For many Australians, pets are more than just animals – they’re beloved members of the family. And for those who can’t bear the thought of leaving their furry friends behind while travelling, Virgin Australia’s latest announcement is set to be a game-changer. The airline has confirmed that it’s working on introducing pet-friendly flights, allowing small cats and dogs to join their owners in the cabin on domestic routes.
This innovative move comes after a change in the Civil Aviation Safety Authority regulations. Virgin Australia had initially hoped to have regulatory approval within 12 months of their announcement in March of the previous year. However, the process has proven to be more complex than anticipated, with the airline still in the midst of securing the necessary clearances.
‘We have been working hard alongside regulators, industry partners, and stakeholder groups to ensure we can offer a compliant, safe, and comfortable experience for guests travelling with or without a pet,’ a Virgin Australia spokesperson said. ‘Due to the new nature of this service in Australia, the approval process is taking longer than anticipated.’
Despite the delay, Virgin Australia remains committed to innovation and is eager to update travellers on when they can expect to start booking flights with their pets. The airline plans to designate two rows on select domestic flights as ‘pet-friendly,’ catering specifically to travellers accompanied by their small dogs or cats.
To ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers, there will be restrictions in place. Only pets weighing under 8kg and travelling in Virgin-approved soft carriers that fit under the seat will be allowed. Additionally, pets must be at least eight weeks old to travel and will not be permitted to roam freely or sit on laps during the flight. Each traveller will be limited to one animal companion and an extra fee of $100 to $150 per ticket will be charged for the privilege of bringing a pet on board. Bookings for pets will be handled through the Guest Contact Centre to ensure all requirements are met.
Some Australian airports, including Melbourne and Sydney, are already preparing for the influx of four-legged passengers by upgrading their pet relief areas. Originally designed for assistance animals, these facilities will soon welcome the broader pet-travelling public.
Virgin Australia’s chief executive, Jayne Hrdlicka, highlighted the significance of this initiative when it was first announced, stating, ‘Overwhelmingly, our guests tell us they want to travel with their pets, and we are now on a journey to make that a reality.’ With almost 70 per cent of Australian households owning a pet, this service could revolutionise the way many Australians travel.
What do you think about this upcoming service? Would you be willing to pay extra to have your pet travel with you in the cabin? Do you foresee any challenges or concerns with this policy? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your opinions and experiences in the comments below.
Also read: Seven years and counting—Virgin Australia’s cabin crew reigns supreme
It would be far better if the price of all travelling dogs were to drop. People travel with their dogs for a variety of reasons, to compete in performance sports, and or Conformation showing. A decent reduction in price would see far more customers using flights, and transporting their dogs with them to compete in other areas of Australia. It’s fine to put them in Cargo in their airline crates, on the same flights as their owners, but just not financially viable.
If this happens I won’t be using Virgin again. My wife and I are both allergic to Dogs and Cats
My family and I are allergic to cats so much as I like Virgin I will be looking for flights elsewhere.
This is great news & it about time to as animals stress out in cargo areas & not to mention they have got lost i give it the thumbs up that the airline is coming into line with other international airlines….