Virgin Australia Plans to Allow Cats and Dogs Fly on Planes

Small jack russell and its bowl of dog food. eva_blanco/Shutterstock

Virgin Australia is planning to become Australia’s first airline to welcome pets, including dogs and cats, aboard flights alongside passengers.

If it goes ahead, the service would be limited to small cats and dogs on specific flights and the pets would be restricted to a limited number of designated rows.

The company is planning to launch the service in 12 months, subject to regulatory approval and consultations with stakeholders.

Virgin chief executive officer Jayne Hrdlicka said Virgin was thrilled to reveal plans to be the first airline in Australia to offer pets onboard flights.

“Overwhelmingly, our guests tell us they want to travel with their pets, and we are now on a journey to make that a reality. It’s something that commonly happens overseas and is proven to work well,” Ms. Hrdlicka said.

“Our love for animals has always been in the Virgin Australia DNA and we are excited at the prospect of taking off with Australia’s first-ever pets in cabin flights.”

The airline said a recent survey found 70 percent of people would travel with their pet in the cabin, while 57 percent would fly more often if pets were allowed on planes.

“Almost 70 per cent of Australian households have a pet, so this announcement is really significant for a large proportion of the country,” Ms. Hrdlicka added.

“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.”

Virgin would charge a fee for bringing pets onboard and the pets would need to be carried in an approved pet carrier under the seat for the entire flight.

“The dogs and the cats have to stay in the carrier on the flight. There will be designated rows, so if you don’t want to be near a dog or a cat, or anywhere near those rows, it will be very easy to be separated,” Ms. Hrdlicka said.

The airline will continue to allow pets to travel as cargo via pet carrier services. Approved assistance animals will still be able to fly at no additional costs.

Further details including travel routes and costs of bringing a pet onboard will be announced in the future.

Snakes, hamsters, and rabbits would not be able to travel on the planes, Virgin said.

United States, Canada, and Europe Already Allows Pets on Planes

United States airlines including American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines, Spirit, Frontier, and Southwest Airlines already allow small pets in cabins.

The American Airlines policy states that depending on animal breed and size, pets can travel as carry-on or be transported via cargo.

“Carry-on pets are limited to cats and dogs that meet the size, age and destination requirements,” American Airlines states on its website.

Air Canada also enables travellers to bring small cats and dogs onboard the plane, for CAD$50 to $59 within Canada and the U.S.

“You’re welcome to bring your cat or small dog in the cabin with you provided it is small enough to stand, turn around, and lie down in its carrier under the seat in front of you,” Air Canada states.

Europe also allows pets to travel on planes on some airlines including Air Europa, Air France, French Bee, and Lufthansa.

The European Union allows pets, dogs, and ferrets to travel with passengers if it has been micro-chipped and vaccinated against rabies. An EU pet passport is also available for travel within the EU.

A European Union pet passport is also available for travel with the pet.

Melbourne Airport CEO Welcomes Move

Melbourne Airport chief executive officer Lorie Argus said the airport is looking forward to working with Virgin Australia on the concept.

“We’ve been investing significant effort into providing relief areas for assistance animals and these facilities have ample capacity to serve Virgin Australia’s new guests,” she said.

“Animals being carried on board Virgin Australia flights will be required to remain in their approved pet carriers at all other times within the terminal.

“We expect the pets in cabin concept will prove a popular offering and we look forward to working with Virgin Australia to make it a reality.”

Virgin Transitions to a New CEO

Virgin’s CEO announced she plans to step down as CEO on Feb. 20 as the company commences a global search for a new leader.

Ms. Hrdlicka has been in the top job since 2020 after Bain Capital acquired the company during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I have decided the time is right for me to signal CEO transition for this great airline and ultimately to pass the baton on.

“This is not a decision I have taken lightly, but the last 4 years have been heavy lifting across the organisation during the toughest times. We are in the midst of the next phase of our transformation program and there is a lot to do and an IPO to deliver.”