Yes, cats can fly in the cabin on select domestic Australian flights with Virgin Australia, but only if they meet strict size (under 8kg total with carrier) and age requirements, fit in an approved soft carrier under the seat, and travel on specific routes (Melbourne-Sunshine Coast is an example). Qantas and other airlines currently do not offer this for leisure pets, though service animals are always permitted.
Virgin Australia has announced plans to become the first in-cabin pet carrier in Australia, facilitating the transportation of small cats and dogs in under-seat arrangements onboard specific domestic routes in selected rows from 2025.
Domestic Pet Flights
The process of flying a pet domestically within Australia is relatively simple, quick, and cost-efficient. First and foremost, get in touch with a trusted, commercial pet transportation company, such as Dogtainers, to organise your pet's flights.
Qantas can transport pets and non-pet animals. Pets include dogs (not racing greyhounds), cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, domestic fish with no aeration requirements that aren't intended for resale, and domestic birds that don't need a permit to travel (maximum four birds per cage).
With Pets on Akasa we offer you the option to travel with your furry friends in the cabin and also carry them in the cargo compartment. This service is in line with Akasa's vision to create an inclusive and humane travel experience. Currently, Pets on Akasa is available on domestic flights within India.
Jetstar Pet Travel : Guide
Unfortunately, Jetstar cannot accept pet bookings on any of their planes. Because Jetstar does not have pressurized cargo facilities, animals cannot be transported in the aircraft hold.
All pets must remain inside the pet carrier while at the airport and on the plane. If you purchased an additional seat for your pet, the carrier and pet must be stowed under the seat for taxi, takeoff and landing but can be placed on the empty seat during the flight.
If you plan to fly with your pet, they must be a cat or dog and stay in the cabin with you (if there's space available). Tickets cost $150 each way. Some destinations don't accept pets. Be sure to double-check before your flight.
Cats often experience travel anxiety and carrier stress, leading to vocalization and escape attempts. Flight-induced anxiety in cats manifests as meowing, restlessness, and attempts to escape carriers. Gabapentin is commonly used to reduce stress and promote calmness.
In-cabin rules can vary somewhat depending on the airline, but generally, if your pet and their carrier can't fit underneath the seat in front of you, they'll have to fly as manifest cargo. You can't just buy a seat on the airplane for your dog, especially larger dogs.
BARK Air began with a simple mission: make flying with dogs feel less like a hassle and more like a treat. Today, we're more than just an airline. We're a hospitality service with one goal: make every journey joyful for dogs and the people who love them.
Your pet must always remain inside the carrier while on board. Carriers must be placed below the seat in front of you during taxi, take-off and landing. You may hold your pet in their carrier on your lap during the flight.
Dogtainers is Australia's most experienced pet relocation company, with 50 years of providing reliable pet transport nationally and across the globe. We are also proudly the largest, locally owned and operated pet transport network within Australia, with offices located in every state.
The 3-3-3 rule for cats moving is a guideline for understanding their adjustment to a new home: 3 days to decompress, where they hide and feel overwhelmed; 3 weeks to learn routines, starting to explore and get comfortable; and 3 months to truly feel at home, revealing their full personality and bonding with the family. It's a helpful reminder for new owners to be patient and provide space for their cat's natural settling-in process.
Pets must be secured in a pet carrier at all times while in the gate area, during boarding/deplaning, and for the entire flight. If you don't follow this requirement, your pet may be denied transportation. Carriers must be stowed under your seat while onboard.
Traveling with In-Cabin Pets
On domestic flights within the contiguous U.S., small dogs, cats and household birds that meet the age, health, size and kennel requirements can travel in the cabin for a one-way fee that is collected at check-in.
Yes, cats can experience ear discomfort during flights due to changes in air pressure, similar to humans. However, with some preparation and care, you can help make the journey comfortable for your feline friend. Look for signs of ear discomfort, such as head shaking or pawing at the ears.
When it comes to bathroom breaks, you won't be able to let your cat out of their carrier to roam the plane. Instead, you'll need to provide them with a portable 'litter box', which we recommend as shredded newspaper or an absorbent pad, preferably both.
Dogs and cats 16 weeks of age or more must be offered food at least once every 24 hours. Puppies and kittens less than 16 weeks of age must be offered food at least once every 12 hours. All dogs and cats must be offered potable water at least once every 12 hours.
Currently, Virgin Australia is the only Australian airline offering in-cabin pet travel (small dogs & cats) on specific domestic routes as a trial (started Oct 2025), with plans for wider rollout, while other airlines like Qantas and Jetstar generally only allow pets in cargo or as service animals, but this is changing rapidly, so check directly with the airline for current rules and routes.
Alaska and Frontier top our list, but regardless of airline, flying with a pet will be expensive.
Akasa Air will allow pets to fly on board, but they must travel in the cabin. Other airlines permit service animals to travel; Airlines like IndiGo and Vistara permit service animals so they may assist their owners.