BRISBANE— Virgin Australia (VA) has confirmed that its first Pets in Cabin service from Adelaide (ADL) will take off on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, with bookings now open. The inaugural flight, VA218, will depart for Melbourne (MEL) at 11:50 AM.
The move extends the carrier’s growing Pets in Cabin network across Australia. Since launching in October 2025, the service has flown almost 1,500 pets, and Virgin Australia is now in talks with airport partners about adding further destinations in the coming months.
Virgin Australia Pets in Cabin Flights
Virgin Australia first announced the Adelaide expansion in February 2026, and the service is now available to book. Guests travelling on the inaugural VA218 flight to Melbourne will receive a special send-off with their pets at the departure gate.
To book a Pets in Cabin service from Adelaide, guests must call the Virgin Australia Guest Contact Centre on 13 67 89. Travellers will also need to agree to the Pets in Cabin Terms and Conditions before the booking can proceed.
The Adelaide addition follows strong customer demand for the Australian airline’s first service. The carrier has described the program as a customer-led initiative that gives Australians more flexibility, choice, and value when travelling with small pets interstate.
Full Pets In Cabin Route Map
Virgin Australia Pets in Cabin services are now available to book across the following routes:
- Adelaide to Melbourne
- Melbourne to Adelaide
- Adelaide to Gold Coast
- Gold Coast to Adelaide
- Melbourne to Gold Coast
- Gold Coast to Melbourne
- Melbourne to Sunshine Coast (Maroochydore)
- Sunshine Coast (Maroochydore) to Melbourne
Booking Dates Extended Into 2027
The airline has extended travel dates for the majority of its Pet in Cabin services through to 30 September 2026. Services between Adelaide and Melbourne in both directions are now available to book until 31 January 2027.
Virgin Australia said the extended Adelaide-Melbourne window gives pet owners more opportunity to travel with their animals over the Christmas and summer holiday season. All current routes remain under a trial basis, and further announcements are expected in due course.
Subject to final airport approvals, the airline intends to make Pets in Cabin a standard offering on eligible services from next year.
What The Airline And Airport Said
Virgin Australia Chief Marketing and Customer Operations Officer, Libby Minogue, said the expansion marks another milestone in the airline’s commitment to customer-led travel experiences.
“We’ve seen an overwhelmingly positive response to the Pets in Cabin service, with almost 1,500 pets travelling on Virgin Australia flights since the program launched in October,” said Ms. Minogue.
“Pets are part of the family, and we know how important it is for many Australians to be able to travel with them interstate.”
“We’re laser focused on improving the travel experience and giving customers more choice, value, and flexibility in how they travel, and our Pets in Cabin services are a testament to that,” she said.
Adelaide Airport Executive General Manager, People, Culture and Customer, Dermot O’Neill, said the airport was excited to join the network.
“We’re looking forward to being a part of what has already proven to be a very popular initiative with Virgin Australia’s customers. Pets are part of the family, so it’s great that travellers will now be able to travel with their four-legged friends,” said Mr O’Neill.
Pricing And Velocity Points
Eligible pets can travel for an introductory price of $149 per animal, per flight. Virgin Australia may vary its published Pets in Cabin fees at any time, and the applicable fee is the price published at the time of purchase.
Velocity Frequent Flyer members can book Pets in Cabin flights using 18,600 Velocity Points per eligible sector, in addition to their own fare.
Approved assistance animals continue to travel in the cabin of all eligible Virgin Australia domestic services at no cost.
Pet, Carrier, and Seating Rules
The service is limited to small dogs or cats only. A maximum of four pets weighing under 8kg, combined with the carrier, are permitted on each eligible flight.
Pets must travel in an approved soft-sided, leak-proof carrier measuring no more than 44cm (L) x 26cm (W) x 28cm (H), with an absorbent mat placed inside. The carrier must be stowed under the seat in front of the owner for the duration of the flight, and pets are not permitted outside the carrier at any time in the airport or onboard.
Guests travelling with pets are seated in window seats across two designated rows only, in seats 18A, 18F, 20A, and 20F. Pets must be up to date with vaccinations before travel, and animals with existing health conditions or brachycephalic breeds require a veterinary-issued certificate.
Allergy-Safe Cabins And Lounge Access
Virgin Australia aircraft are fitted with advanced air filtration systems that remove 99 per cent of airborne particles, including pet dander. Guests with allergies can also choose alternative seating in the same cabin class free of charge.
In line with Australian food standards regulations, pets are not permitted in any food and beverage service areas, including Virgin Australia Lounges.
The Pets in Cabin program, first introduced in October 2025, has reshaped Australia’s domestic aviation landscape by creating new economic opportunities across tourism and pet travel while expanding travel options for Australians and their small companions.
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