Cats and dogs will soon be allowed in the cabin of some Australian domestic flights.

Virgin has announced plans to become Australia's first airline to allow pets to ride onboard, with small dogs and cats to be allowed in specific rows.

The service will only be available on select flights.

Aviation commentator Irene King says pet travel is best suited to shorter flights.

"You have to keep them short and sweet, because otherwise you have very nasty smells in the cabin."

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