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As Virgin Australia launches the country’s first-ever “Pets in Cabin” cross-country service, animal travel experts are urging owners to ask themselves six crucial questions before flying with any pet.
The introduction of Virgin Australia’s new service has created a wave of excitement across our Australian dog-loving community, signifying a major shift in how we travel with our beloved companions.
But while the shift to in-cabin travel offers huge benefits for pet wellbeing, proper preparation is essential to ensure a smooth journey for everyone on board.
Joanna Maddison, founder of leading pet airline SKYE PETS, says the new era of pet air travel is welcome, but owners must understand the finer details of health, documentation, and stress management.
“With proper preparation and calm, confident handling, in-cabin travel can be a game changer for pet wellbeing,” she says. “But owners must understand what’s really required to make it safe.”Here are the six crucial things every pet owner should check before taking to the skies with their dog.
1. Does Your Pet Require a ‘Fit to Fly’ Certificate?
While not always mandatory for in-cabin domestic flights, checking your pet’s overall health is the first step. According to Maddison, certain tell-tale signs can reveal whether a pet might struggle in the air.
- Snoring/Panting: “Pets that snore heavily, pant constantly, or overheat easily may have airway issues that make air travel unsafe,” she notes.
- Existing Conditions: Senior animals and pets with existing health concerns, such as heart disease, respiratory issues, or mobility limitations, may tire more easily or become disoriented during travel.
2. Do You Have a Breed That Has Special In-Cabin Requirements?
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| Specialised Comfort: As an expert in pet travel, SKYE PETS ensures dogs like Lola receive optimal comfort in dedicated travel areas. |
Maddison cautions that their shortened airways make breathing less efficient, especially in pressurised environments. Even mild stress or excitement can quickly lead to laboured breathing or overheating.
“Dogs cool themselves primarily through panting, and snub-nosed breeds are less efficient at this,” Maddison explains. “Maintaining airflow and hydration is vital to prevent overheating.”
These breeds require extra care and should be kept cool, calm, and closely monitored throughout the journey.
3. Do You Know How to Mitigate Pet Jet Lag?
It’s not just humans who feel the effects of crossing time zones—pets can experience jet lag, too.
“Their internal clocks are guided by daylight, mealtimes, and sleep cycles, so crossing multiple time zones can confuse their rhythm,” Maddison says. This can manifest as restlessness at night, tiredness during the day, or a temporary loss of appetite. (Most adjust within a few days.)
To support your pet, Maddison suggests a simple trick:
It’s not just humans who feel the effects of crossing time zones—pets can experience jet lag, too.
“Their internal clocks are guided by daylight, mealtimes, and sleep cycles, so crossing multiple time zones can confuse their rhythm,” Maddison says. This can manifest as restlessness at night, tiredness during the day, or a temporary loss of appetite. (Most adjust within a few days.)
To support your pet, Maddison suggests a simple trick:
“Before travelling, sleep with your pet’s blanket or toy for a few nights so it carries your scent. Place it in their crate during the flight; the familiar smell provides comfort and reassurance, especially during take-off and landing.”
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| Mid-flight shut-eye achieved! Passengers Russell and Anita demonstrate the perfect outcome, as their dogs rest soundly, tucked into beds with blankets in the SKYE PETS cabin. |
4. Have You Planned a Pre-Flight Meal Plan?
For a smooth journey, careful timing for pre-flight meals is essential to avoid nausea and vomiting.
- The Golden Window: “Offer the last full meal 6–8 hours before departure to allow digestion and reduce nausea or bloating,” Maddison advises.
- The Cut-Off: Avoid feeding within two hours of departure to minimise discomfort and risk of vomiting.
Tip: Stick with your pet’s regular food, or for sensitive stomachs, a small portion of boiled chicken or white fish with plain rice works well. Also, ensure your pet is hydrated before departure, as cabin air is very dry.
5. Can You Keep Your Anxious-Flyer Calm?
“Pets mirror their owners’ emotions,” says Maddison. “Remaining calm, moving slowly, and speaking softly tells them everything is safe. Your energy directly influences theirs.”
Preparation helps: use crate familiarisation training and bring familiar bedding along. Cabin companionship is key to reducing stress for anxious flyers.
6. Do You Have The Essentials Packed?
To ensure the flight is seamless and hygienic for your pet and the surrounding passengers, pack your pets' must-haves.
“Absorbent pads, thick quilted liners, and multi-purpose bedding make a huge difference,” Maddison says. These essentials aid with comfort, hygiene, and temperature regulation, and are invaluable for any journey—no matter how short.
Ready for Your Next Pet Journey?
With the right preparation, the new in-cabin services make domestic travel simpler and less stressful for Australian pet owners than ever before. It's a welcome change that puts your dog's comfort first.
However, if you are an Australian dog lover thinking of moving overseas for a job or adventure, remember that bringing your pet back home is an entirely different journey. Australia maintains some of the world's most rigorous import rules, demanding months of careful planning, testing, and quarantine.
Before you book a life abroad, understand the commitment required to ensure your beloved companion can return to Australian shores safely.
6. Do You Have The Essentials Packed?
To ensure the flight is seamless and hygienic for your pet and the surrounding passengers, pack your pets' must-haves.
“Absorbent pads, thick quilted liners, and multi-purpose bedding make a huge difference,” Maddison says. These essentials aid with comfort, hygiene, and temperature regulation, and are invaluable for any journey—no matter how short.
Ready for Your Next Pet Journey?
With the right preparation, the new in-cabin services make domestic travel simpler and less stressful for Australian pet owners than ever before. It's a welcome change that puts your dog's comfort first.
However, if you are an Australian dog lover thinking of moving overseas for a job or adventure, remember that bringing your pet back home is an entirely different journey. Australia maintains some of the world's most rigorous import rules, demanding months of careful planning, testing, and quarantine.
Before you book a life abroad, understand the commitment required to ensure your beloved companion can return to Australian shores safely.
Read the full story and prepare for the ultimate challenge:
Australia: The World's Toughest Pet Border (And How to Get Your Dog Home)
SKYE PETS was founded in 2021 after we struggled to find a safe and humane way to relocate our three Siberian Huskies internationally, without putting them in the cargo hold. When we realised no such option existed, we created one. What began as a personal solution quickly revealed a larger need, as many other families were searching for the same alternative.
There are countless reasons why pets cannot travel in the cargo hold, not just because they deserve a more humane experience, but due to real limitations like breed restrictions, age, health conditions, and anxiety. We knew there had to be a better way.
Sources and Context
This article references the current Virgin Australia “Pets in Cabin” trial, which launched in October 2025 and operates between Melbourne, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast, under a regulatory exemption from the Food Standards Code.
Source Information: Virgin Australia Newsroom
