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Virgin Australia will expand its pets-in-cabin service to flights between Melbourne and Cairns.
The offering, launched last year, will be extended to Cairns services starting 26 October, adding to existing pet-friendly services in Melbourne, Adelaide, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast.
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“Bringing Pets in Cabin flights to Cairns means Aussies can now bring their four-legged companions on a getaway to one of Queensland’s most popular holiday destinations,” said Virgin Australia chief customer officer Andrew Cleary.
“It is also great news for Cairns locals and tourism businesses, giving more pet-owning visitors the opportunity to stay, dine and explore locally, helping support accommodation providers, restaurants, attractions and tourism operators across the region.
“We know pets are part of the family, so for many Australians, being able to bring them along when they travel is really important.
“We know people are also thinking carefully about how they spend their holiday budget, and bringing your pet along means the whole family can enjoy the getaway together, without having to organise separate care at home.”
According to Virgin’s figures, more than 2,000 small cats and dogs have flown since the launch of pets-in-cabin services in October last year.
“The response tells us there is a real appetite for more pet-friendly destinations across the Virgin Australia network,” said Cleary.
“With Pets in Cabin flights now available on flights between Melbourne, Adelaide, the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast and Cairns, we’re giving more customers the choice to travel with their pets as they plan their next getaway.”
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.
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