Pup in the air! Pets will soon be allowed on some Australian flights – here’s how it will work

Unlike in some jurisdictions, pets will be confined to their carriers during the flight and will not be allowed to sit on laps, walk down the aisles or be taken to the bathroom. Photograph: Ryan Jello/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Pets on jets – it’s happening. From 16 October some owners will be allowed to take their furry friends on Virgin flights between Melbourne and Queensland.

In 2021, Australia’s air regulator, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, changed its rules so that airlines no longer require its explicit permission to carry animals. While other airlines still require pets to travel in the cargo hold, Virgin has led the charge, now allowing them to ride topside, in the cabin. But the national first has raised a lot of questions – from where they will sit, allergies to who picks up the poo – so let’s go through the details.