Passengers on selected Virgin Australia to flee will soon be allowed to travel with their pets in the cabin instead of in the cargo hold.
The Australian airline first announced plans to welcome pets on board earlier this year, after policy changes allowed for the option. And now it looks like we’re closer than ever to a trial being rolled out on selected routes.
So how do travelers feel about the prospect of a furry companion on their next flight? In our latest reader survey with nine readers, we asked whether passengers would like to be told whether there are pets on their flight.
The vast majority of respondents, 71 percent, said they wanted to know for sure whether there would be an animal in the cabin during their flight.
A smaller number of people didn’t seem to mind; 19 percent said they didn’t need to know.
Meanwhile, 10 percent of respondents were unsure.
Many people didn’t think pets should be allowed at all, and passengers should certainly be notified if that is the case.
“It is impossible for pets to be allowed in airplane cabins, except service dogs,” one person responded. “People should always be informed if there is an animal in the cabin, in case they are allergic to it. This could be life-threatening!”
“And pets generally shouldn’t be allowed on planes – where would they fit, without taking up already limited space – and what if the dog does its business? The stench would be horrible in that enclosed space. What a stupid, selfish idea!!!” they continued.
“God help us if pets are allowed to fly in the passenger areas. It should be a big discount for me to fly with people and their pets,” another person commented.
There was general concern about people who might have allergies.
“Pets on flights only affect people with allergies, they should be informed if they request it,” one person said.
Of those who were not too concerned, one pointed out that passengers would be able to see if a pet was in the cabin with them before boarding, and that they could “discuss with staff whether any need to be taken into account passengers with allergies. for seat changes”.
The prospect of being able to bring their pets on board also excited many people.
“If you’re flying on a carrier that allows pets on board, which is a fantastic idea by the way, you should assume there’s probably an animal on board,” one person said.
While another, who has previously traveled with pets on planes in the US, said the best way forward is to ensure communications with passengers are clear.
“Some people may feel uncomfortable, so frequent general advice that pets are now allowed on board would give people the opportunity to ask to be advised on an individual basis,” they noted.
“We’re also pleased that Australia is catching up with the world with many more pet-friendly properties across the country, so flying with pets is the next step.”
Earlier this month, more details about Virgin Australia’s pet plane were revealed.
Small dogs and cats can fly test routes before other routes are added. The animals are only allowed on board if they travel in carriers that fit under the passenger seat.
The rule only applies to small dogs and cats. However, if you bring a furry friend, an additional $100-$150 will be added to the cost of a ticket.
“It’s something that happens often overseas and has been proven to work well,” CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said at the time of the announcement.
“Nearly 70 percent of Australian households own a pet, so this announcement is of great importance to much of the country.”