An airline’s trial allowing pets on flights, including on a Sunshine Coast route, has been extended.
Virgin Australia has announced the extension of its Pets in Cabin trial, with flights now available to book between Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast and Melbourne and the Gold Coast until June 30.
The decision to extend the trial, which was initially scheduled to conclude at the end of January, follows strong demand for bookings and positive guest and team member feedback since the service first launched in October 2025.
Over the peak Christmas period more than 300 dogs and cats flew on Virgin Australia Pets in Cabin flights.
The airline is also planning to expand the Pets in Cabin service to other eligible Virgin Australia domestic flights in the coming months.
Virgin Australia chief marketing and customer operations officer Libby Minogue said the response to Pets in Cabin flights had exceeded expectations, delivering bookings significantly above forecast.
“Our decision to extend the Pets in Cabin service trial until June this year reinforces the value of innovating around what our guests care about, and we know that they care deeply about travelling with their pets,” she said.
“We’ve not only received strong, positive feedback from pet owners, but also guests travelling without pets.
“As we continue to build on the success of Pets in Cabin flights over the coming months, we look forward to expanding the service to other eligible Virgin Australia domestic flights soon.”
Sunshine Coast Airport chief executive officer Chris Mills said the Pets in Cabin service was a great addition to the airport’s offering.
“We know pets are part of the family and the response to the Pets in Cabin service has been very positive. Virgin’s extension of the program will continue to provide choice for travellers and enable comfortable travel for our four-legged friends,” he said.
Virgin Australia has also confirmed that from January 31, cats will be permitted to travel on all Pets in Cabin flight services, having previously been limited to flights between Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast.
