Virgin Airlines Are Considering Letting Pets in the Cabin and Now I Wanna Travel More

“Fido will have the chicken, please.”

Great news for anyone who just can’t leave their pets when they travel: Virgin Airlines are thinking about allowing pets inside the airplane cabin by Christmas.

The potential relaxing of rules has come from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority who have said that from 2 December they’ll be taking a new approach to how pets can travel.

Speaking on 3AW Breakfast, CASA spokesperson Peter Gibson said despite the rule change, there will need to be some things to sort out before airlines will go ahead with it.

“From a safety point of view, what we’re saying is they should think about not in exit rows because the dog could get in the way… and not in the aisles.” Gibson told the radio show.

“It’s not 100 per cent simple but what we’re saying from a rules point of view is as long as the safety rules are ticked off we’re not going to get in the way of it.”

You beauty, Gibson!

Currently, if you’re wanting to take your doggo or cat on a flight in Australia, they will be caged and placed below in the cargo hold which can cost a fair bit and also put the animal under quite a lot of stress.

With these new rules, you could have man’s best friend (or a cat) sitting next to you in 26D.

Qantas and Jetstar have already said they won’t be changing their own rules to allow pets in the cabin (boo), but Virgin Australia haven’t made up their mind yet according to The Australian.

“We’ll consider the regulatory changes as part of a wider pet travel review we’re currently undertaking,” a Virgin Australia spokesperson said.

Okay, so it’s not official yet. However, regardless of what Virgin’s decision may be, service dogs will continue to be allowed in the cabin.

Defs should be noted that air travel in Australia is limited right now with the latest COVID related lockdowns and border closures, but once we get the all clear, why not go on a holiday to Tassie with your sausage dog?