Virgin Australia announces huge news about pet travel

It's good news for those who hate travelling without them, but bad news for the guy up the back with a fur allergy!

Good morning passengers, this is a message for all fur babies... your plane is now ready for boarding. 

Virgin Australia has just made the exciting announcement that they will be Australia's first-ever airline to allow pets to board flights with their owners. 

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Pet dogs and cats will be ready for boarding. Image: Virgin Australia

When will pets be allowed to board flights? 

After an overwhelming result in a Facebook survey conducted by the airline back in 2021, which showed 85% were in favour of allowing pets on board, and a more recent survey that showed 57% of people would fly more regularly if they were allowed to travel with their pet, the airline has made the bold decision.

Subject to regulatory approval and expected to launch within 12 months, the service will allow domestic cats and dogs of a certain size to travel up top in the cabin with their owners on selected domestic 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,” Virgin Australia Group CEO, Jayne Hrdlicka. announced at a Melbourne press conference.

“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."

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How flying with your pet will work

For those who aren't so keen on the news (let me guess... you don't have a pet at home, do you?), you don't need to throw a toddler tantrum just yet. 

Rest assured, those who aren't a fan of a pet pooch next to them on a flight won't have to travel that way. 

The service will be on offer on selected domestic routes only and be restricted to a limited number of designated rows on board the aircraft.

And a strict ban on snuggles will also be enforced. Pets won't be allowed to roam freely or sit on passengers' laps and must be enclosed in an airline-approved pet carrier and placed under the seat of its owner. 

“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," Jayne added. 

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The fluffy pals can now ride up top. Image: Virgin Australia

Travellers are divided

But not all travellers are a fan of the new offering. 

"I would HATE to board a plane with another dog next to me. Gross. No way," insisted Emily - who you won't be surprised to learn has no pets of her own. 

Sally also isn't a fan: "So all the small and yappy dogs that will cry and howl the whole way, basically? Great."

Nama, who has a pet Moodle on the other hand is thrilled with the news.

"Even before wanting to travel with the love of my life (Churchill) I wouldn't mind anyone travelling with their dog. It's barbaric and inhumane to terrorise animals the way we currently do when they fly. Yes, there would need to be a size limit, and yes there would be a scent and yes there would be noise. But we get all of that from humans on flights, anyway. And I say this despite being allergic to animal fur (my dog is non-allergenic) - I'd be prepared to pop my medication if a dog could remain with its owner in the cabin, and not risk trauma, dying or being lost in transit."

Kat also agrees: "I think it's fine. I'm sad that I have a big dog and won't be able to do it, but I wouldn't have a problem with a pet on board the same flight as me. The only thing I'd actually be mad about is the fact that I can't pat it to make the flight go quicker!"

Liz likes the idea but thinks it will be a tad problematic: "I'm just not sure how it will all work. What about all the pet hair, 'accidents', barking etc. And people that are allergic to cats or dogs, are they now having to take extra precautions? Does it only allow cats and dogs, or are we talking rabbits and hamsters too...Where does it stop? It's a great idea on the surface, but I can foresee issues upon implementation."

Meanwhile, Carly has come up with a solution of her own: "I think dog planes should be a thing - so you can select a flight with pets allowed but also stay clear if you're not an animal person."

Originally published as Virgin Australia announces huge news about pet travel