Small pets will soon be able to fly alongside their owners on some domestic flights, according to Virgin Australia.
The airline says its first “pet-friendly” flights will take-off before the end of the year.
But, how do you know if your pet will make a suitable flight companion?
Here’s how to assess if your pet is ready and prepare them for a flight, including navigating busy airport environments.
Which pets will be eligible to fly?
In March 2024, Virgin Australia announced that “small cats and dogs will be allowed on certain domestic routes, confined to designated rows and carriers under the seat”.
It’s the first time an Australian commercial airline has offered in-cabin pet travel, with pets currently travelling as freight.
In July, the airline got the green light from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) to carry small animals in the cabin. However, the final decision on whether animals are allowed on a flight will rest with the pilot in command.
There will be a fee for guests to bring their pet onboard.
How to tell if your pet will be OK on a flight
Jade Currie says it “might be tricky” for pet owners to tell if their pet is equipped to travel this way.
The qualified animal trainer and animal behaviour consultant from Melbourne/Naarm recommends “[looking] to their temperament and personality“.
“Really consider how they are in similar contexts, and whether that is something that they may or may not cope with.”
Kate Mornement, a Melbourne/Naarm-based board-certified applied animal behaviourist, says pets that can relax in new environments and are familiar with travelling in a carrier are going to be best suited to in-cabin travel.
Dr Mornement, who has a PhD in canine behaviour, says “most pets fear the unknown“.
“The more owners can help them get used to all the different aspects involved in travelling in an aeroplane, the more likely they’ll be comfortable.”
Susan Hazel, an associate professor at the University of Adelaide’s School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, says to consider their physical health and behavioural nature.
For example, Dr Hazel says if you have an anxious dog that responds negatively to noises, you should consider the impact a flight may have on their welfare.
Kate Mornement runs Pets Behaving Badly. (Supplied: Kate Mornement)
How to prepare your pet for their first flight
Dr Mornement says the more time you have to prepare your pet the better.
For both cats and dogs, she says crate training — or carrier training — will be very helpful.
“You [crate train] by very gradually building a positive association with being inside the carrier or the crate.”
Putting treats in the carrier, feeding your pet their meals in there, putting their bed or blankets in and leaving the door open are all steps owners can take to help pets become familiar, she says.
“A lot of pet owners make the mistake of only putting their cat in the carrier if they’re going to the vet or the cattery, or somewhere that the cat may not particularly enjoy, and so that can actually make them even more anxious.”
She suggests desensitising your dog or cat to the sound of an aeroplane cabin and rewarding them with their favourite treats. Airplane white noise can be found online.
Dr Mornement says teaching a dog to “toilet on command … is a really handy behaviour to teach your dog” that could make travelling together easier and more comfortable for fellow travellers.
As well as crate training, she says dogs will benefit from being slowly desensitised to busier or more cramped environments, such as beer gardens or busy cafes.
“Over time what we would expect to see is hopefully that they become more relaxed and calmer in those spaces.”
Tips for navigating the airport and plane
Ms Currie says preparing a travel pack may help the journey.
This might include “anything that provides comfort”, such as treats, toys or a blanket.
Jade Currie is also the animal program manager at The Lost Dogs’ Home. (Supplied: Jade Currie)
Dr Mornement recommends thinking about your pets’ comfort as you navigate the airport and plane.
For example, if a cat is anxious placing a blanket over the carrier to block out intense or unfamiliar visuals can “help them feel a little less stressed”.
She also suggests minimising any unnecessary movement of the carrier and having a nice cosy blanket for your pet to lie on in the carrier.
Dr Hazel says some pets are very vocal about their discomfort or distress, while other might appear to “shut down when they’re completely overwhelmed”.
She recommends being on the lookout for any signs in your pet and trying to address them or reassure your pet.
