- The days of stowing your pet away in the cargo hold may soon be over as Virgin Australia eyes a pets-in-cabin trial.
- This will, however, come with certain conditions (i.e. size restrictions, movement restrictions, container compliance).
- Virgin Australia hopes to make pet-friendly flights a full-fledged offering in the coming year.
Months after the initial announcement, Virgin Australia has now confirmed that a limited trial for its proposed pets-in-cabin flights is actively being discussed, along with approximate pricing.
Multiple reports indicate bringing a furry companion along will cost fliers an extra $100-150 (similar to carrier charges in the USA). Though speculation surrounding Sydney-Melbourne as the launch routes has since been dismissed.
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Considering Virgin Australia, Qantas, and Jetstar currently only allow service dogs to fly free, widening the net with this pet-friendly initiative will certainly alter the landscape of domestic air travel. For better, or for worse.
As per the reassurances of outgoing Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka, “It won’t be a menagerie on board, we’re just talking dogs or cats.”
At this stage, said cats and dogs are required to remain in a ventilated airline-approved container, stowed under the seat in front of the owner throughout the duration of the flight. Meaning those chonkier labs, huskies, and mastiffs might have to sit this one out.
Additionally, Virgin’s “pet zone” will be restricted to a limited number of rows, allowing passengers with allergies or simply a personal dislike for animals to cope more easily.
Expect something similar for the airport experience, which is also being negotiated as we speak.
“We’ve been investing significant effort into providing relief areas for assistance animals and these facilities have ample capacity to serve Virgin Australia’s new guests,” Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus noted previously.
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“We expect the pets in cabin concept will prove a popular offering and we look forward to working with Virgin Australia to make it a reality.”
For reference, the existing conditions for animals to travel in the cargo hold are as follows:
- Be over 8 weeks old (due to possible dehydration issues)
- Be in good health
- Not exceed 65kg (including the container)
- Not be unduly aggressive
- Be transported in a compliant container
- Be treated for the Hydatids Tapeworm prior to arrival if travelling to Tasmania
If all goes to plan, and pending regulatory approval, Virgin Australia’s pet-friendly flights will be available as a mainstream option within the next 12 months.
Find out more below.
