What Aussie flyers need to know about the new ‘pets in cabins’ rules

Virgin Australia’s plan to be the first airline in the nation to allow pets on planes has prompted fierce debate among travellers. While some pet owners look forward to travelling with their cat or dog in the aircraft cabin, for many flyers, the news has been met with apprehension. People who suffer from allergies, phobias or have certain religious beliefs are just some dreading the introduction of furry passengers.

Rule one – pets need to stay inside the travel container.

In the US, where pets on planes are a common sight, not everyone is happy about it. Many times, I’ve seen owners take pets out of their carriers for a mid-flight snuggle. Arguments have erupted over barking and meowing. In April, a United Airlines flight from Houston to Seattle was diverted after a dog with diarrhoea pooped in the aisle.

So, how will Virgin Australia’s proposed new scheme work? What rules will pet owners need to comply with, and what are the rights afforded to the rest of the travelling public?

Prepare for the changes

In March, the airline stated it planned to start accepting reservations from passengers travelling with small dogs and cats within 12 months, “on specific domestic routes”, subject to regulatory approval.

“Make sure to check that your route is approved, as pets will only be allowed on specific domestic flights,” says Holly Velardo, director of Hollyday Travel.

It’s not clear what “small” means in kilograms, nor if certain dog breeds will be banned, as they are in the US. And a yet-to-be-revealed fee will apply.

It will be a requirement that pets are carried in an airline-approved carrier under the seat in front of the owner, for the duration of the flight.

Pets on planes could be a new issue for Australians to deal with.Credit: Greg Straight

“Since the cabin environment can be unsettling for pets, consult your vet about calming options before travelling,” says Velardo. “It’s important that your pet remains calm and doesn’t disturb other passengers.”

The rules for pet owners

How can pet owners ensure a smooth flight for themselves, their pet and other passengers? Obey the rules, and number one is that carriers need to stay shut.

Chris Chamberlin at Point Hacks, an online community that provides advice on all aspects of air travel, says it’s worth remembering that airlines operate internal “no-fly” lists, which means troublesome passengers (and their pets) can be banned.

“Those who repeatedly disobey safety requirements can find themselves on it,” he says. “It’s far easier to fly across the country than to walk.”

The fur is flying

People who don’t want to sit near animals should pay close attention to the rows allocated to pet owners, and choose a seat as far away as possible.

“It’s early days and still in the planning stage, but the airline says that pets will only be allowed to travel in a limited number of rows on the aircraft,” says Chamberlin.

Be prepared for potential disturbances, says Velardo, as pets don’t always behave as we’d hope. “I highly recommend investing in excellent noise-cancelling headphones,” she says.

If you’d really rather not be in a confined space with a dog or cat, how can you ensure you’re on a pet-free flight?

“It may be possible to avoid a flight with animals by taking a different path to your destination,” says Chamberlin. “For instance, by using a different airport nearby or taking connecting flights on routes where animals remain banned.”

Of course, the surest way to travel on a pet-free flight is to book with an airline that has a strict no-pet policy. Qantas does not accept animals other than approved Service Dogs in the aircraft cabin. In March, it was reported in Executive Traveller, a publication for business frequent flyers, that Qantas has no plans to follow Virgin’s lead.