Virgin Australia launches pets on planes poll

Virgin Australia has taken to social media to gauge support for pets in aircraft cabins, ahead of a significant rule change.

Jodie Delacourt with her dog Daryl in the Virgin terminal in Sydney. Virgin Australia is gauging public support for “pets on planes” ahead of a significant rule change later this year. Picture: Nic Gibson

Virgin Australia has taken to social media to gauge public support for “pets on planes” ahead of a significant rule change later this year.

From December 2, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority will allow airlines and pilots-in-command to decide whether pets should be able to travel in aircraft cabins.

Qantas and Jetstar have indicated they will not be changing their pets policy, but Virgin Australia, Rex and Alliance Aviation have said they are willing to consider the possibility.

Virgin Australia has long prided itself on being a pet-friendly airline, even including four-legged friends in its Velocity frequent flyer program.

Prior to the Covid-19 outbreak, Virgin carried more than 30,000 pets in the cargo hold of its aircraft every year.

On Thursday, the airline took to Instagram to poll its 351,000 followers on the notion of pets in the cabin, with 68 per cent voting yes, and 32 per cent opposed.

Virgin Australia is polling followers on Instagram about pets on planes.

Within two hours of posting the poll on its Facebook page, Virgin had received more than 2700 “votes”, and more than 700 comments.

“I totally support this change. I would like to see strict guidelines to ensure that everyone has a pleasant flight,” posted Margaret Nowak.

“Yes, majority of pets are cleaner and most likely less smelly than some human passengers I have sat next to,” wrote Nico Rob.

Others were not so keen however, with Jen Robinson concerned about the safety aspect of the proposal.

“What happens in an emergency situation when you are instructed to leave everything behind? Or am I supposed to scamble over your panicking animals to get out of the exit doors,” she posted.

“Definitely no animals on long flights,” said John Craggs. “It’s already unhygienic enough packed in like sardines without adding animals to the equation.”

A spokesman said the rule change by CASA would be considered as part of a wider review of pet transport currently underway.

Numerous overseas carriers allow pets to accompany their owners on board flights for a fee, providing the animals meet certain guidelines such as weight restrictions.

In Australia the only animals currently permitted in aircraft cabins are designated service dogs, with other pets carried in the cargo hold.

Rex deputy chairman John Sharp said he believed the issue would come down to money.

“If people are prepared to pay I’m sure it will happen eventually,” Mr Sharp said.

Although Rex was yet to consider the rule change, he said the airline was “always open to new ways of providing services for our passengers”.

“We’ll look at it from a positive perspective. We’ve carried people’s pets in our baggage areas in a specially designed container for many years and we’re aware there is a market for it,” said Mr Sharp.

Alliance Aviation managing director Scott McMillan said they would examine the CASA rule change in due course, and he could not rule out allowing pets in the cabin.

Any move by airlines to open up cabins to pets, would likely lead to changes at airports with the need for pre-flight exercise and toileting areas.

At New York’s JFK International Airport, a huge outdoor garden patio is available for pets’ use prior to flights, along with daycare, veterinary services and post-security relief areas.

Australian Airports Association chief executive James Goodwin said pet facilities already existed at many airports for assistance dogs, and some airports used “furry ambassadors” to help calm passengers who were anxious about flying.

“Australians do love their pets and would no doubt love to be able to go on holidays with their furry friend,” Mr Goodwin said.

“However, it is likely to be some time before we start to see pets on aircraft or doggie lounges in our airports.”