Virgin Australia gives update on ‘pet-friendly’ flights

Virgin Australia will be the first airline in the country to do this if it’s grand plan is approved - but not everyone appears to be on board.

Virgin Australia has revealed new details on its big move to allow passengers bring their furry friends on flights.

The Aussie carrier revealed in March last year it would likely launch the service within 12 months following regulatory approval for pet-friendly flights.

However, this week a spokesperson said approval is taking longer than expected.

“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,” the spokesperson told news.com.au.

Virgin Australia hopes to soon operate flights with pets. Picture: Alex Coppel

“Due to the new nature of this service in Australia, the approval process is taking longer than anticipated.

“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.”

Virgin plans to assign two rows on select domestic flights as “pet-friendly” where the animal

will be required to fit comfortably within a Virgin Australia-approved soft-sided pet carrier, weigh under 8kg (including the carrier), and be at least eight weeks of age.

News.com.au understands these requirements are based on IATA guidelines where the carrier must also need to fit under the seat on the aircraft while allowing sufficient room and ventilation for the pet.

The pet will be required to remain in their carrier at all times in the departure and arrival airports, except for security screening and if using an animal relief area.

Virgin conducted a survey on Facebook in 2021 that revealed most Aussies voted in favour of pet-friendly flying.

Virgin Australia Group CEO, Jayne Hrdlicka at Melbourne Airport, with a furry friend. Picture: Alex Coppel

“The reality is that 70 per cent of our passengers would love to have their fur babies on-board with them,” Virgin Australia Group chief executive Jayne Hrdlicka told news.com.au in March last year.

“So for us it’s really important to be able to innovate and lead and show the way, and to satisfy a really important desire of the majority of Australians to travel with their fur babies.”

She added it will only be in predesignated rows so that anybody who doesn’t want to be near an animal underneath a seat in front of a pet owner, doesn’t need to be.

Many have since taken to social media to weigh in on the move.

Virgin plans to assign two rows on select domestic flights as “pet-friendly”. Picture: AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy

“Great news. About time Australia caught up with Europe and US offering this great service,” one person wrote on Facebook this week following the updated announcement.

Almost all major carriers in North America offer a pets on-board service for domestic flights, including United Airlines and Air Canada.

“Love, love, love this and about time Australia. Well done Virgin,” another added.

But not everyone appears to be in favour of the move.

VThe airline made the announcement last year but said ‘due to the new nature of this service in Australia, the approval process is taking longer than anticipated’. Picture: Alex Coppel

“This is so wrong it’s horrible being on a flight with screaming kids but having dogs on a plane is the next level. Qantas flights from now on,” one person demanded.

“Sorry don’t like this idea at all. I won’t be travelling Virgin,” wrote another.

Despite some people’s outrage, many came to the airline’s defence.

“For those against this, note ‘selected flights’ so you can request dog-free. Very disappointed it is only small dogs as I would love to go back to be a regular virgin flyer but now have 2 well trained competition border collies I need to travel with. The Nullabor drive is a tedious one,” one person wrote.

“The negative comments here are astounding. Get a life and get a dog!” another joked.

Ms Hrdlicka, who has two dogs of her own, said hers are too big for the service, but she’s excited to see it happen as she knows how important it is to travel with pets.

“I know this is going to make a massive difference,” she said, adding it’s also a great thing for pet-friendly accommodation providers who will “benefit greatly” from increased connectivity.

Those who are eligible to bring their pets on flights will be charged a fee, with the amount yet to be revealed.