Flying With Pets in Australia
Understand the rules and logistics of domestic pet air travel with Australian airlines.
Domestic Airline Pet Policies
Flying with pets within Australia is possible but comes with strict rules and significant costs. Unlike some overseas carriers, no Australian domestic airline currently allows pets in the passenger cabin (with the exception of accredited assistance animals). All pets travel in the pressurised, temperature-controlled cargo hold.
Major airlines and their pet policies (as of 2025-2026):
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Qantas: Operates its own pet transport service (Qantas Freight). Pets travel as manifested cargo, not checked baggage. You book through Qantas Freight, not the passenger booking system. Costs start from around $350-$500 per pet for domestic routes.
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Virgin Australia: Does not currently offer a pet transport service. Pets cannot travel on Virgin flights.
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Rex (Regional Express): Does not currently offer pet transport on scheduled services.
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Specialist pet transport companies: Businesses like Jetpets and Dogtainers arrange door-to-door pet transport using airline cargo services. They handle crates, paperwork, and logistics. Expect to pay $500-$1,500+ depending on pet size and route.
Important: policies change regularly. Always check directly with the airline or transport provider before booking.
Crate Requirements for Air Travel
Airlines have strict requirements for travel crates. Using a non-compliant crate will result in your pet being refused at check-in.
Standard IATA crate requirements:
- Rigid construction (fibreglass or hard plastic — no soft carriers, no wire crates)
- Large enough for the pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably
- Ventilation on at least three sides
- Secure locking mechanism (cable ties alone are not sufficient)
- Leak-proof floor with absorbent bedding
- “Live Animal” stickers and orientation arrows on the outside
- Food and water bowls that can be filled from outside the crate
- No wheels (or wheels must be removed/disabled)
The crate should be purchased well in advance so you can use it for crate conditioning at home. Your pet should be fully comfortable in the travel crate before the flight.
Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Persian cats, and similar breeds face higher risks during air travel due to breathing difficulties. Many airlines restrict or refuse to carry them, especially during warmer months. Speak to your vet about whether your pet is safe to fly, and check the airline's breed restriction list.
Australian Air Travel
Where do pets travel on Australian domestic flights?