The pets you can (and can't) bring onboard under Virgin Australia's new plan

Please stow small bags and pets under the seat in front of you. Virgin Australia wants you to be able to bring your pet onboard flights — but at a cost, and under strict conditions.

Virgin Australia wants to allow small cats and dogs in the cabin under strict conditions. Source: Getty / Jeff Greenberg/Universal Images Group

There will be no snakes on planes but passengers can soon expect to see small dogs and cats on board Australian flights.

Virgin Australia wants to allow passengers to pay to bring their pets into cabins under strict conditions.

Animals would not be allowed to roam around the cabin or sit on passengers' laps.

Instead, they would have to stay in an airline-approved pet carrier under the seat in front of their owner.

Virgin Australia chief executive Jayne Hrdlicka said the arrangement worked well overseas, with pets commonly allowed on flights in North America.

"This opportunity is for dogs and cats only, so no snakes, no hamsters, no rabbits," Hrdlicka said.

Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said the airline frequently hears from customers who want to be able to travel with their pet in the cabin. Source: AAP / James Ross

She said only passengers in certain rows would be allowed to bring their furry friends on board.

The airline is yet to reveal details of the plan, including the cost, but hopes the change will happen within 12 months once it is ticked off by regulators.

Melbourne Airport chief executive Lorie Argus expects the plan to be popular with passengers.

She said pets would have to stay inside pet carriers in the airport at all times.

There would be no changes to existing arrangements for approved service animals and passengers travelling with animals could still pay for them to be transported as cargo.

Current flight regulations do not require the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to approve the carriage of animals in aircraft, the organisation said in a statement.