Varmints on Virgin
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,415
Likes: 432
From: Cab of a Freight Train
Varmints on Virgin
Seems like it won't only be bad BO, bothersome babies and cranky Karen's to deal with when flying anymore. Virgin has announced pocket pets will soon be able to travel in the cabin - but only if they can be stowed under the seat in front of you. Guess that leaves out a labrador, kelpie or a maremma then, even though they'd probably be better travellers than your average Paris Hilton-esque chihuahua...
Going by the last line though, I think they've missed the mark. I reckon the vast majority of travellers would prefer to have babies, through to kids under 10 seated in dedicated rows so we can book a seat away from them....
Going by the last line though, I think they've missed the mark. I reckon the vast majority of travellers would prefer to have babies, through to kids under 10 seated in dedicated rows so we can book a seat away from them....
Virgin Australia announces small dogs and cats to be allowed in cabin on domestic flights
Virgin Australia has announced it plans to become the country's first airline to allow pets to ride onboard. Small cats and dogs will be allowed on specific domestic flights with the service expected to launch within the next 12 months, subject to regulatory approval. The proposed changes will allow pets onboard a limited number of designated rows and they will need to remain in a Virgin-approved pet carrier for the whole flight.
"Our love for animals has always been in the Virgin Australia DNA and we are excited at the prospect of taking off with Australia's first-ever pets in cabin flights," Ms Hrdlicka said. "Overwhelmingly, our guests tell us they want to travel with their pets, and we are now on a journey to make that a reality."
She said it's something that commonly happens overseas and is proven to work well. "This is only a domestic opportunity for dogs and cats to travel onboard, it's a little complicated to do that internationally."
Ms Hrdlicka said the airline was working with the service regulator to figure out what the service might cost travellers. Pet carriers must fit under the seat in front in designated rows under the plan. She said the designated rows will also allow passengers who do not want to be near animals to book a seat away from them.
Source
Virgin Australia has announced it plans to become the country's first airline to allow pets to ride onboard. Small cats and dogs will be allowed on specific domestic flights with the service expected to launch within the next 12 months, subject to regulatory approval. The proposed changes will allow pets onboard a limited number of designated rows and they will need to remain in a Virgin-approved pet carrier for the whole flight.
"Our love for animals has always been in the Virgin Australia DNA and we are excited at the prospect of taking off with Australia's first-ever pets in cabin flights," Ms Hrdlicka said. "Overwhelmingly, our guests tell us they want to travel with their pets, and we are now on a journey to make that a reality."
She said it's something that commonly happens overseas and is proven to work well. "This is only a domestic opportunity for dogs and cats to travel onboard, it's a little complicated to do that internationally."
Ms Hrdlicka said the airline was working with the service regulator to figure out what the service might cost travellers. Pet carriers must fit under the seat in front in designated rows under the plan. She said the designated rows will also allow passengers who do not want to be near animals to book a seat away from them.
Source
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,195
Likes: 271
From: Equatorial
I say congratulations Virgin for being innovative. This is something many airlines have allowed for years.
The key here is must stay in the carrier, I can see that being the fun part to enforce.
Woof.
The key here is must stay in the carrier, I can see that being the fun part to enforce.
Woof.
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,646
Likes: 766
From: Australia
People get annoyed with crying babies, how are they going to cope with barking dogs and cats going off. Then there is the expectation that these fur babies are going to be kept in their cages for the whole flight. I will be interested to see how the boundaries of what constitutes a small dog is pushed.
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,157
Likes: 97
From: Up The 116E, Stbd Turn at 32S...:-)
Can one just 'imagine' the emerg vac procedures....
"Move to the nearest Emerg Exit - NOW - quickly, in an orderley manner.....
Oi YOU! Oi said NO friggen luggage lady / bloke / whatever......."
'Bye 'Fido'......
"Move to the nearest Emerg Exit - NOW - quickly, in an orderley manner.....
Oi YOU! Oi said NO friggen luggage lady / bloke / whatever......."
'Bye 'Fido'......
Joined: Oct 2019
Aviation Qualifications: Non-Aircrew
Posts: 1,704
Likes: 1,085
From: USA
Great. I've been getting some pushback for my emotional support alligator. This will increase the chances of a snack flight for Fluffy. Named for the tuft of fur that catches on the snaggle tooth after a meal. So cute.
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 196
Likes: 11
From: Above the Trenches
So what do you think the punters will do in an evacuation when they are told to "leave everything behind"? Interesting Coroner's report after an event. Fluffy the cat won't be left onboard.
I would have thought this will have a detrimental effect on Airline Liability Cover. I have no doubt CASA will approve it.
I'm with Griffo on this one.
I would have thought this will have a detrimental effect on Airline Liability Cover. I have no doubt CASA will approve it.
I'm with Griffo on this one.
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 1,094
Likes: 278
From: Melbourne, Victoria
Maybe a cat-flap in the exit door??
Hey, at least there'll be a supply of fresh meat on the liferaft.
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 144
Likes: 179
From: Pprune is ******
God, just get back to making money. What a stupid publicity stunt. As dumb as the time they gave out sweet or salty cadbury chocolate bars at breakfast (full fare offering) when I was there. A dog in 4 stripes speaks volumes to the upcoming flight crew EBA negotiations, I am afraid. I bet the FAAA are stoked this might be happening?