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Virgin Australia is extending its trial of pets in cabins after demand “well above initial forecasts”.
The trial, initially slated to finish at the end of January, will instead be extended to 30 June, with the airline reportedly seeing strong bookings as well as positive feedback from both customers and staff. More than 300 pets flew in the cabin on Virgin flights over the Christmas and New Year period alone.
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“Our decision to extend the Pets in Cabin service trial until June this year reinforces the value of innovating around what our guests care about, and we know that they care deeply about travelling with their pets,” said Virgin’s chief marketing and customer operations officer, Libby Minogue.
“We’ve not only received strong, positive feedback from pet owners, but also guests travelling without pets.
“As we continue to build on the success of Pets in Cabin flights over the coming months, we look forward to expanding the service to other eligible Virgin Australia domestic flights soon.”
The carrier is also set to allow cats to fly on all its Pets in Cabin flights starting 31 January, having previously restricted them to the Melbourne-Sunshine Coast route, and has signalled plans for expansion to further domestic services in coming months.
Veterinarian Dr Katrina Warren, who has supported Virgin’s Pets in Cabin rollout, has said she is “thrilled” to see the extension of the trial.
“This has been a game changer for pet parents with small dogs and cats, and I’ve received lots of positive feedback from people who have embraced this opportunity,” she said.
“It’s wonderful to see the success of the trial, and I hope it paves the way for a broader rollout in the near future.”
The only pets allowed on board Virgin flights are small dogs or cats in approved carriers, at an extra charge of $149. The combined weight of the pet and the carrier must not exceed 8kg, and they must be stowed under the seats in front at 18A, 18F, 20A, and 20F.
Carriers must be soft-sided and leak-proof, and pets will not be allowed out during the flight. Owners should also make use of external animal relief areas before entering the airport.
Service animals will continue to be allowed on flights as normal, and guests may still arrange to have pets transported in the hold as cargo.
Virgin’s main rivals, Qantas and Jetstar, do not plan to follow suit and allow pets at this stage.
