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Virgin Australia has released updates on its plans to allow pets in the cabin on select domestic flights as it works through the regulatory process.
The carrier says it has received CASA approval for its pet procedures, but regulators are moving slower than expected on the policy first announced almost a year ago.
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Under the current plans, passengers will be able to travel with one small dog or cat, provided the animal is at least eight weeks of age and fits within a Virgin Australia-approved soft-sided pet carrier; the pet and carrier together cannot weigh more than 8kg.
Pets will be allowed in two designated rows on select flights, placed under the seat in front while still allowing enough room and ventilation, with pets not allowed to leave the carrier on the plane or in the airport except when going through security or using designated animal relief areas.
Passengers travelling with pets will need to book their pet for travel directly through the Guest Contact Centre, and Virgin plans to release a Pet Travel Guide with tips and suggestions for customers.
“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,” a spokesperson said.
“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.”
Announced last March, the move followed several surveys by Virgin Australia of pet owners, with the airline pointing to market research last year that found 70 per cent would travel with their pet in the cabin and 57 per cent would fly more regularly if the option was available.
According to Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka, guests “overwhelmingly” say they want to travel with their pets, a model that has been “proven to work well” overseas.
“Almost 70 per cent of Australian households have a pet, so this announcement is really significant for a large proportion of the country,” she said at the time.
“It’s also a great thing for pet-friendly accommodation providers who will benefit greatly from increased connectivity and the ease for travellers to fly with their pets. It really will be a whole new economy for pet travel in Australia.
“Pets on flights is another example of Virgin Australia leading the way with new and improved service offerings and first-to-market experiences for our guests.”
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says:Whoever/whatever someone is going to be upset here, I have to declare that I think it a bad move; – would be far better to accept as a booking/PNR Dog at checkin and the Pet put in an approved travel cage for hold stowage and please, don’t tell me that this can’t be done.
Murray Joel
says:‘Several surveys by Virgin Australia of pet owners’ – Have they also surveyed those that have pet allergies?? Are they to be responsible for any allergic reactions among those travellers?? The way cabin air is partially recirculated means that pet hair/dander would not be limited to the designated seat rows.