Virgin Australia expects pets on planes by the year’s end

Eagerly waiting to bring your furry friend into the cabin when flying across the country? Virgin Australia is on the final stretch to welcome pets on board by the end of 2025. The move would allow travellers to bring small pets on board – provided they can fit underneath the seat in front.

There’s still more detail to be released. For instance, the specific rows where pets are allowed. And, by extension, the seats at which pets aren’t permitted. But the biggest hurdle has been getting all the government approvals in place, around which, airline policies and procedures can be formed.

Speaking at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit in Cairns, Virgin Australia CEO Dave Emerson tips that flying with the whole family – pets included – will soon be the reality.

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Bringing your pet onto a Virgin Australia flight

Virgin Australia first revealed plans for pet-friendly flights in early 2024. As for getting pets their own boarding pass in the cabin, Emerson acknowledges that “it’s been a longer process than we’ve thought. But any time you do something that’s truly new, you don’t know what you don’t know.”

“It was a little-known fact – and not known by me – that aviation … airlines and aeroplanes … are considered to be a restaurant for food service regulations. You’re not allowed to bring your pets into a restaurant. So we had to change the rules and get an exemption.”

“That process took over a year, but (was) just recently completed. So now, actually, we’re past that hurdle and we’re looking forward to launching before the end of the year.”

Do many people want pets on planes?

It’s fair to say, ‘pets on planes’ is a polarising topic. Some travellers love the idea. For Virgin Australia, the thinking, no doubt, is that this would encourage pet owners to fly more. With the family dog or cat coming along for take-off, those who take road trips for the convenience of bringing their pet may soon take to the skies instead.

Others with allergies – or who just aren’t ‘pet people’ – understandably, are not quite as keen. That’s why Virgin Australia’s final pet policy will be interesting. Particularly, whether travellers can guarantee a pet-free flight. Or, at least, be seated far enough away from them that there won’t be a concern.

And then, there’s the current ‘pet situation’ in North America. There, it’s not uncommon for people to bring cats, dogs and other animals into the cabin under the banner of an ‘emotional support animal’.

At CAPA, Emerson is asked whether horses would be allowed into the cabin. (Okay, seriously? Look, it wasn’t our question!) The media-trained Virgin Australia boss quips, “I don’t know how big your pets are, (but) it’s only the little ones that can go under the seat that will be in the cabin.”

“That’s something that you see in Europe. You see it in the US. We think Australians are going to be super excited for it. And so we’re waiting that to happen.” But, if you want to sit beside a horse, “you may have to find a private jet.”

What are your thoughts on bringing pets onto Australian domestic flights? Have your say in the comments below!