Thomas Questions Virgin Australia's Pets on Planes

Airlineratings.com Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas has questioned Virgin Australia's initiative of allowing pets on planes.

Thomas appeared on Channel 9's News at Five and fielded a host of valid questions about pets on planes from viewers.

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On Thursday Virgin Australia announced its Pets on Planes strategy

The Virgin Australia 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.

READ: Why I used to hate Virgin BUT not anymore.

Proposed pets in cabin in-flight experience

For the comfort of all guests, Virgin Australia has today announced several parameters for pets in cabin flights:

• The service will be limited to small cats and dogs on specific domestic routes;
• Pets will be restricted to a limited number of designated rows and will not be allowed to roam freely or sit on laps;
• Pets must also be carried in a Virgin Australia-approved pet carrier under the seat in front of the owner for the duration of the flight.

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