Virgin Australia to welcome pets in cabin soon

Friday, March 8, 2024

Virgin Australia is on the verge of becoming the nation’s pioneering airline to permit pets to accompany their owners in the cabin. This innovative step has drawn insights from two specialists from RMIT.

Melissa Laing, an expert in animal companionship, observes that pets are regarded as family members by a significant majority of Australian homes, with 69% being described as ‘interspecies families’. Laing emphasizes the profound bonds shared between humans and their pets, akin to those with fellow humans, especially among those experiencing social isolation.

She advocates for the inclusion of pets in flight travel, arguing it acknowledges and respects the human-animal relationship. Laing also points out the reciprocal benefits of this bond, suggesting that allowing pets on flights could enhance the well-being benefits of travel. She raises concerns, however, about potential issues such as allergies, fears, and the stress on both the pet and the owner, questioning whether the initiative serves the interests of pets as well as their owners.

Dr. Iryna Heiets, an aviation lecturer, contextualizes Virgin Australia’s move within the highly competitive global aviation sector, noting the airline’s efforts to differentiate itself from other major domestic carriers. With a substantial portion of Australian households owning pets, Virgin Australia’s decision, informed by a social media survey, to introduce ‘pets in cabin’ flights reflects a strategic move to cater to pet owners.

Heiets suggests this could provide Virgin Australia with a competitive edge, marking it as a pet-friendly choice and potentially increasing revenue through the associated service fees. She highlights the global precedent for such policies, pointing to several international airlines that already accommodate small pets in the cabin, suggesting Virgin Australia’s initiative might inspire similar changes within the Australian aviation industry.

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