LAD Asks: Majority Of Aussies Don't Want Pets To Be Allowed On Flights

Virgin Australia got everyone excited this week when it hinted it might relax its rules around letting pets onboard commercial flights.

After years of having to either leave Baxter or Mittens in the cargo hold or at home altogether, you could finally have your furbaby sitting between your legs as you jet off somewhere.

While many pet owners were thrilled at the possibility, it's clear that it's not all good news for everyone.

We polled LADbible Australia readers about whether they'd be happy to see animals in the cabin and, after hundreds of votes, it's clear how people feel.

A majority (59 per cent) of viewers believe airlines should stick to what they've always done and refuse to let anything other than a guide or service dog be in the cabin.

Some people expressed their discontent with the idea, saying it could be a messy, smelly, loud and uncomfortable environment if pets could fly with their owners.

One person said: "We can't get along with humans on a plane, imagine if we had their pets as well. Their pets not family members people. Give them their own area in cargo hole with their owners."

Another added: "I really hope they create pet free flights for those who don't want to deal with barking dogs for an entire flight."

A third wrote: "Great idea, I love seeing a dog take a massive dump in the aisle at very close proximity to passengers."

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is relaxing its rules around animals in the cabin later this year.

The new approach will come into effect on December 2 and the Authority states: "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.

"A large animal should always be secured so as not to damage or affect the balance of the aircraft in flight. A small or medium-sized animal carried in the cabin would normally need as a minimum to be restrained during takeoff and landing and in turbulence."

While Jetstar and Qantas have already said they won't be changing their practices, Virgin Australia has hinted it could make the move.

In a statement, the company said: "We'll consider the regulatory changes as part of a wider pet travel review we're currently undertaking. Regardless of the outcome, designated service dogs will still be able to travel in the cabin."

Only time will tell if the airline follows through with the suggestion.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Australia

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

@stewartperrie