Australia’s First Pet Friendly Airline

Virgin Australia’s recent announcement to allow small cats and dogs to fly in plane cabins has generated excitement among pet lovers and raised several questions about how the scheme will be implemented. As the first Australian airline to offer this service, Virgin Australia plans to launch it within 12 months, pending regulatory approval. Here’s what you need to know:

Which Pets Will Be Allowed?

Virgin Australia has specified that the service will be limited to small cats and dogs. However, the airline has not yet defined what qualifies as "small." In the U.S., similar schemes often restrict certain breeds or size categories, which might be a consideration for Virgin Australia as well.

Boarding and In-Flight Guidelines

Pets must be carried in airline approved pet carriers and placed under the seat in front of the owner for the entire flight. This means no showing off pets to fellow passengers, no walking them down the aisles, and no holding them in laps. Only specific rows on certain domestic flights will be eligible for this service, ensuring that pets are confined and managed properly.

Handling Pet Needs Mid-Air

One of the biggest concerns is how Virgin Australia will manage pets’ needs during the flight, such as bathroom breaks. The airline has yet to provide specific details on this, but moisture-absorbent mats, commonly used for service animals, might be an option. How they plan to handle barking or other disturbances from pets also remains unclear.

Regulatory Approval and Safety Measures

Virgin Australia’s expectation of needing regulatory approval could be cautious, as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) updated its rules in 2021 to give airlines and pilots discretion over carrying animals, provided safety protocols are followed. These include ensuring animals are restrained, not blocking exits, and managing potential effects on other passengers.

Public Demand and Business Strategy

The airline’s decision is driven by strong public demand. A 2021 survey of the airline’s Facebook followers showed 85% supported the idea of pets in cabins. More recent research indicated nearly 70% of Australian pet owners would travel with their pets in the cabin, and 57% said they would fly more regularly if the service was available. In the competitive domestic market, this service could help Virgin Australia distinguish itself from competitors like Qantas.

International Comparisons

Internationally, allowing pets in cabins is more common. In the U.S., pets can be taken on board for a fee, although only dogs are allowed as service or emotional support animals after a 2020 rule change. Other countries have seen a range of animals, from miniature horses to ducks, on flights. Middle Eastern airlines sometimes even allow falcons in cabins.

Future Considerations

As Virgin Australia works out the finer details of the scheme, they must address several concerns, including defining pet size limits, managing in-flight pet needs, and ensuring safety and comfort for all passengers. The airline's approach to these issues will determine the success and acceptance of this new service.