A major airline is set to allow small pets in its cabins on some flights, including to the Sunshine Coast.
Virgin Australia will become the first airline in the country to welcome pets onboard, with its highly anticipated pets service officially going on sale this week.
The Australian-first service will initially launch as a trial on flights between Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast, with the inaugural flight scheduled to take off from Melbourne on October 16.
Since announcing its intention to launch pets-in-cabin flights in March 2024, Virgin has collaborated with international airlines already operating similar services, consulted closely with animal welfare organisations and accessibility groups, and addressed feedback from frequent travellers to develop a service that prioritises animal welfare and guest comfort.
Virgin will use the trial to capture important customer insights and feedback before planning a broader rollout of the service across its domestic network next year.
Virgin Australia Group CEO Dave Emerson said the airline was thrilled to go on sale with Australia’s first-ever pets in cabin flights.
“Our guests have been telling us for years how much they want to travel alongside their pets and now they finally can,” Mr Emerson said.
“It’s a model that’s proven successful in the US and Europe and we’re thrilled to bring it to Australia.
“With almost 70 per cent of households owning a pet, we expect the service to be embraced by pet lovers all around the country. Beyond convenience for pet owners, the service is also set to boost the pet-friendly travel sector, including hotels and tourism operators.”
Veterinarian and pet expert Dr Katrina Warren welcomed the launch of Virgin Australia’s pets-in-cabin service, calling it a milestone for pet-loving travellers.
“As both a vet and pet owner, I understand how deeply Australians love their pets and treat them as cherished family members,” Dr Warren said.
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“Flying with pets in the cabin has already proven successful overseas and I’m thrilled to see Virgin Australia leading the way with this Australian first.
“It’s a meaningful step forward, making travel more accessible for pet owners and acknowledging the important role pets play in our lives.”
Virgin Australia Group medical officer Dr Kelly Bofkin said the airline had taken a rigorous approach to addressing allergy and hygiene considerations.
“Ensuring the health and comfort of all guests has been central to the development of this service, and we’ve carefully reviewed customer feedback since our 2024 announcement to inform every decision,” Dr Bofkin said.
“We have looked to best medical evidence, worked with other airlines who currently carry pets and consulted with peak allergy bodies in developing our policies and procedures.
“Our aircraft are fitted with advanced HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filtration systems, which capture more than 99 per cent of airborne particles, including pet dander.
“Cabin airflow dynamics are such that air circulates from top to bottom and the cabin air is renewed 20-30 times per hour, which greatly reduces the risk of airborne allergen transfer.
“Additionally, the creation of ‘buffer zones’ (two rows behind and two rows in front of the allocated pet rows) ensures that the risk to guests of allergen exposure is significantly reduced.”
In a 2021 social media survey of Virgin Australia Facebook followers, 85 per cent voted in favour of the airline launching pets in cabin flights. More recent research from Tourism and Transport Forum Australia found that over 63 per cent of pet owners were leaving their furry companions with a sitter or loved one due to the lack of inflight pet travel options available in Australia.
Pets-in-cabin services are already a standard airline offering across major carriers in North America and Europe, including United Airlines, Air France and Air Canada, which offer pets to travel onboard on domestic routes.
Tickets for furry companions (small dogs and/or cats only) are available for an introductory price of $149 per animal, per flight.
