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Virgin Australia will begin a trial run of allowing dogs and cats to fly with their owners, in a move the airline expects will be welcomed by pet owners.
From Wednesday, passengers can book a place for their animals on flights between Melbourne and the Gold Coast and Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast, at the introductory price of $149 per animal, per one-way trip.
Virgin Australia is set to become the first airline in the country to welcome pets onboard, with its highly anticipated Pets in Cabin service.
After January 30, the service will be available across all Virgin’s domestic flights.
“With almost 70 per cent of households owning a pet, we expect the service to be embraced by pet lovers all around the country,” said chief executive Dave Emerson in a statement.
“Beyond convenience for pet owners, the service is also set to boost the pet-friendly travel sector, including hotels and tourism operators.”
To “ensure a comfortable experience for all guests”, the airline will restrict the number of pets per flight to four, and will assign the pet owner to designated seating areas across two rows (from seats 18A, 18F and 20A, 20F) with the pet to be transported in its carrier under the seat in front.
Warding off concerns from pet-allergic passengers, Virgin Australia said its aircraft were equipped with advanced HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filtration systems, which refresh cabin air 20 to 30 times an hour with sterile air, “flowing from ceiling to floor”.
As a result, most passengers can be “comfortably” seated just a few rows away from pets without experiencing allergic reactions.
Failing that, allergic passengers can request to be moved within the same cabin class free of charge, Virgin said.
Re-establishing itself as a listed airline, Virgin is keen to position itself as a consumer friendly innovator. “Innovation has always been a hallmark of Virgin Australia,” said Emerson.
Virgin Australia is set to become the first airline in the country to welcome pets onboard.
In August, the airline announced its first annual results since rejoining the ASX, posting a 28 per cent jump in underlying earnings before interest and tax in fiscal 2025 of $664.4 million.
Emerson said Virgin passengers had been telling the airline for years how much they want to travel alongside their pets. “It’s a model that’s proven successful in the US and Europe and we’re thrilled to bring it to Australia.”
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To avoid animals relieving themselves in-flight, Virgin has worked with a veterinarian to develop guidelines for exercise, feeding, hydration, and toileting before the flight.
These recommendations will be sent to any passengers bringing pets aboard to help ensure the “comfort and wellbeing” of their pets.
“To manage any unexpected incidents, pet carriers must have a leak-proof base, and absorbent mats must be placed both inside and beneath the carrier,” Virgin said.
Although pets can now fly with passengers, they remain barred from Virgin airport lounges because they serve and prepare food.
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