Today Virgin Australia announced it intends to be the first Australian airline to allow pets to travel inside the cabin.
In 2021 Virgin Australia surveyed its Facebook followers and 85% were in favour of pets in the cabin. More recently the airline researched Australian pet owners, nearly 70% of respondents advised they would travel with their pet in the cabin, and 57% said they would fly more regularly.
Unlike the USA and some European countries, Australian airlines are currently not regulated to allow pets to travel onboard. Of course, service animals aren't included in this rule.
How will pets onboard Virgin Australia work?
- Only small cats and dogs on specific domestic routes will be allowed on board.
- Pets must fit into a Virgin Australia approved pet carrier.
- While in the airport and on board the pet must be confined to the pet carrier.
- Your pet will not be allowed to roam the cabin or sit on your lap.
- The pet carrier must be placed under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight.
- There will be designated rows for passengers with pets on board.
- Virgin Australia will charge a fee for this service.
Virgin Australia's proposal for allowing pets onboard is subject to regulatory approval and is likely to launch within 12 months, pending planning and stakeholder consultation.
Virgin will allow larger pets to be transported as cargo. Approved assistance animals will continue to be able to travel in the cabin of Virgin Australia aircraft at no cost.
Speaking at a press conference at Melbourne Airport, Virgin Australia Group CEO, Jayne Hrdlicka, said Virgin Australia is thrilled to finally reveal its plans to be the first Australian airline to offer pets onboard flights.
“Our love for animals has always been in the Virgin Australia DNA and we are excited at the prospect of taking off with Australia’s first-ever pets in cabin flights”
“Overwhelmingly, our guests tell us they want to travel with their pets, and we are now on a journey to make that a reality. It’s something that commonly happens overseas and is proven to work well."
“Almost 70 per cent of Australian households have a pet, so this announcement is significant for a large proportion of the country. It’s also a great thing for pet-friendly accommodation providers who will benefit greatly from increased connectivity and the ease for travellers to fly with their pets. It really will be a whole new economy for pet travel in Australia." said Ms Hrdlicka.
