New details of Virgin’s pets on planes policy emerge, including weight limit for pet plus carrier

Virgin Australia will assign two rows on selected flights as ‘pet friendly’ as the airline prepares to trial pooches on planes.

New details of Virgin Australia’s pets on the plane policy have been revealed, as the airline moves closer to allowing small dogs and cats in the cabin in approved carrier cases.

Although there is still work to be done before a trial begins, it’s understood two rows of Virgin aircraft will be designated as “pet friendly” on selected flights.

In-line with International Air Transport Association guidelines, pet-plus-carrier will have to weigh in at no more than 8kg and spend the flight under the seat in front.

At this stage, it’s not expected the pet friendly rows will extend to business class, nor will carriers be allowed in exit rows.

It comes almost a year after Virgin CEO Jayne Hrdlicka first announced the plan to take advantage of a change in Civil Aviation Safety Authority regulations permitting commercial aircraft to carry pets in the cabin other than certified assistance animals.

A Virgin Australia spokeswoman said due to the “new nature” of the service, the approval process was taking longer than anticipated.

“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,” said the spokeswoman.

“Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at Virgin Australia and we look forward to updating travellers on a launch date for our highly anticipated pets in cabin services soon.”

Brisbane food and travel influencer Jacqui Toumbas and Basil are eagerly awaiting Virgin Australia’s pet friendly flights. Picture: Callie Marshall

Only cats or dogs will be permitted in soft-sided carrier cases, and they will need to be over eight weeks of age and up to date with their vaccinations.

The booking and check-in process was still being finalised, along with the cost for bringing a pet on-board as a plus one.

Consultation with doctors and veterinarians is continuing, including on the topic of fellow passengers with dog and cat hair allergies to ensure the comfort of all customers.

Virgin Australia was also understood to be seeking approval from Food Standards Australia New Zealand given strict rules around food preparation and animals in enclosed spaces.

It was expected a trial would start before the end of the year, and most likely on a route such as Melbourne-Sydney where the high frequency of flights meant some services could be assigned as “pet friendly”.

Both Melbourne and Sydney Airports have upgraded their pet relief facilities ahead of the change, although guide and assistance dogs will continue to get priority for use of these areas.

The new pet relief area in Sydney Airport's domestic T2 terminal. Picture: Supplied

Brisbane food and travel influencer Jacqui Toumbas said she was “super-excited” at the prospect of being able to take her Cavalier King Charles spaniel Basil on board flights.

“I tend to drive now rather than fly for (domestic) holidays because I feel it would stress him out too much to put him in the cargo hold,” said Ms Toumbas.

“I’m finding there’s a lot more hotels and accommodation that allow dogs, which is really nice, and it’s great that we will soon have an airline that makes it possible to fly with your pet.”

Pets on planes were a common sight in other countries such as the US and throughout Europe, with rabbits, pet birds and falcons permitted to travel on some airlines, as well as cats and dogs.

CASA relaxed its pet policy in December 2021, handing responsibility to aircraft operators and chief pilots as to whether to allow animals in the cabin, provided there was no threat to safety.

Qantas and Jetstar have both ruled out changes to their own animal carriage policy which permits only accredited service dogs in the cabin. Qantas carries other animals in the cargo hold, providing they are booked through pet travel specialists.

Originally published as New details of Virgin’s pets on planes policy emerge, including weight limit for pet plus carrier