Australian airlines in no rush to adopt pets as passengers policy

While Aussie airlines are still refusing to welcome pets on board, other carriers have big rewards for passengers who regularly travel with their cat, dog or even bird.

Korean Air is spruiking the success of its pet loyalty program as Australian airlines remain unsure about carrying cats and dogs in the cabin. Picture: Korean Air

Almost two-years since Australia’s aviation regulator relaxed its rules on pets in the cabin, domestic airlines are no closer to allowing small dogs and cats on board, other than service animals. 

The resistance to pet-friendly flights is at odds with overseas airlines, many of which allow dogs, cats and other smaller animals on board provided they are in a secure container or carry case. 

Korean Air even rewards passengers who regularly travel with their cat, dog or bird through its Skypets loyalty program. 

Each trip earns the pet “stamps” which can be exchanged for free flights or discounts. 

The airline was crediting the scheme with a 29 per cent increase in pet travel in the first half of the year compared to the previous corresponding period, after 23,000 people took small animals on board domestic and international flights.

In an effort to accommodate more pets, Korean Air announced it was increasing the weight of animals allowed on board to 45kg including their container. 

A statement from the airline said that “pet travel was a growing trend because pets are an integral part of many people’s lives”. 

“An increasing number of travellers are seeking opportunities to explore Korea and the world with their furry and feathered companions,” said the statement.

Lewis the greyhound scored an upgrade to business on a Singapore Airlines flight to Italy. Picture: Facebook

Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority updated its carriage of animals policy in late-2021, to give responsibility for pets in the cabin to the flight operator and pilot-in-charge. 

The move was considered a significant change and one that would bring Australia into line with European, Asian and US airlines which have long permitted pets in the cabin on domestic and international flights. 

Pictures of dogs tucked up in business class have gone viral on the internet, including two pampered corgis flying to San Francisco on a Singapore Airlines’ flight, a dachshund enjoying the lie-flat bed on Turkish Airlines, and a golden retriever doing the same. 

It's becoming increasingly common to see social media posts of dogs travelling in business class on airlines that allow it. Picture: Facebook

In 2021 when airlines were struggling to fill seats, Lewis the greyhound was upgraded to business on a Singapore Airlines flight from Melbourne to Italy.

Greyt Greys Rescue reported Lewis won over cabin crew who said he was the “best dog they’d ever had on board”.

Although Virgin Australia, Rex and Bonza were leaving the door open to carrying pets in the cabin, it appeared unlikely any would adopt the change anytime soon. 

A Bonza spokeswoman said they welcomed feedback from customers on the issue but currently had no plans to permit pets. 

Virgin Australia surveyed passengers on the possibility in 2021 but was yet to take further action despite an overwhelming response in favour. 

Rex wanted clear guidelines established before it would give serious consideration to pets anywhere but the cargo hold, with the exception of service dogs. 

And Qantas and Jetstar remained of the opinion passengers should not share a row with a furry friend unless they were trained service dogs. 

Charter flights were the exception with passengers permitted to take pets on board, based on the approval of the pilot-in-charge.

Originally published as Australian airlines in no rush to adopt pets as passengers policy