pets, so
thoughtful preparation makes all the difference.
✈️ Launch & Trial Routes
Launch Date: 16 October 2025
Booking Available From: 17 September 2025
Trial Ends: 30 January 2026
Eligible Routes:
- Melbourne ↔ Sunshine Coast – Dogs and Cats permitted
- Melbourne ↔ Gold Coast – Dogs only (no cats permitted)
- Operated only on Virgin Australia flights (domestic routes). Partner airlines
excluded.
💺 Seating & Booking Requirements
Pets in Cabin must be booked through Virgin’s Guest Contact Centre (13 67 89).
Each pet travels with one accompanying adult owner (seated in window seat only).
Pets must remain in their approved carrier under the seat in front for the entire
flight.
Only one pet carrier per guest is allowed in the cabin.
📏Carrier Rules (Strict Dimensions & Weight)
Maximum Combined Weight (pet + carrier): 8 kg
Maximum Carrier Dimensions: 44 cm (L) × 26 cm (W) × 28 cm (H)
Carrier must fit completely under the seat in front.
Type: Soft-sided, escape-proof, well-ventilated (vent panels on ≥ 3 sides), leak-proof
base with absorbent liner.
Choosing and Preparing the Carrier
Virgin Australia has very strict limitations on carrier size. It must fit completely
under the seat in front of you. Pet must be able to stand, turn around, and lie
down comfortably inside without touching the top of the carrier.
If your pet can’t do this without being cramped, flying in-cabin may not be suitable.
• Measure first: Measure your pet from the ground to the top of their head and
compare to the airline’s carrier dimensions.
• Ventilation & visibility: Choose a carrier with mesh or vent panels on at least three
sides for airflow.
• Feeling safe: Select a design with optional flaps or covers to close off mesh if they
become frightened.
• Comfort items: Line the base with an absorbent puppy pad and a familiar-smelling
blanket.
Training & Familiarisation
Start carrier training at least 3–4 weeks before your flight. Keep the carrier open at
home, feed your pet treats inside, and make it a safe, positive space. Gradually
increase the time they spend resting in it while you’re nearby.
Food, Water & Toileting
Feed only a light meal (about 1/4 of their usual) 2–4 hours before take-off. Offer
small amounts of water but avoid over-filling their bladder before the flight. Take a
short walk or toileting break just before entering the terminal. Avoid feeding or
watering during the flight to prevent regurgitation and aspiration.
Health Considerations
Skip the flight if your pet is unwell or “not quite right” that morning. Avoid flying if
your pet has respiratory symptoms, heart or airway disease, asthma, or chronic
respiratory conditions. Be especially cautious with brachycephalic breeds (pugs,
French bulldogs, Persians, etc.) and senior pets who may struggle to stay
comfortable.
✈️ Vet’s Note: Age & Vaccination Clarification
While Virgin Australia allows pets as young as 8 weeks to travel in-cabin, this is only
the minimum policy threshold. At 8 weeks, puppies and kittens have usually only
received their first vaccination. Most aren’t considered fully covered until around
14–16 weeks after completing their vaccination course. Waiting until this stage
ensures your pet is better protected, more confident, and physically mature enough
to handle the travel experience safely.
Sedation
Never give sedatives before flying. Airlines prohibit sedated animals because
sedation can mask distress or breathing problems. Instead, focus on positive
training, familiar scents, and calm energy from you.
Final Thought
Flying with your pet can be perfectly safe when carefully planned. The goal is to
make the journey as calm, comfortable, and predictable as possible for both of you.
