Virgin Australia to allow pets on planes pending legal change

Hrdlicka said while they anticipated “the odd little yip that happens” it would be no different to a child crying.

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The pets on planes proposition, which is still subject to regulatory approval, is expected to take off within 12 months.

Hrdlicka said the regulator had signalled several years ago that they would allow it to happen, but there was a process to make sure Virgin was complying with its protocols. She said staff concerns would also be addressed through union discussions.

“Once that’s completed, then we’ll announce the finer details and the launch date,” she said.

“The flight attendants are pretty excited about this, at least those that I’ve spoken to. It will go through the appropriate processes now with their representative to make sure we’ve got everybody in and we’re taking that all on board.”

Melbourne Airport chief executive officer Lorie Argus said animals travelling on flights would not be allowed to wander around the airport before taking off.

Argus said pets being carried onboard would need to stay in their carrier while inside the airport. Melbourne Airport welcomed the idea, which would prove popular with travellers, she said.

“We look forward to working with Virgin Australia to make it a reality.”