South Australian pet owners are about to have a new travel companion in the cabin, with Virgin Australia officially confirming the launch date for its first pets-in-cabin service departing Adelaide.
From Tuesday, June 23rd, eligible cats and dogs, aka SA’s newest furry frequent flyers, will be able to travel alongside their owners on select Virgin Australia flights, with Adelaide joining the airline’s growing Pets in Cabin network following strong demand across the country.
The first service, flight VA218, will depart Adelaide for Melbourne at 11:50am, this will be the first time local travellers can bring their four-legged family members into the cabin on a commercial flight departing South Australia.
Since launching the Australian-first service in October 2025, nearly 1,500 pets have taken to the skies with Virgin Australia. Now Adelaide pet owners will be able to join the fun, with services initially operating between Adelaide and Melbourne, and Adelaide and the Gold Coast, in both directions.
Virgin Australia Chief Marketing and Customer Operations Officer Libby 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 of that.”
The expansion comes as Virgin Australia continues to roll out customer-focused innovations designed to make travel more flexible and convenient.
Adelaide Airport Executive General Manager of People, Culture and Customer Dermot O’Neill, “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.”
The service is available for small cats and dogs only, with a maximum of four pets permitted per eligible flight. Pets must travel in an approved soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat in front of their owner, with the combined weight of the pet and carrier not exceeding eight kilograms.
Virgin Australia says eligible pets can travel for an introductory fee of $149 per animal, per flight, while Velocity Frequent Flyer members can redeem 18,600 Velocity Points per sector.
Flights are now available to book, although travellers will need to call Virgin Australia’s Guest Contact Centre to secure a Pets in Cabin reservation and agree to the airline’s terms and conditions.
Virgin Australia plans to expand the service further and, subject to final airport approvals, intends to make Pets in Cabin a permanent offering on eligible routes from next year.
So for Adelaide pet owners who have always hated leaving their pets behind, the countdown is officially on.
For more information, click here.
