Wheels Up and Tails Wagging: Virgin Australia Launches Pet-Friendly Flights Just in Time for Holiday Travel

Forget boarding kennels and pet-sitting favours — this Christmas, your fur baby is coming with you.

In a move that has Aussie paw-rents cheering (and possibly rebooking their entire summer holidays), Virgin Australia has just announced its first-ever pet-friendly flights, making history as the first major airline in the country to allow small dogs and cats to fly in-cabin with their humans.

Let that sink in. That’s right — Echo, Buddy, Luna and Bambi can now sit under the seat in front of you as you head off to visit family, escape to Byron, or finally take that bucket-list getaway. For parents, it’s a game changer. For pet parents? It’s nothing short of a tail-wagging miracle.

And while the move mirrors the pet travel norms we’ve seen in the US and Europe for years, it marks an exciting shift for Aussies who’ve long felt limited by the lack of local in-cabin travel options.

But as anyone who’s travelled with toddlers, tantrums, or terriers will tell you — preparation is everything. And that’s where Kurgo® comes in.

Airborne Adventures Start with the Right Carrier

To meet Virgin’s in-cabin requirements, your furry travel companion will need to fly in a TSA-approved pet carrier — lightweight, well-ventilated, and designed to fit under an airline seat. Enter Kurgo®, the go-to brand for stylish and functional pet travel gear that’s already won hearts (and paw prints) across North America.

The Kurgo range ticks all the boxes: safe, comfy, mess-proof, and built for real-life travel scenarios (hello, airport bathroom floors). Their best-selling airline-approved carriers are now available in Australia, just in time for you to avoid those dreaded kennel drop-offs this December.

“This is such a fantastic update from Virgin Australia — it’s exciting to see pet-friendly travel finally taking off here in Australia and we hope to see other airlines follow,” says Sarah Ambler-Byatt, Director of PetSafe® Brands ANZ. “As a dog mum myself, I can’t wait to take my pups on holiday without having to drive hours interstate!”

So, What Are the Options?

Kurgo offers a range of clever, durable, and travel-approved designs depending on your pup’s size, your travel style, and how many devices or drink bottles you plan to juggle at the gate. Here are three standouts:

1. Kurgo Rucksack

• RRP: $199.99 | For dogs up to 11.3kg
  Stockists: Kurgo Rucksack

The Rucksack is basically the Lululemon of pet carriers: sleek, streamlined, and stylishly practical. It features mesh ventilation, a removable washable pad, a water- and muck-proof base (bless), and even has storage for your laptop or iPad. Ideal for hands-free travellers and anyone chasing a minimalist airport look.

2. Kurgo Nomad Carrier

• RRP: $149.99 | For dogs up to 6.8kg
  Stockists: Kurgo Nomad Carrier

Perfect for the semi-frequent flyer, the Nomad gives you the flexibility of both backpack straps and carry handles, plus a mesh roll-up window so your pup can peek out mid-transit. It’s lightweight, stylish and ticks every box for Virgin’s cabin rules.

3. G-Train Backpack

RRP: $271.99 | For dogs up to 11.3kg
Stockists:

G-Train Backpack G-Train Pet Circle

This is the real MVP for hiking holidays, adventure dads, or anyone who wants their dog gear to be just as premium as their own. With padded compartments, water bottle pockets and top-to-bottom ruggedness, the G-Train was designed for serious adventures with your four-legged co-pilot.

Why This News is a Big Deal for Families (With Paws and People)

Anyone who’s tried to book a holiday with both kids and pets knows the juggle. You’re either forking out a fortune on kennels, begging family to mind the dog, or going full “Home Alone” trying to organise overlapping schedules.

Virgin’s in-cabin pet policy opens up a whole new world of flexibility for families who consider their fur-babies… well, actual babies. No more guilt trips at the airport, no more pet anxiety over the holidays, and no more cutting trips short to get home to the dog.

It also gives families the freedom to stay longer interstate, visit grandparents (with the entire crew in tow), and feel more in control of their pet’s comfort during transit.

“We’re committed to helping pets and their people live happy lives together, and we’re proud that our Kurgo travel products can support this new era of in-cabin adventures,” says Ambler-Byatt. “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.”

Things to Know Before You Fly with Your Pet

1. Weight Limit: Virgin currently allows small dogs and cats weighing up to 11.3kg (including carrier) to fly in cabin.
2. Booking: Pet travel must be booked in advance and approved — not every flight will be eligible.
3. Carrier Requirements: You’ll need a soft-sided, airline-compliant pet carrier that fits under the seat. Kurgo’s approved carriers meet these requirements.
4. Behaviour Expectations: Pets need to stay inside their carriers for the duration of the flight — no roaming the aisles or peeking heads out.
5. Health & Safety: Make sure your pet is vet-checked and travel-ready. Pack their favourite toy or blanket to ease anxiety.

Parenting, but for Dogs

Let’s face it — travelling with a dog is not unlike travelling with a toddler. They need snacks. Distraction. Reassurance. Bathroom breaks. A solid napping setup. And if things don’t go to plan (turbulence, delays, the horror of a missed connection), you want to know your gear is as stress-free and spill-proof as possible.

That’s why investing in a great carrier matters. It’s not just about checking a box — it’s about ensuring your pet feels secure, settled and calm while you navigate check-in, security and boarding with one hand, and coffee, carry-on and boarding passes in the other.

With thoughtfully designed options from Kurgo, you can focus on the destination — not the drama.

Our Verdict? Paws-itively Brilliant

Virgin Australia’s new pet-friendly flights are more than a headline — they’re a long-overdue win for Aussie families. Add Kurgo’s airline-approved carriers to the mix, and suddenly that family Christmas trip feels doable. Whether you’re flying solo with your schnauzer, bringing the cavoodle kids to Nan’s, or finally saying yes to that interstate dog-friendly Airbnb, the future of travel just got a whole lot fluffier.

So here’s your gentle nudge: grab the travel dates, book that seat (under the seat), and let the countdown to tails-in-the-air begin.

Because nobody puts puppy in the cargo hold.

Shop the Travel Gear:
Kurgo.com.au
Amazon AU | Pet Circle

Fly Virgin’s Pet-Friendly Flights:
//virginaustralia.com/pets