1. Purchasing Pets in Cabin

1.1 These terms and conditions apply to the purchase of Pets in Cabin service and are in addition to Virgin Australia’s Conditions of Carriage, the Fare Rules and Privacy Policy, which you accept at the time you purchase a fare. To the extent of any inconsistency between these Pets in Cabin terms and conditions and the Conditions of Carriage, the Conditions of Carriage will prevail.

1.2  Subject to airport authority approvals, Pets in Cabin is available on selected domestic flights operated by Virgin Australia. Pets in Cabin is not available on flights operated by third parties on behalf of Virgin Australia or our codeshare and other third party airline partners.

1.3 If you purchase Pets in Cabin, you will be restricted to sit in window seats in selected Economy class rows of the aircraft. Your pet carrier must be placed, and remain for the duration of the flight, under the seat in front of your allocated window seat.

1.4 If you are travelling on an Economy Lite fare, there will be no additional charge for the assigned seat; however, this is subject to change and should be confirmed at time of booking. Please note, other adult guests in the same booking booked on Economy Lite fares will need to pay for seat selection in order to be seated with you (which will be subject to the Standard Seat Selection Terms and Conditions). Guests booked on Economy Choice or Flex fares can select their seat next to you at no additional cost (subject to availability). 

1.5 Pets in Cabin can only be purchased for Pets (as defined in section 2.1) who must be secured in a pet carrier at the airport and in flight.

1.6 To maintain the safety of the aircraft, our other customers and our staff, you cannot travel with a Pet, and cannot purchase Pets in Cabin if you are;

  • Travelling alone with an infant(s); 
  • Under 18 years travelling alone; 
  • an unaccompanied minor;
  • travelling with an assistance animal; 
  • a passenger in lawful custody or their escort; or
  • a passenger in administration. 

1.7 Virgin Australia may change its published fees for Pets in Cabin at any time. You will be required to pay the Pets in Cabin fee that is published on our website at the time you book Pets in Cabin. 
 
1.8 The Pets in Cabin fee is charged per pet, one-way and per sector. The Pet and pet carrier will be in addition to the cabin baggage allowance per the fare purchased and tier entitlements.

1.9 The Pets in Cabin fee is in the applicable booking currency, being the country of origin specified in your booking or purchase.

1.10 The Pets in Cabin fee is non-transferable (to other passengers) and cannot be used towards any other service or product. 

1.11 Velocity Points can be redeemed for the Pets in Cabin fee but cannot be earned on the Pets in Cabin fee.

1.12 A limit of one pet carrier per guest applies. Availability to book Pets in Cabin is limited, with Virgin Australia determining the permitted number of Pets in Cabin in its sole discretion . You can add a Pet to your booking by contacting the Guest Contact Centre at least 72 hours before departure. 

1.13 Standard cabin and checked baggage limits apply to pet restraint devices such as pet strollers. 
 
1.14 Guests with specific service requirements wishing to travel with a Pet must first receive approval from Virgin Australia’s medical assessment team. 
Specific needs and assistance

1.15 You are responsible for checking and complying with interstate, local council or Aboriginal land council restrictions on pets entering certain areas.

2. Pet Criteria  

2.1 A Pet is defined as a small domesticated dog or cat*, which is at least 8 weeks old, not weaned within 5 days of travel, and is not one of the prohibited breeds (including crossbreeds) listed on Virgin Australia’s website. 
* Cats are not permitted on flights to/from the Gold Coast Airport. 

2.2 Breeds, including crossbreeds, identified as higher risk/ vulnerable Brachycephalic (snub nosed) animals are detailed on our website. Travelling with these breeds as Pets in Cabin requires veterinarian approval in the form of an International Pet and Animal Transportation Association Brachycephalic Fit to Fly Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome Assessment Form. This must be issued by a veterinarian no more than two weeks before departure.

2.3 A veterinarian issued certificate dated no more than two weeks before departure is required when the Pet:

  • is between 8 weeks and 12 weeks of age;
  • is over 12 years of age;
  • is sick or with chronic medical conditions, including but not limited to, heart disease, respiratory disease and neurological diseases (particularly seizure disorders);
  • has had surgery in the last 2 weeks;
  • is pregnant. Note the certificate needs to confirm the animal is fit to fly and there is no risk of birth occurring during the journey; or
  • is sedated. Note sedation is not recommended. 

This veterinary certificate will need to be presented at check-in and may be requested at other stages of the journey.

2.4 If your pet has given birth, travel cannot occur within 7 days of birth. 

2.5 Your Pet must be in a fit and healthy state to travel, up to date with all vaccinations, not have any infectious disease or pose a threat to public health or health of other animals.

2.6 Items required for the treatment of animal medical conditions, such as needles and syringes, are not permitted to be carried through screening points or onboard Virgin Australia aircraft.  These items are prohibited from being carried on the person or as carry-on baggage, even with a veterinarian certificate. Such items must be carried in checked baggage only.  

 3. Travelling with your Pet

3.1 Your Pet must be small enough to fit comfortably in the pet carrier without touching/protruding from sides and the pet carrier must allow your Pet to stand, turn around and lie down in a natural manner.

3.2 You can only have one Pet in a pet carrier.

3.3 The pet carrier requirements are:

  • the pet carrier must fit completely under the seat in front of you and not exceed the maximum dimensions of 44 cm (long) x 26 cm (width) x 28 cm (high);
  • the total weight of your Pet and the pet carrier must not exceed 8kg;
  • be suitable to keep the Pet inside at all times and avoid accidental opening to prevent the Pet escaping;
  • be soft sided, well-constructed with non-toxic materials;
  • have a leakproof base that is lined with adequate absorbent bedding materials;
  • have adequate air ventilation. The ventilated area must be at least 16% of the total surface across all four sides Refer to the Pet Travel Guide for more information; 
  • must not cause the Pet to damage itself, e.g. inside edges smooth or rounded, no sharp projections;
  • be in good condition, clean and odour free, free from structural defects (inc. tears, cracks) and be capable of safely transporting and restraining the Pet through the airports and for the duration of the flight; and
  • have doors/access points which can be sealed to prevent accidental opening or escape to ensure safe carriage of Pet (Velcro fastenings are not acceptable).

3.4 You must travel with:

  • items that are sufficient to restrain your Pet (e.g. collar/harness and lead) for when your Pet is outside of the pet carrier (i.e. before entering the airport terminal building, at any animal relief areas and after exiting the airport terminal building at your destination airport); 
  • adequate water and snacks/food for your Pet, of a quantity sufficient to cover extended delays (no food or water is to be placed inside the carrier); and
  • a sufficient amount of absorbent mat or bedding material to address any Pet toileting accidents.  
    Note: an absorbent mat must be placed inside the pet carrier and on the floor of the aircraft directly beneath the carrier. You are responsible for removing the mat from the aircraft floor when disembarking the aircraft. 

3.5 You must not travel with:

  • Battery operated or tracking devices in the pet carrier or on your Pet; and
  • Bark collars (e.g. in the form of electric shock collars, high pitch noises or spray citronella collars, etc). 

3.6 You must check in with your Pet no later than 75 minutes before the scheduled departure time at the airport check-in counter and sign a Pet Acceptance declaration form. 

3.7 Before arriving at check-in, with the exception of one of the doors/access points, all the other doors/access points should be secured (i.e. with a small zip tie) to prevent the Pet escaping. 

3.8 All instructions from the airport security screening personnel must be followed during the screening process which may include your pet being placed in a separate crate whilst you are screened. The pet items used to restrain the Pet must have no or very minimal metal content. The Pet must not be wearing clothing or costumes.

3.9 At the airport, your Pet must remain in the pet carrier except during security screening or when using an animal relief area. This applies to departures and arrivals.

3.10 If using an animal relief area which is not fully enclosed, i.e. an outside animal relief area, the Pet must be restrained with a collar/harness and lead to prevent accidental escape.

3.11 Pets are not permitted in Virgin Australia lounges or in the airport areas where food and beverages are served. Please review each applicable airport website to ensure that you comply with any airport specific pet policies.

3.12 Virgin Australia will provide a seal so that the final door/access point can be secured. All pet carrier doors/access points must be securely sealed after security screening to prevent Pet escaping. Unless instructed otherwise by a Virgin Australia team member, the pet carrier must remain sealed during boarding, during the flight, and during disembarkation to ensure safe carriage of the Pet on the tarmac and within the cabin. 

3.13 In order to comply with Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority Regulations, all cabin baggage, which includes your pet carrier (and Pet), must be left onboard during the unlikely event of an emergency evacuation of the aircraft, to ensure the safe and swift evacuation of all passengers and crew.

3.14 Virgin Australia is unable to handle your Pet and/or pet carrier throughout the journey. You are responsible for your Pet when on airport premises or land and onboard the aircraft, including cleaning up any spills or waste originating from your Pet in the pet carrier.  
Note: all waste materials (inc. absorbent mats) must be disposed of in the bins in the airport animal relief areas. 

3.15 If your Pet is lost or escapes the Pet carrier on airport premises or land, you are responsible for locating and retrieving your Pet, unless instructed otherwise by the airport authority (whom you must notify about the lost/escaped Pet).

3.16 As outlined above, you are responsible for maintaining control of your Pet at all times. If your Pet causes damage to any person, animal or property, you will be held liable.

3.17 If your flight is diverted it may not be possible for you and your Pet to be re-accommodated on other flights as a Pet in Cabin. In such situations, Virgin Australia will work with you to discuss alternative transport arrangements.

3.18 Virgin Australia is unable to provide any medical assistance in the event your Pet becomes unwell. The aircraft will not be diverted if your pet becomes unwell, or if your Pet dies, whilst en route to your destination. 

3.19 If Virgin Australia is left with your Pet, our staff will attempt to contact the person named as the emergency contact, but failing that the Pet will be handed over to a local vet, animal welfare organisation or pet accommodation/boarding provider.  You are solely responsible for any costs incurred, and will be required to promptly reimburse Virgin Australia where required

4. Denied boarding, changes and refunds

4.1 This section 4 outlines when we will provide you with a refund of the Pets in Cabin fee you have paid under these terms and conditions. There may be additional circumstances where you are entitled to a refund of the Pets in Cabin fee under the Australian Consumer Law. For more information about your rights under the Australian Consumer Law, please see our Consumer Guarantees page.

4.2 Carriage of your Pet is subject to final approval by the pilot of your flight. The Pilot in Command will make the final decision about carriage of your Pet on the day of travel and may impose additional conditions which they consider necessary in the interests of safety.

4.3 Virgin Australia, acting reasonably, also reserves the right to refuse to carry your Pet in the aircraft cabin, if:

  • you have provided incorrect or inadequate document(s) also relating to your Pet;
  • the pet carrier does not meet the requirements set out in these terms and conditions, or is not otherwise in a condition to safely transport and restrain the Pet;
  • the Pet is unwell or otherwise demonstrating signs indicative of poor health and/or wellbeing (e.g. lethargic, rapid breathing, salivating);
  • you are unwilling or unable to agree to or comply with Virgin Australia’s Conditions of Carriage, these Terms and Conditions, Pet Acceptance form and declaration, or follow airline and/or airport staff instructions.
  • the Pet is biting, showing aggression, continually barking or meowing, defecating etc;
  • there are strong odours emanating from the Pet and/or the pet carrier which may cause discomfort to the crew or other guests;
  • the pet is posing or could pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others; 
  • either you or the Pet are not able to be security screened and cleared; or
  • your Pet is lost or escapes on airport premises or land.

4.4 You are entitled to request a refund of the Pets in Cabin fee, for the relevant part of your journey, if in the following circumstances, you were unable to utilise your Pets in Cabin booking:

  1. you were rebooked onto another flight by Virgin Australia for reasons within its control (as set out in clause 8 of our Guest Compensation Policy) and your Pet was unable to be reaccommodated on the new flight;
  2. Virgin Australia cancelled your flight and you and your Pet were unable to be reaccommodated on another flight; or
  3. Virgin Australia changed the aircraft operating your flight, and either:
  4. Pets in Cabin was not available on the replacement aircraft; or
  5. there was no Pets in Cabin space available for your Pet on the replacement aircraft.

4.5 To the extent permitted by law, the Pets in Cabin fee will not be refunded if the following occurs:

  1.  if you have purchased Pets in Cabin and you choose to cancel your booking or the carriage of your Pet; this includes both change of mind or if you or your Pet are unwell and unable to travel;

  2. if you request a flight change, are advised that there is no availability to travel with your Pet on the requested flight, but you proceed with the flight change; or

  3. if Virgin Australia refuses to carry your Pet in accordance with clause 4.2 and 4.3 of these Terms.

4.6  Pets in Cabin bookings can be changed in accordance with your fare rules by contacting the Guest Contact Centre. Changes to bookings with Pets in Cabin are subject to availability on the new flight(s), and may incur additional costs. 

4.7  Refunds can be requested through the General Enquiries form on the Virgin Australia website or by contacting the Guest Contact Centre on 13 67 89. If we agree that you are entitled to a refund, the Pets in Cabin fee will be refunded to the original form of payment

5. General

5.1 You have certain rights under the Australian Consumer Law. These include Consumer Guarantees that the services we provide to you will be carried out by us with due care and skill, will be fit for purpose and will be supplied within a reasonable time. You may have rights to seek a remedy from us where we fail to provide services to you in accordance with the Australian Consumer Law. Nothing in these terms and conditions affects those rights or any other statutory rights you may have under applicable laws (including the Australian Consumer Law) that cannot be excluded.  

5.2 Virgin Australia may modify and change these Terms and Conditions from time to time. The terms and conditions which apply to your carriage of Pets in Cabin are those in effect at the date of purchase, as published on our website.

5.3 The failure by Virgin Australia to exercise its rights will not be construed as a waiver or relinquishment of the future performance of any of its rights, and the Guest’s obligations with respect to such future performance shall continue in full force and effect.

5.4 Virgin Australia will collect your personal information at check-in to ensure you and your Pet are ready and eligible to board your pre-booked flight safely. If you do not provide the information requested, your Pet may be refused travel. For more information, read our Privacy Policy at virginaustralia.com/privacy. It includes details about making an access or correction request, how to make a privacy complaint and circumstances where we may share personal information with third parties.