Virgin Australia has announced its intention to be the country’s first airline to operate flights with pets onboard under a plan unveiled today.
The Australian-first service, which may have pet lovers rejoicing but will be met with horror by others, is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to launch within 12 months.
The airline says that in a social media survey of Virgin Australia’s Facebook followers in 2021, 85 per cent of respondents voted in favour of the airline launching pets in cabin flights. It adds that In more recent research conducted by Virgin Australia with Australian pet owners, nearly 70 per cent of respondents advised they would travel with their pet in the cabin, with 57 per cent saying they would fly more regularly if the service was a reality.
Almost all major carriers in North America offer pets onboard service for domestic flights, including United Airlines and Air Canada.