PETS TO FLY IN-CABIN WITH VIRGIN AUSTRALIA & THESE CARRIERS HAVE YOUR BACK

Elizabeth Maguire
Aug 4
2 min read

Black and white dog in a blue backpack with a brown handle, wearing a blue harness. The dog looks curious, set against a white background. — Kurgo's Nomad Dog Carrier Airline Approved Backpack

Australia’s four-legged flyers are finally getting their wings.

Virgin Australia has confirmed it will launch in-cabin pet travel by the end of 2025, becoming the first local airline to let small cats and dogs join their owners in the passenger cabin on select domestic routes.

It’s a seismic shift for pet travel in Australia, where until now, all animals, except assistance dogs, have been restricted to the cargo hold.

And while the airline finalises the logistics, including pet-friendly seating zones, carrier specifications and onboard etiquette, pet owners are already getting organised.

One brand ready for take-off? Kurgo, whose range of airline-approved carriers ticks all the boxes for Virgin’s new rules.

“This is such a fantastic update from Virgin Australia,” said Sarah Ambler-Byatt, Director of PetSafe Brands ANZ.

“It’s exciting to see pet-friendly travel finally taking off here in Australia, and we hope to see other airlines follow.

"It’s a concept that’s been embraced in the US and Europe for years, so we’re thrilled to see it land in Australia - and as a dog mum myself, I can’t wait to take my pups on holiday without having to drive hours interstate!”

The Carriers Making In-Cabin Pet Travel a Breeze

To meet Virgin’s requirements, pets must weigh no more than 7–8 kg, including their carrier, which must be soft-sided and fit under the seat in front. Kurgo’s lineup includes:

Kurgo Rucksack ($199.99)A pet-friendly backpack with space for your laptop, a washable interior pad, and a waterproof base — ideal for tackling those sticky airport terminal floors. Suitable for dogs up to 11.3 kg. Stockists: kurgo.com.au, Amazon AU
Kurgo Nomad Carrier ($149.99)Compact, breathable and designed for flexibility — the Nomad features roll-up panels, backpack straps and a hidden mesh window for ventilation. For pups up to 6.8 kg. Stockists: kurgo.com.au, Amazon AU
Kurgo G-Train Backpack ($271.99)Part hiking pack, part pet carrier — the G-Train has space for laptops, water bottles, and treats. With a rugged design and a mesh-top pet compartment, it’s perfect for dogs up to 11.3 kg. Stockists: kurgo.com.au, Pet Circle, Amazon AU

When Will Flights Start?

Virgin expects to begin offering pet-friendly flights in late 2025, with a trial launch likely on popular east coast routes such as Sydney–Melbourne.

The airline will limit in-cabin pets to designated rows in economy, and all animals must remain in their carriers for the duration of the flight.

Bookings will be taken via Virgin’s Guest Contact Centre, with pricing yet to be confirmed — but expected to land between $80 and $200 per segment, depending on the route.

For now, your fur baby might not get frequent flyer points - but at least they’ll be in the cabin, not the cargo hold.