Virgin Atlantic is a popular airline for those traveling around and between the United Kingdom and the United States. Virgin Atlantic pet policy, however, is relatively strict. Service animals are the only pets allowed within the cabin. All other pets must fly as cargo. This is an excellent choice for pet owners who want a hands-off travel experience. The flight crew will take care of your animal while you sit back, relax, and enjoy your flight.  

Though the Virgin Atlantic pet policy requires little aid on the part of the pet parent, they take their pet travel seriously. The airline’s policies are designed and deployed to accommodate safe travel for you, your animal, and the entire cabin of guests.

No matter your destination, here is what you need to know about Virgin Atlantic pet policies.  

  • Flying Pets in Cargo: All non-service animals must travel as cargo. This heated and air-conditioned compartment is secure and regulated by the airline’s cargo department. However, several restrictions exist. To make sure you can successfully fly your pet in cargo, read about Virgin Atlantic’s cargo pet policies.  
  • Service Animal Policies: Assistance animals are welcome to travel with passengers who have disabilities. Certain exemptions are provided to these animals, but some rules and restrictions still apply. Learn about specific Virgin Atlantic service animal policies. To determine if your dog qualifies to be certified as a Psychiatric Service Dog and can be accepted as such on Virgin Atlantic, you can visit Pettable’s PSD service. 

 

Other Virgin Atlantic Pet Policies and Programs 

Virgin Atlantic is a U.K.-based airline. If you and your pet are heading to the United Kingdom, you must become familiar with the Pet Travel Scheme. These requirements are set by the UK Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), and the scheme allows cats and dogs to travel between some countries and UK airports avoiding quarantine. Though seemingly complex, the requirements are fairly standard—the DEFRA requires the animals to be microchipped, have a pet passport or veterinary certificate, and a rabies vaccination. The restrictions apply to both pets and service animals. For more information, see the DEFRA Pet Travel Scheme website 

Virgin Atlantic offers a program called the Flying Paws scheme. Through this, Flying Club members get bonus miles when they fly with a pet. However, the airline does not offer pet travel for all destinations. For more information about restricted flights, see the airline’s restriction website 

Flying internationally? Virgin Atlantic provides a helpful tool to understand the requirements and paperwork necessary to get your pet where he needs to be. If you are flying within the United States, we recommend using out Airport Travel Guide to find maps of pet relief areas and cargo facility locations for all U.S. airports.