Virgin Australia is set to make tails wag and hearts flutter with news this year, that pets will be allowed to be by your side in the sky. Virgin Australia has unveiled plans to introduce pet-friendly flights, marking a significant milestone in the realm of air travel.
The proposal, subject to regulatory approval and anticipated to take flight within the next year, has pet lovers across the nation eagerly anticipating the opportunity to jet-set with their beloved companions in tow. Surveys conducted by the airline have shown overwhelming support from both social media followers and pet-owning Australians, with an overwhelming majority expressing their desire to travel alongside their furry pals.
Speaking at a press conference held at Melbourne Airport, Virgin Australia Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka expressed her excitement over the airline’s pioneering initiative.
“Our love for animals has always been in the Virgin Australia DNA and we are excited at the prospect of taking off with Australia’s first-ever pets in cabin flights,” said Ms Hrdlicka.
“Overwhelmingly, our guests tell us they want to travel with their pets, and we are now on a journey to make that a reality. It’s something that commonly happens overseas and is proven to work well.
“Almost 70 per cent of Australian households have a pet, so this announcement is really significant for a large proportion of the country. It’s also a great thing for pet-friendly accommodation providers who will benefit greatly from increased connectivity and the ease for travellers to fly with their pets. It really will be a whole new economy for pet travel in Australia.
“Pets on flights is another example of Virgin Australia leading the way with new and improved service offerings and first-to-market experiences for our guests.”
Drawing inspiration from successful pet-friendly programs in North America, Virgin Australia aims to redefine the in-flight experience for both passengers and their four-legged friends. To ensure the comfort and safety of all passengers and crew members, pets onboard Virgin Australia flights will be allocated to specific rows on applicable routes, with strict guidelines prohibiting them from roaming freely or occupying laps. Owners are required to have their animals secured in a Virgin Australia-approved pet carrier beneath the seat in front of them throughout the duration of the flight.
Virgin Australia will implement a fee for guests eligible to bring their pets onboard, pending regulatory approval.
For those unable to bring their pets in-cabin, Virgin Australia will continue to facilitate pet transportation as cargo through approved carrier services.
Approved assistance animals will remain exempt from fees and restrictions, retaining their ability to accompany their owners in the cabin of Virgin Australia aircraft at no additional cost.
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