Car parks are busy

ALL car parks are very busy this week, with limited drive-up spots available. Please consider alternative transport options. Please have your QR code ready for a smooth entry and exit. Our roads and car parks may have changed since your last visit. Due to ongoing construction in the T123 car park pick-up and drop-off areas, passengers should plan for potential delays of up to an hour during peak times. Learn about the Naarm Way Stage 2 project to plan ahead: https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/plan-ahead. To avoid congestion, we recommend using the equivalent pick-up and drop-off facilities at nearby Terminal 4 car park, just a short 10-minute walk from Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Simply drive to the Terminal 4 Car Park and proceed to Level 2 for drop-offs or Level 1 for pick-ups. Thank you for your patience.

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Virgin Australia Pets in Cabin Trial
2.10.25

Information for Virgin Australia passengers

Virgin Australia is trialling a Pets in Cabin service.

The service is available on flights between Melbourne and the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast from Thursday 16 October 2025.

Note: Cats are excluded from the Pets in Cabin services on flights to/from the Gold Coast.

For more information

If you have any questions on Pets in Cabin, please contact Virgin Australia directly by calling their Guest Contact Centre on 13 67 89 or visit www.virginaustralia.com/pets-in-cabin

At the airport

Arriving at the airport

  • Bring all required items, including but not limited to an approved airline carrier of the correct size, secure and well-fitting harness and leash (with no or minimal metal), cable ties, and absorbent mats.
  • Before entering the terminal, pets should be taken to the designated animal relief area located outside the terminal. Pets must be restrained with a harness and leash when outside the carrier.
  • Owners (or person travelling with the pet) are responsible for cleaning up after their pet and disposing of pet waste in the bin. 
  • Pets must be secured in their carrier before entering the airport terminal. Virgin Australia check-in is located on the first floor of Terminal 3.

Security

  • Assistance animals have priority at security screening.
  • For security screening, pets must be placed on a leash and removed from their carriers.
  • Travellers must comply with instructions from screening officers.
  • Once the pet has gone through screening, it must be immediately placed back in the carrier and the green security seal attached.

Inside the terminal

To ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all travellers, please note the following:

  • Carriers must not be left unattended at any time
  • Pets with airline approval may use the airport's assistance animal relief area, however assistance animals must be given priority. Owners must clean up after their pets. 
  • Carriers are not permitted in food outlets.
  • Carriers should not be placed on seating in the departure lounge or boarding gate and should remain on the floor.
  • Pets are not permitted inside the Virgin Australia Lounge.

Arriving in Melbourne with a pet

  • The pet must remain in the carrier until outside the terminal building. 

Help when travelling

  • If you have any questions, please see a member of the Virgin Australia team.

Assistance animals

There are no changes for those with assistance animals travelling through Melbourne Airport. For more information on accessibility, visit our Online Mobility Hub here.

Assistance animals have priority at security screening and animal relief areas. This applies to departures and arrivals.