Pampered pooches take to the sky
Gold Coast pet owners can soon take their pampered pooches on flights to Melbourne.
Virgin Australia is running a three-month trila of in-cabin pet flights between Gold Coast and Melbourne from Thursday, 16 October.
Eligible pets will be able to travel for an introductory price of $149 per animal, per flight.
The service is expected to be expanded to all eligible Virgin Australia domestic flights next year.
Virgin Australia said it has already consulting with other international airlines operating similar services, consulted closely with animal welfare organisations and addressed feedback from frequent travellers.
Virgin Australia Group Chief Executive Officer Dave Emerson said the airline was thrilled to go on sale with Australia’s first-ever Pets in Cabin flights.
“Our guests have been telling us for years how much they want to travel alongside their pets and now they finally can,’’ Mr Emerson said.
“It’s a model that’s proven successful in the US and Europe and we’re thrilled to bring it to Australia.
“With almost 70 per cent of households owning a pet, we expect the service to be embraced by pet lovers all around the country.
“Beyond convenience for pet owners, the service is also set to boost the pet-friendly travel sector, including hotels and tourism operators.”
Veterinarian and pet expert, Dr Katrina Warren, welcomed the launch the service, calling it a milestone.
“As both a vet and pet owner, I understand how deeply Australians love their pets and treat them as cherished family members, Dr Warren said.
“Flying with pets in the cabin has already proven successful overseas, and I’m thrilled to see Virgin Australia leading the way with this Australian first.
“It’s a meaningful step forward, making travel more accessible for pet owners and acknowledging the important role pets play in our lives,” she said.
Only small dogs will be allowed in the cabin during the trial but cats will not initially be permitted on flights between Melbourne and the Gold Coast. There will be a limit of four dogs per flight and each dog (plus carrier) will have to weight less than 8kg.
Pets will travel in an soft-sided leak-proof carrier measuring no more than 44cm x 26cm x 28cm. Absorbent mats must be placed inside the carrier when travelling. Carriers are available for purchase from pet supply retailers.
The pooches will be stowed in their carriers under the seat in front of the owner for the duration of the flight. Pets will not be allowed out of the carrier at any time.
Seating will be restricted to two rows (seats 18A and 18F and 20A and 20F) and owners must provide proof of up-to-date vaccinations before travel. Pets with health conditions are unable to travel.
Virgin Australia will continue to offer pets to be transported as cargo on all eligible domestic services through approved pet carrier services.
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