Pets approved in Australian aircraft cabins, airlines still reluctant
New aviation rules allow airlines to decide whether to carry animals in aircraft cabins, but their policies haven’t yet changed.
By Matt Lennon, April 29 2022
Australia’s aviation regulator is now leaving it up to the airlines' discretion whether or not pets can be carried inside the passenger cabin.
Relaxed rules now in effect state that animals other than designated service dogs can theoretically travel in the seat next to you on your next domestic flight.
“The regulations do not require the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to approve the carriage of animals in aircraft,” the regulator says, with “the responsibility on the operator and pilot in command of the aircraft for ensuring the safety of the flight when an animal is carried on an aircraft.”
Despite the rule change five months ago, Australia’s major airlines have expressed mixed views on the subject.
Qantas and Jetstar confirmed to Executive Traveller there are no plans to change the current stance on allowing animals other than service dogs into their passenger cabins. The airlines said pets travel in a special part of the hold where the temperature and noise are similar to the passenger cabin.
Virgin Australia has a more open mind on the matter, and is reviewing the potential to offer such a product in future. For now, its policy on allowing service dogs only will remain in place, as will the ability to earn Velocity points for pets travelling as freight.
At the time of writing, Rex was yet to respond to the rule change, but deputy chairman John Sharp has previously suggested the airline could let passengers buy a second seat for their pet. For now, the current policy of carrying pets in the cargo hold remains active, apart from service dogs.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority suggests a number of factors will need to be considered by the airlines.
“When giving permission, you may need to consider the type of animal and how it is carried, contained and restrained; its reaction to noise and being out of its natural environment; nuisance to other passengers; distraction to flight crew; and how excrement or fluids will be contained,” the new CASA rules state.
Of passengers and pooches
The logistics of carrying pets in planes throw up some arguable points. Some travellers are likely to be allergic to cat hair or other parts of animals, so how would this affect their flight?
For airlines, will affected guests be allowed to reschedule for free – or would the pet owner be asked to move to a later flight (and potentially risk the same problem repeating itself)?
According to the Australian Financial Review, Virgin Australia was carrying as many as 30,000 pets annually on its services prior to the pandemic. If adopted, the new allowance could increase the likelihood of somebody choosing to fly with their pet rather than take alternative transport, and thus increase the chance of you encountering a pet on your flight. Inversely, some travellers may simply prefer not to have pets in the aircraft cabin with them, for myriad reasons not already mentioned. For now, the status quo remains. One traveller eager to see the rule embraced has started a Change.org petition calling for airlines to follow the regulator’s lead and acquiesce to allowing pets in cabins. Citing her preference to fly to visit interstate relatives as opposed to a nine-hour drive, the traveller says Australia is behind many other countries in offering a robust system catering to pets on flights, suggesting one designated flight per day between major capitals should be a minimum standard. “Australia claims to be a 'pet/dog friendly' country, however why are we years behind other leading countries when it comes to travelling with our furbabies,” the petition reads. “Our airlines need to be serving us better, and be more inclusive. It's time for us to put the pressure on them to make this change.”
Jetpets is one service assisting travellers with transporting their pets.
24 Jun 2020
Total posts 46
I have been on 100's of flights maybe even 1,000's and I would rather be seated next to a dog, preferably my own dog, than a few of the so-called passengers I have had the dismay of seating next to. Both it seems have no control over their body smells.....woof
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
07 Mar 2016
Total posts 2
Is a plane going to become like more and more locations where pet owners force their love of their animal on everyone else? What about people with phobias of dogs or cats? Perhaps airlines could designate certain flights as "per friendly" to give passengers choice
I don't think I'll fly with an airline with a blanket pet on board policy.
29 Apr 2022
Total posts 2
I wish they would have flights with out children. Would much rather be sitting next to an animal than a snot nosed whiny little brat.
Get over yourself.
30 Apr 2022
Total posts 2
If would ultimately be your choice to stay home.
I don't see why your preferences need to impose limitations on others
06 Feb 2022
Total posts 2
Correct, if you have to take your pet everywhere you go, maybe you need to stay home & not impose your preference on every other passenger flying on a plane. Animals have been successfully flown on aircraft all over the world &in Australia, in the pressurised, heated cargo holds for over 50 years. Meet & greet your pet immediately after you pick up your checked baggage.
QF
11 Jul 2014
Total posts 1010
I’m no fan of pets in cabins, it only take one owner to wreck it for everyone else’s pets. I had a trip from Zurich to LA back in 2006 with a dog under the seat across the isle, the dog was well behaved only barked twice. Here in Australia I can’t see that happening (owners being well behaved).
25 Jun 2021
Total posts 29
I am a pet owner 2 Black labs, too old for a plane trip now, but if they were younger it would be handy. Valid points on what if a dog wees/poos but highly unlikely on a short flight, dogs would need to be well behaved, and as with all dogs theres a element of surprise, same thing can be said for humans, who at times are evil. Maybe the approach should be a few rows at the rear for dog travellers, and see if that works, if so add it to more flights. It needs to be tested then make a call.
We allow for so much diversity in Humans, allowing pets cant be all that bad.
25 Feb 2022
Total posts 17
The most ridiculous offering by an airline outside of service dogs and not sure why they are exempt. People love their pets more than their children. So you now have to take pot luck and sit next to a smelly, furry, flee bag, allergy carrying animal, that will crap and urinate on longer length sectors? - What are we running here Virgin a third world airline. So much for the Health focus, now we are coming out of Covid. If this is the future can I suggest building a barn at the back of the plane and all animal lovers and their pets can role around in the hay the whole trip to their hearts content, without disturbing and enforcing this on other paying passengers.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
02 Apr 2020
Total posts 10
Service dogs would be exempt (allowed) because a) they're trained and b) necessary for the safe travel of their passenger.
I agree that in all other circumstances all other passengers shouldn't risk "pot luck and sit next to a smelly, furry, flee bag, allergy carrying animal". Then again, we currently take pot luck and sit next to a smelly, furry, flee bag, virus carrying passengers.
One other thing - we're NOT "coming out of Covid'' - we're just collectively kidding ourselves because we're all tired of it. Check the case numbers: we're still averaging over 40,000 new cases every day and close to 300 deaths each week.
29 Apr 2022
Total posts 2
Children spread more sickness by far than animals and animals tend to be better behaved on planes than children.
In the US flying with pets is common and I've never had a single issue with a pet being annoying. Can't count how many times some kid had kicked the back of my seat half the flight or babies crying through the whole trip.
You sound like such a Karen.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer - Chairmans Lounge
01 Sep 2011
Total posts 416
No please let's not have this happen here. All the more reason to stick with Qantas. I can accept dogs for the vision impaired but not the type stuff that happens in the USA with "support animals". It's a farce in the USA and just allows people to avoid the cost of the animal travelling in the hold. I definitely don't want non 2 legged animals near me on a plane, well behaved or not.
17 Apr 2020
Total posts 13
Call me old-fashioned but I grew up in an age where animals lived outside. I could perhaps cope with a cat in the cabin but the smell from a dog makes me gag. I have traveled with a seeing eye dog on the floor in row 1 domestically but I can see no reason for any other animals in the aircraft cabin when they is a specific heated and pressurised hold in the aircraft belly for them.
25 Feb 2022
Total posts 17
Even with seeing eye dogs that should be in the hold, and when they last they are brought to the passenger, just like those who need assistance getting off the plane.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
28 Oct 2011
Total posts 467
What a totally self-centred attitude you have. Have a bit of compassion for people with such a serious disability, for whom their dog is simply an extension of themselves, meaning they don't have to rely on the kindness of other humans. Clearly not all humans are kind.
06 Feb 2022
Total posts 2
John, I don’t think there’s much issue with Guide Dogs or properly trained & socialised Assistance Dogs but other passengers should not be allocated seating directly beside them. There are many people in our society now who are scared of dogs, or culturally find dogs “ unclean” even when they are not, plus others who do suffer allergies to dog hair/ dander & even more who are allergic to cat hair. These allergies can create an acute, sometimes life threatening medical incident. Not something to be risked at 30,000 feet. And turn around times on aircraft may limit time available for cleaners to vacuum/ sanitise a seat occupied on one flight where an animal has sat, prior to a passenger being allocated that seat on the next flight that aircraft flies. Pet dogs & cats, rats, rabbits, miniature goats, miniature horses can travel in the aircraft hold or remain at home. In USA miniature horses have been allegedly carried in passenger cabins as “ assistance animals”! I’m a horse owner, grown with dogs, cats, rats as pets & I think its a bad trend to treat pets as “ children who must accompany you everywhere you go”. Even actual children don’t, always!
QF
11 Jul 2014
Total posts 1010
@Explore88
Reminds me of this saying;
When your dead you won't know your dead others will feel your pain
Same rule applies when you make stupid comments
03 May 2013
Total posts 680
The most amazingly heartless , let alone ignorant, comment ever on ET. Get your facts right about Seeing Eye Dogs right.
29 Apr 2022
Total posts 1
So in an emergency we will have dogs AND humans freaking out with utter chaos of dog leads, barking and biting whilst cabin crew are trying to get us safely evacuated. Madness. Astonishing CASA approved this.
25 Feb 2022
Total posts 17
That is so amazingly true!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
28 Oct 2011
Total posts 467
Hopefully the dogs would bark and bite at people who slow down the evacuation process by insisting that they take their three pieces of hand luggage down the slide with them.
22 Jan 2021
Total posts 6
in the USA, this small and quiet dog started the flight on the owner's lap at the window, but as the centre seat was empty it was placed there without any negotiation with the passenger in the aisle seat ...
It was a relief that the dog could read and was interested in the article on the iPad!!
This will happen in Aus if all pet owners are allowed to carry their pet on board ... but there will be people who aren't as accommodating as the human reader.
Look forward to ructions that the cabin crew will need to referee.
g6s
22 Jan 2021
Total posts 6
Pity my photo that I copied and pasted could not be included when the post was published ...
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 Jan 2014
Total posts 124
Why are service animals exempt? Are you kidding me. You know service animals are for more than just the blind (who rely on them). Dogs can be used to detect epilepsy, seizures etc etc they are literally the difference between life and death for some people.
Learn empathy.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 Jan 2014
Total posts 124
Oh and shame on people wanting to be self sufficient even on a plane I guess?
06 Feb 2021
Total posts 58
Please no, a hundred times no. As noted by others, a lot of animals are not well behaved, just like their owners. The owners though at least hopefully understand basic instructions about sitting down and not misbehaving, (end of season footy hooligans and hen doos excepted,) whereas an animal that has never been trained appropriately does not. Certain dog breeds can kill, and have, are we going to allow them on a plane ? As already noted with the allergy and phobia issues, if a passenger refuses to travel in a seat adjacent to one with an animal in close proximity, who gets bumped, the owner and animal, or the objector ? Lawyers will be salivating at the potential for " distress and inconvenience, " claims.
Any animal inside the cabin of a plane, other than registered and approved service dog, is a class one stupid idea.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
29 May 2020
Total posts 35
Works very well in Europe - can’t see why it can’t work here too.
06 Feb 2021
Total posts 58
That, I would suggest, is a matter of opinion.
15 Sep 2016
Total posts 7
This is a terrible idea. We will never, ever forget an Alitalia flight from Barcelona to Rome in 2006, a passenger had a dog that had a diarrhea attack just after take-off, and the ensuing - and truly incredible - stench permeated the cabin for the whole 5+ hours flight. The incident caused mass chaos as there were no spare seats to move any of the violently-retching passengers to after a rush of economy passengers to the not-much-better-smelling business class section. One passenger was even trying to open the door of the plane and was being restrained by crew. Everyone had to cover their noses for the entire flight. It was the flight from hell. There is no way I would ever again fly on an airline that allows this. I can conjure up this appalling smell even now, 16 years later.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 Jan 2014
Total posts 124
Should we also ban humans? I once caught a flight with someone who violently exploded from both ends. I’ve been on flights where people changed nappys in the cabin. Been on more flights I can count where a baby/child has relieved them selves in their pants.
Simple fact is 99% of people/animal/children do the right thing. I am sure you have had countless flights with animals since that hasn’t resulted in any negativity because you didn’t even notice they were on the flight, especially in the us and europe.
12 Jul 2019
Total posts 12
One can only just tolerate another person's bowels or perhaps a baby being changed if forced to whilst air travelling, however, there is NO REASON to have to put up with animals potentially creating the same sort of pong and or disturbance in an enclosed cabin space ... They are not humans and are not on the same level as one... They are an animal being treated as a pseudo child and they and their owners should not be allowed together on any plane and having instances ( countries) where they do..... doesn't make it right and mean we have to follow suit. It's not a race to the bottom and Australia is smarter than that. Leave the animals at home in the first place......Commonsense please.!
25 Feb 2022
Total posts 17
The last sentence context the whole situation - bravo!
23 Jul 2017
Total posts 99
This situation wasn't as bad, but I was travelling in a first class train carriage in the UK and a pooch defaecated. The bloke who owned it did his best to clean up, but the stench drove all other passengers to change carriages. You can't do that on a plane. You're stuck with the vile smell for the rest of the trip. Love me, love my dog (or cat), doesn't work. I don't know you, and I certainly don't love your animal. Call me selfish, but I don't want animals (other than service dogs) on planes. Why is it that the minority want special treatment just because "they do it overseas"? Airlines of Australia, stand your ground for the majority of passengers.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
12 Jan 2017
Total posts 23
Wow, a flight about the same distance as Sydney to Sunshine Coast took 5+ hours?
I've told you a billion times, don't exaggerate.
30 Jun 2020
Total posts 6
A billion??? :-}
12 Jul 2019
Total posts 12
No Thanks ... No way..... I do not want to fly with animals... I did it once in the USA and that was bad enough.
Animals belong outside of the house, they are not pseudo-children even though many hold that pathetic status
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 Jan 2014
Total posts 124
Pathetic for loving something that provides companionship and joy? Not wanting to incessantly stress an animal by separating for weeks at a time?
05 Feb 2020
Total posts 31
Stevo1958 I so agree with you on this. The suedo children thing is weird and those that think their dog is a child needs a psychiatrist. They dont see the hair left all over the lounge suite or on their clothes, the slobber on their car windows or scratches in their leather seats. It would be the same on aircraft, I would ditch that airline in a heart beat if they took dogs in the main cabin.
07 Sep 2019
Total posts 2
Not sure there is too much difference to pets and children in this instance. If they are quiet and well behaved it’s ok… addition to another commenters view… maybe the “pet/child friendly” flights could be an option?!
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
04 Sep 2015
Total posts 25
I do NOT want to fly with animals at all.
21 Jul 2011
Total posts 89
If this forum represents the flying public, then the people have spoken. Computer says no.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 Jan 2014
Total posts 124
It doesn’t.
04 Jan 2019
Total posts 2
What’s the definition of “pet” is it confined to cats and dogs or could I bring my pet horse, elephant, snake, rat, bird - these could all be classed as pets and to be “inclusive” as someone put it, would have to be allowed into the cabin if airlines go down that path. It’s a no pets in the cabin vote from me. Leave your pet at home or put it in the hold which seems to be totally adequate for pets.
11 Dec 2019
Total posts 8
Yes, yes,yes….all the way however there should be “pet” specific flights on each city pair so all those who are unfortunately unable to appreciate the love pets bring to thousands of people everyday can fly on the other flights as I certainly would want to avoid flying with anyone who doesn’t love animals!!!! And oh boy, even now, at the point end of the plane there are far, far much more appalling behaviour then any dog or cat can demonstrate!
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
12 Nov 2017
Total posts 20
I was on the A380 to Singapore flying on Good Friday from Sydney and there were two dogs in Business Class. It was quite lovely to see.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 Jan 2014
Total posts 124
Stephen my flight Singapore to Paris the other week and had a rescue greyhound on the flight. Got to pat it and it just curled up under the seat and slept the whole way.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
12 Nov 2017
Total posts 20
Brilliant!
01 Jul 2021
Total posts 33
those are such sweet stories I can't wait dogs on planes in Australia I know this comment will get a lot of hate and I don't care now I don't have to put my dog under the plane when I fly wondering if she will made it out alive and now knowing she will be in the cabin with me safe and sound makes me happy also Aussie's hate change I bet all hate will blow over in a few years and everyone will look back on this and laugh.
12 Jul 2019
Total posts 12
So are you saying that is how every animal on every flight will behave? No? I thought not, so why give one off examples when it has no relevance to the overall argument.
12 Jul 2019
Total posts 12
Hopefully it wasn't SIA... I'm flying Bris to Sing tomorrow, business and the last thing I will want is a dog in business class.
I would be extremely unhappy and would complain long and hard.
As a long term loyal SIA flyer, I would change airlines immediately if dogs were to be allowed.. It's bad enough when we have tolerate kids in business class.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
02 Apr 2020
Total posts 10
I'm against the idea - said that already - but I'm not sure that 'class of travel' should be brought in to the discussion.
What next? Banish children from all airport lounges and restrict them to rows n-10 to n-3 of all planes, with rows n-2 to n being for the pets?
30 Jun 2020
Total posts 6
Now you're talking. When I start my airline, you can run it for me!
12 Jul 2019
Total posts 12
I think the Change petition says it all.. " WE want our FURBABIES.....etc "
Clearly these people think their animals are at the level of humans/family... They are not and never will be.
25 Jun 2021
Total posts 29
Er. Think there family 100% they are what a stupid thing to say.
18 Aug 2021
Total posts 6
I would not travel on any airline that allows pet dogs in the passenger cabin. Apart from the obvious health issues for asthmatics and allergy sufferers (i.e. peanuts are not offered on many flights to protect allergic passengers) I don't think anyone would want to be in the situation during an emergency where pet dogs would take the evacuation space of a human being, and the last thing you would want is a panicked dog amongst panicked people. Safety of human passengers should be the priority of airlines.
Perhaps airlines can allocate a dedicated dog plane (i.e. plane only used for dogs and their owners and not in general service) otherwise if the airline uses any plane, then it will end up with a few dogs and owners and the majority of people selecting other transport or more hygenic airlines. Airlines would also have to clearly indicate during the booking and check-in phases that dogs are booked in the cabin and show their seat number so other passengers can decide if they want to travel on that flight or want to reserve a seat far from the dog.
07 Nov 2020
Total posts 39
I'd rather fly with a plane full of dogs than people and children any day!
01 Jul 2021
Total posts 33
got that right I'll take a barking dog over a karen and crying child any day.
29 Apr 2022
Total posts 1
Sorry,
I am not keen to have any pets in the cabin and I would avoid flights that do. Imagine that the aircraft has just crashed and we need to evacuate. What priority do pets have? Are they considered hand luggage and should be left behind? If not then should airlines also include them in the total passenger count? I think the airlines have approval for maximum number of passengers for each different aircraft type based on evacuation times. Have the evacuation simulations include pets of different sizes/temperaments. What about sharp claws on the escape slides? How would the pet react to fire/smoke/noise? Sorry no go for pets.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
12 Jan 2017
Total posts 23
Dog owner here. I'm happy to keep my dog in an appropriate hold, and pay the necessary charges for doing so.
There are enough other dog owners, let alone non-dog owners that are scared of my German Shepherd. She is well socialised, friendly and can easily wait 12 hours to go to the toilet. But I also understand that the vast majority of people don't know that, and their discomfort is more likely to make me uptight, which my dog will pick up on.
My only disappointment was the one time a dog of mine was transported from Sydney to London, she didn't play up in the hold of the A380 we were on. I would have been down there to have a look around in a heartbeat 😉 oh, and to settle her down.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
12 Jan 2017
Total posts 23
By the way, she happily travels on the tube here in London. We won't board the carriage if it is too crowded, but that isn't a guarantee that it won't fill up on the 15 minutes into Central London.
Some people will avoid her, others will want to pet her. The biggest issue tends to be if there is another dog in the carriage that hasn't been socialised well. Those dogs tend to bark and growl, whilst mine will happily enjoy the ride.
12 Jul 2019
Total posts 12
What one animal is capable of doesn't apply to all animals or breeds and therefore the criteria for all animal travel shouldn't be based on your opinion of whether your animal can travel without problem.
There is something wrong with people who feel the need to cart their animals around in public with them.....There are many of them.
25 Feb 2022
Total posts 17
...you make an excellent point, there are people who are hugely phobic about dogs, they freak out and the dog freaks out. And let's face it, airlines can't even control humans on flights.
Jetstar Airways - Qantas Frequent Flyer
14 Jan 2017
Total posts 67
I would want to see what effect pets would have on evacuation scenarios. Also how do they wear an oxygen mask or life jacket. Finally it would be interesting to see how much they engage with the safety briefing.
25 Feb 2022
Total posts 17
... and what is the order of evacuation women and children and animals first?
25 Feb 2022
Total posts 17
All those who want pets sitting next to them fine, just ring-fence the flight, in other words if in Virgins insanity of encouraging a flying Arc, then this should be clearly stated for that flight, flights for humans and flights for animals. Lets face it, humans already are following their dogs picking up their crap, now humans are getting bumped by Fido. Are we heading towards Planet of the Apes.
20 Sep 2017
Total posts 5
I love all animals and have had dogs most of my life. They are not my children, but they rely on me just as much. My two current kelpies live indoors, but are not allowed upstairs where our bedrooms are (basic hygiene and hair control).
If be happy to take them on a holiday flight, but not a business flight and I think dedicated flights or a limited location on more flights would be OK, especially if the policy was to limit the total number of pets on a general flight and enforce pet nappies (yes, they exist).
My concerns would be having pet hair all over my suit heading into a meeting, because they'll never fully get pet hair out of the seats and carpets (ever seen a dog owners car?), other people with pet allergies and phobias and besides, how would pets unblock their sensitive ears during altitude changes?
One World
31 Mar 2020
Total posts 18
As was stated before, pigs, horses, snakes, iguanas and every other animal can be a pet, monkeys, alligators, can I bring a pit bull on board a crowded plane, he is so sweet and gentle, I'm allergic to pet hair, if I get violently sick and hospitalised will the airline be liable, if there was some accident where a pig fell out of an aircraft, then pigs really can fly.
30 Apr 2022
Total posts 2
I think it's time to have;
- cry baby flights
- over 16s flight
- pet flights
- everything goes flights
Then, just book which ever one you are happy with
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
03 Jan 2014
Total posts 11
Pet owners choose to have a pet, they should accept the inconvenience of a pet by not imposing them on others in the confines of a plane cabin.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
21 Aug 2013
Total posts 138
"PARENTS <Pet owners> choose to have a CHILD <pet>, they should accept the inconvenience of a CHILD <pet> by not imposing them on others in the confines of a plane cabin."
22 Mar 2013
Total posts 10
I have a dog, and love to travel with my dog (all my dogs have flown many times). But I don't see a need to put them in the cabin, only a need to reverse the absolutely asinine rules they put in place during the pandemic for pets travelling in a hold.
Both majors have mandated booking even domestic travel through a 3rd party company "in case you get quarantined after your flight". There's no more quarantine, but this policy remains. Not only that, you're not allowed to fly on the same flight as your animal.
This has made animal transport near impossible and very expensive. They don't need to be in the cabins, just bringing back the reduced rate for having a pet in the hold when they're flying with you would be more than fine!
06 Feb 2021
Total posts 58
I would like all of those posting they should be allowed to take their pets on a plane, to answer the following questions before posting a reply.
1/ If an animal allergic or phobia person is allocated a seat near an animal, who has to move, and/or, who gets bumped if other passengers refuse to move ?
2/ The latest statistics I can find are from 2013-14, but in that year, almost 4,000 people in Australia were hospitalized as a result of an injury inflected by a dog. That is a rate of 17 cases per 100,000 population. Evidence from both here and overseas is that the rate of dog attacks is increasing each year. Why should airlines, or passengers, accept this increased chance of injury just to satisfy those who can't cope without their pet on a flight ? Are pet owners going to be happy to accept full responsibility for the costs incurred, particularly if a flight has to be diverted due to the seriousness of the injury ?
3/ The permission to carry comfort animals on flights in the US was an unmitigated disaster, and was/or is, being reversed. Why should Australia repeat it ?
4/ If you think people should be able to take pets on flights, what is excluded, snakes, rats, etc ?
5/ If restricted to dogs and cats, are Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Bull Mastiffs, and/or German Shepherds trained as aggressive guard dogs acceptable ? If not, how, and where, do you rule on a line on what breed or size dog is, and what is not, acceptable in the cabin ?
Service dogs are highly trained, over an extended period, and they can, and should be permitted, but other animals are not trained to that level. I don't care how lovely you think you pet is, you cannot expect everyone else to share that view, any more than parents can expect everyone to find their offspring an absolute delight. And I write this as someone who is animal friendly.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
02 Apr 2020
Total posts 10
Nice approach Ian, however it seems that most 'contributors' on here don't read what's been written by others before chipping in their own (repeated) opinions.
Regarding Q5. if I owned a Malamute, that'd be OK wouldn't it ... he/shey (it/they) might find cigar smoking soothing - so lets bring that back too, but maybe only on the starboard side of the aircraft. After all, we can't continue discriminating against the entitled and opinionated minorities, can we?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
01 May 2022
Total posts 1
I have 2 dogs and travel 4-5 times a year for personal reasons and possibly 30-40 trips a year for business. As a business traveller I would not want to deal with animals (and avoid children). However being able to save myself from a 2 day (4 day return) drive from Melbourne to Noosa would be great.
Why wouldn’t airlines schedule 1 or 2 flights a week on each route that cater for pets? When saving days of driving, a personal traveller would probably be happy to work with less flexibility if they could take their pets. If scheduled well, the airline could use the same plane/s for all of their pet routes avoiding allergy issues between pet and non pet flights.
This seems like something solved with good coordination by the airline, rather than a binary Y/N to allowing pets on all their services.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
14 Jan 2020
Total posts 1
what joke... touchy feely brigade in over drive... would love to have a dozen cats and dogs on board fighting and crapping... bad enough with all the "humans" that dont know how to be an adult
I sincerely hope that at least one airline stays pet free on board - at least we'll have a choice - otherwise I'll be driving
service dogs of course should be the only exception..!
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on Pets approved in Australian aircraft cabins, airlines still reluctant