More pets will be enjoying the high life after Virgin Australia announced the extension of a trial allowing small animals to join their owners in the cabin on some flights.

The airline said its pets-in-cabin service launched last October had attracted stronger-than-expected demand, with more than 300 dogs and cats taking to the skies over the peak Christmas period alone.

The trial – on flights between Melbourne and the Gold Coast, and Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast – was scheduled to end on January 30 but has now been extended until June 30.

“We’ve not only received strong, positive feedback from pet owners, but also guests travelling without pets,” Virgin Australia chief marketing and customer operations officer Libby Minogue said.

“As we continue to build on the success of pets-in-cabin flights over the coming months, we look forward to expanding the service to other eligible Virgin Australia domestic flights soon.”

When Virgin launched the pets-in-cabin trial, it described it as unleashing “a new era in travel”.

There are limits, however, to the kind of animals that can fly with you in a cabin – and great Danes need not apply.

The service – at a cost of $149 per pet – is available for small domestic cats and dogs that weigh under eight kilograms (including carrier). They must have up-to-date vaccinations, can’t be younger than eight weeks, and cannot be a prohibited breed or have existing health conditions.

While cats were previously allowed only on flights between Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast, they can now be accommodated on both trial routes.

The service is available only for small pets, who must travel in a special carrier. Photo: Virgin Australia

Pets who make the cut must travel in soft-sided, well-ventilated, leak-proof carriers that are stowed under their owner’s seat during the flight, with no sitting on knees allowed. The airline also has guidelines about things such as exercise, hydration, feeding  – and the all-important toileting before a flight.

Veterinarian Katrina Warren said she was thrilled the pets-in-cabin trial was being extended.

“This has been a game changer for pet parents with small dogs and cats, and I’ve received lots of positive feedback from people who have embraced this opportunity,” she said.

“It’s wonderful to see the success of the trial, and I hope it paves the way for a broader rollout in the near future.”

For non-pet owners concerned about their own in-flight comfort, it’s worth noting that only four animals are allowed on each eligible flight and they are restricted to specific seats, so you can give them a wide berth if you wish.

Asked last year if she thought larger pets may one day be allowed to join their owners in the cabin, Warren said she thought it was unlikely.

“I think logistically it won’t happen with larger pets,” she said.

“I would love to fly with my border collie, but I think this program is going to be for the smaller pets.”