Virgin Australia eyes ‘pets on planes’ trial
These pet-friendly flights will let you bring fido or kitty along the for the ride.
By David Flynn, September 23 2024
Passengers on selected Virgin Australia flights may soon be allowed to travel with their pets in the cabin rather than the cargo hold.
The airline confirmed to Executive Traveller it is currently in discussions with a number of airports, although Virgin dismissed as speculation reports that Sydney-Melbourne will be the launch route for a trial.
Just don’t get your hopes up for those pet-friendly flights: your furry friend won’t be able to sit on your lap or curl up on an empty seat next to you.
Virgin says animals will have to remain in a small, ventilated airline-approved pet carrier, which must be stowed under the seat in front of the owner for the duration of the flight.
That’ll no doubt prove a tight fit for poodles and pugs, let alone medium-sized dogs.
The pet carrier will count as one of your two carry-on bags and attract an additional cost.
As a benchmark, most US carriers charge US$125 (A$180) per pet on one-way domestic flights, while Lufthansa charges €50-€70 (A$80-$115) per pet.
Small dogs will be welcome in the cabin on selected Virgin Australia routes.
Virgin’s ‘pet zone’ will be restricted to a limited number of designated rows on each plane, making it easier to separate passengers who’d rather not be near those animals, such as travellers with allergies.
“It won’t be a menagerie on board, we’re just talking dogs or cats,” clarified outgoing Virgin Australia Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka when first announcing the plans in March this year.
At the time, Virgin said its pet-friendly flights were “expected to launch within 12 months” on “specific domestic routes.”
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus has previously said the airport was looking forward to helping Virgin Australia deliver the Australian-first.
“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.
“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 wants to be the first Australian airline to allow pets in the cabin.
Virgin also claimed a poll taken via its Facebook page saw 85% of respondents in favour of the airline allowing pets in the cabin; additional research claiming nearly 70% of Australian pet owners would travel with their pet in the cabin, while 57% said they would fly more regularly if the service was a reality.
However, public response to Virgin’s announcement is divided. Social media comments are almost evenly split for and against, while a snap poll conducted by Executive Traveller saw 53% of people against Virgin’s new pet-friendly policy and 47% in favour.
Virgin, Qantas, Jetstar and Regional Express currently allow service dogs to travel free with their owners, but all other animals must be transported in the cargo hold – a measure that's costly and often distressing for both the pets and their owners.
18 Aug 2021
Total posts 6
I hope Virgin will clearly identify those flights which allow pets so people who feel it is not hygenic to travel in a cabin with pets, can choose to avoid those flights. Perhaps when these flights are nearly empty Virgin may decide rethink their policy. I assume that during an emergency where cabin baggage must be left on the plane, what will happen to the pet in the pet carrier? Will it have priority over other passengers during an evacuation?
12 Jul 2019
Total posts 12
Well it's not paying for a seat and it's treated as luggage. ie stored under the seat in front.
23 Mar 2015
Total posts 5
An aircraft operating a 'non-pet' flight may have previously operated a 'pet-friendly' flight. Unless turnaround cleaning is improved, both flights will be affected by animal allergens.
Separation by row will also not eliminate the spread of allergens. Remember smoking rows many years ago? The smell permeated the whole plane, and sitting in the last 'non-smoking' row was unbearable for many non-smokers.
There is also the problem that if one dog barks, others will want to respond. Not only does this multiply the noise, but the impact on any cats (and their waste products) would be problematical.
No thanks.
08 Mar 2024
Total posts 1
Excellent comment!!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
05 Jan 2015
Total posts 17
And exactly how are Virgin going to de-louse that particular aircraft to ensure that I, and tens of thousands of others are not exposed to the hair, fleas and dead skin of these revolting animals in a PASSENGER plane?
03 Aug 2020
Total posts 20
I know for pet owners this will be welcomed. We all want to see pets well looked after but at the end of the day what would happen if someone who has an allergy is subjected to this. Would it be the same where airlines can't guarantee a nut free environment. I know it's important for pets to be well looked after but I'm not sold on this
QF
11 Jul 2014
Total posts 991
All I can say is DON'T DO IT
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
23 Mar 2020
Total posts 4
Many airlines have (quite rightly) suspended or removed peanuts from flights, as the “wants” of some (for a snack) simply don’t outweigh the “needs” of others (for a safe flight without life-threatening allergic reactions).
So, I really hope that Virgin has considered this. It may not be necessary to remove dogs and cats completely from these flights, but at least give those with allergies a fair opportunity to choose their seats in a safe section of the plane. Preferably without paying $$$ for the “convenience” of choosing a seat, and without the embarrassing re-seating when boarded (or worse, reacting!) to an (otherwise) adorable canine or feline.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
21 Mar 2017
Total posts 40
I just flew LAS LAX on American Airlines on Tuesday - I saw 3 dogs on boarding getting on. Otherwise, you wouldn't have even noticed they were there. I imagine my 5kg cavoodle would be the same. Bring it on. Take her to see her grandparents in VIC!!!
QF
11 Jul 2014
Total posts 991
The 3 dogs were they in carry-on dog bags or on leashes? From experience in Australia it's the dog owner not the dog you have to worry about.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Nov 2018
Total posts 117
I also recently flew in the United States on United from SFO to EWR on a redeye. It was widebody, and we were in business. (Polaris). Across the aisle from me was a golden retriever and its owner. I forgot that the dog was even there. Although I have to point out there is significant room available at the owners feet in a lie flat business class seat, enough room for a larger dog. She did not extend the bed, and the dog remained on the floor the entire Flight. I believe there was a mat underneath the dog as well.
As virgin no longer accepts pets unless they are booked through a third-party provider, I think this might be an interesting trial. I get that people have allergies, I have a cat allergy myself, a rather severe one, but people take their pets with them everywhere in daily life. I don’t see how this will be any different.
09 Nov 2018
Total posts 11
Methinks you might care more than most...
24 Jul 2017
Total posts 7
I think it’s a great idea to try this. I hate the thought of my pets travelling in cargo. Too many horror stories. A trial is warranted. It may not work in reality but we need to move with the rest of the world. 😻🐩
08 Feb 2018
Total posts 165
scrolled straight to the comments…
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
24 Jan 2018
Total posts 747
I will not be flying on any Virgin flights designated as 🐕🦺- friendly. End of.
16 Nov 2021
Total posts 9
Good. More room for my cat.
09 May 2020
Total posts 568
I am one of them who vote against having on board pets
I wonder where the pet zone will be placed.
Front cabin, where everyone have to pass through?
Back of the plane where all economy class pax have to pass through to get to the toilet?
Do people have to be made to pay for seats to stay away from the zone? (And you pay for the preferred seating, nowhere guaranteed due to “operational needs”)?
And frankly, if the pet is stuck in a small carrier into the small space under the seat in front, are they better off than in the cargo bay with space for a standard carrier?
And if the pet “accidentally” gets out, who is responsible for getting it back? (Don’t assume we are dealing with a responsible owner, and not in an inconvenience time like landing phase - does the pilot cancel the approach until they find the pet - anyone have experience from the US?). Granted we are supposed to be dealing with rare events (I am not hopeful) there needs to be predefined processes but I am not sure the Scotts and Vanessas from the marketing department thought it through where they promoted this.
Hopefully they can tag these flights with obvious labels when buying my bundle of rights (don’t assume Qantas is the only airline who think like this) so that unreasonable people like me can exercise my option to avoid.
I don’t have a problem with pets, I have a problem with pets on board, when I already have to worry about other animals on board with overinflated sense of entitlement (again like myself!)
22 Sep 2017
Total posts 89
My guess is the "zone" will be in the extra-legroom seats (except for the exit rows) to accommodate those pet carriers.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Nov 2018
Total posts 117
I have experienced pets on aircraft in the United States several times. The animals seemed to be quite used to travelling this way. I had no issues on any of those flights
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
04 Sep 2015
Total posts 25
We have been loyal Virgin flyers since it started in Australia and as a Platinum flyer , I say don’t do it, it is a bad idea !
12 Jul 2019
Total posts 12
No way, will I be on a Pet Friendly flight... The other passengers are bad enough, let alone animals....Leave your animals at home where they belong!!!! Not that I even use them, I have a great airline that I fly with, but Virgin can kiss any of my future business goodbye.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
04 Sep 2015
Total posts 25
We have been loyal flyers with Virgin since it landed in Australia and as a Platinum member I say absolutely NO WAY it is a bad idea , I like animals but I do not want some animal sitting under my seat ever on a flight, it is bad enough with wriggley pax and it will be worse when they have an animal with them ,No No No!
01 Mar 2012
Total posts 5
The only people responding to the Virgin survey were pet owners obviously
08 Jul 2015
Total posts 26
This is a ridiculous concept. Count me out Virgin, back to Qantas for me.
08 Mar 2024
Total posts 2
I don't fly Virgin, but I might start using them now. A good initiative, and kudos to them for taking the lead (excuse the pun)
Virgin Australia - Platinum
21 Mar 2021
Total posts 8
Big no from me. I’m very allergic allergic to Cats. Not a good move.
I’m tired of having to share my cafe meal with someone’s panting farting restless furbaby on the table next to me. Mainly because if I say something when they play up, apparently I’m the problem.
I feel for the awesome cabin crew who will have to deal with this. Owners often react worse than their pets to interactions. I can see it now, dog/cat won’t shut up, it’s worked itself up into a frenzie is pisses all over the place then the owner puts it on their lap. Cabin crew says it has to go back in the cage. The mouthful the owner gives the crew will be camera worthy.
I also feel for those who clean the planes afterwords. Nothing like cat urine on a carpet. Those cages leak, especially from a nervous pet. Furthermore, what about the allergens, fleas and other stuff left behind?
This is a bad move Virgin, bad move.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
25 Sep 2024
Total posts 1
I fly a lot for business and pleasure, almost weekly and I generally have avoided Virgin in the past, but now will definitely not be flying their service.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
30 Aug 2017
Total posts 24
Great idea.
Entertaining to see the chorusing of peanuts here!
16 Jun 2021
Total posts 2
First the cafes, then Bunnings, now planes - give me strength !!!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
06 May 2018
Total posts 12
Bring it on! Time for AUS to get with the program. No one bats an eyelid in Europe and cats and dogs travel happily and without fuss on all forms of public transport. In the Middle East, where I lived for several years, airline passengers can travel with their falcon in Economy class, providing the bird is hooded, and there are no more than six falcons on any one flight.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
29 May 2020
Total posts 35
Works very well in Europe.
Maximum of 2 per aircraft and have to meet strict requirements such as under 6kg, fit in a bag under the seat in front etc so most wouldn't even notice they were on the aircraft.
Most Euro carriers permit it and haven't really heard of any issues (unlike in USA where it is not really controlled).
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
08 Mar 2024
Total posts 3
Serious question - lounge access? Enough issues in lounges now with people not using headphones etc. Will there be a pet area in lounges or will pets be banned? Will pets have to stay in their carriers? I have done dozens of flights in US each year for the last 20 years and its out of control there although has improved recently. In theory a great idea (I am not against it per se) but in practice, by my experience, it doesn't work. Many valid comments above against the idea
09 Aug 2015
Total posts 106
Wow, you've raised an excellent point that's totally been missed by everyone so far! Yes, if people are turning up to fly with their dogs and cats, will VA allow them into the lounge? Maybe they'll need a separate 'pet corner' for those travelers to keep them away from other lounge guests with allergies etc.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
09 Jan 2017
Total posts 29
When I first heard of this "progressive" initiative, I checked the date. I was sure it must be April 1st. But no, incredibly, it appears to be serious. Crazy, crazy, crazy stuff. I won't be on any Virgin pet flight. Virgin would need to dedicate exclusive, individual aircraft to pet flights so the majority of sensible passengers can avoid them - but I don't see that happening... This is beyond stupid. No more words.
02 Dec 2016
Total posts 32
You can barely get your feet under the seat in front of you let alone a pet in a rigid carrier! I'd love to see them shw us some actual examples.
And if the pet consumes your luggage allowance why should you have to pay any extra?
09 Aug 2015
Total posts 106
Absolutely... 'ferret class' maybe but dogs or even cats? Not unless they're the smallest of the same. When VA surveyed people about flying with their pets, I think people had the idea of their pet sitting in a bag on their lap or even on the seat next to them, not crammed under the seat in front. The more you think about this the more it sounds like a desperate PR stunt by Virgin, trying to get ways for people to talk about them.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Nov 2018
Total posts 117
Clearly, y’all have not been to Europe. There are dogs and cats even in major department stores. My eyes popped out of their head when I saw a little dog in a up market department store in Paris many years ago. It is still the same. I suppose people with allergies just don’t go shopping?
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