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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....

Quote:

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

Madam, did your precious 'pooch' fart, or was that you...???

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.

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.

15A dog, 15B cat, 15C dog. What could possibly go wrong! :{

I’m backing the Cat. :}

The carrier I own for my scale-model dawg wouldn't fit in the overhead rack, much less under the seat.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capn Bloggs (Post 11610673)

15A dog, 15B cat, 15C dog. What could possibly go wrong! :{

Or snake, guinea pig, snake?

I once ended up in the dog lounge of an overnight ferry, when my original trip (with dog cabin) was cancelled.

14 dogs (not in carriers) and one RABBIT - FFS. Mayhem

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capt Fathom (Post 11610674)

I’m backing the Cat. :}

Not so sure Capn’ :} I inherited a chihuahua and it’s an angry little f#&ker……..

Cover the cage with a towel or small blanket, pet goes to sleep.

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'......

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.

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.

How long before a pax sues Virgin or their fellow pax due to being bitten or suffering from an allergic reaction?

Perhaps Jane, is going for the Greyhound Bus look?

Pets and children should be in the cargo hold.

Isn’t it a bit too early for 1st April stunt?

So if carry on is under the weight limits, will these rat sized dogs now travel as part of the free carry on allowance ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Baron (Post 11611172)

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.

"A lifejacket for your pet, sir?!?" "We have two sizes.. small and extra-small"..

Maybe a cat-flap in the exit door??

Hey, at least there'll be a supply of fresh meat on the liferaft. :hmm:

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?