Cats and dogs may fly in Australian cabins

[MEL_Traveller]

I have in Europe, small dogs on passengers laps, common in eating establishments as well

Yeah - not uncommon in Europe. Usually have to be in a pet-carrier that can fit underneath the seat in front. I have never seen anything large enough to have to be secured in a manner that 'doesn't affect the weight and balance of the aircraft'!

I think the distinction with the USA and 'service animals' was that service animals could come in all shapes and sizes. Hopefully the Aussie version will be the same as Europe - small and discrete.

 

[RooFlyer]

I’ve been trying to find in an old trip report of mine a photo I took of a Labrador type dog that was with its owner next to me on a domestic flight in the USA. Unfortunately can’t search on ‘dog’ ( to short). It was absurd and not very safe in an emergency. No evidence of ’service’ role for the dog.

 

[UP4014]

Service animals only please. While I'm sure many animals are better behaved than people not all owners keep them clean, odour free and trained.

 

[Mark1966]

I’ve been trying to find in an old trip report of mine a photo I took of a Labrador type dog that was with its owner next to me on a domestic flight in the USA. Unfortunately can’t search on ‘dog’ ( to short). It was absurd and not very safe in an emergency. No evidence of ’service’ role for the dog.

Well I think we have all seen the story about the 'emotional support' peacock - Emotional support peacock denied flight by United Airlines

This is where it gets really tricky if these animals are treated as having a therapeutic role and within the often vague definitions in State/Territory legislation ...

 

[chelzmalee]

Part of me doesn't mind but the other part is reminded people are stupid and we'd end up with extremely stressed animals on board (if they're not trained/used to travel/small spaces) and it would be a nightmare.

Sooo.... basically, I'll keep flying QF

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Part of me doesn't mind but the other part is reminded people are stupid and we'd end up with extremely stressed animals on board (if they're not trained/used to travel/small spaces) and it would be a nightmare.

Sooo.... basically, I'll keep flying QF

Maybe in Europe they've had plenty of time to get used to the idea/practice... but I haven't seen stressed/dirty/smelly animals in the cabin over there. The whole process is fairly smooth and seamless

 

[Mark1966]

Maybe in Europe they've had plenty of time to get used to the idea/practice... but I haven't seen stressed/dirty/smelly animals in the cabin over there. The whole process is fairly smooth and seamless

I think that pets in Europe are fifth generation spoilt though - they are little precious things used to going everywhere, planes, trains, restaurants.

In the US from the stories I've read - a whole different level of crazy!

 

[Mark1966]

Its coming -

Virgin Australia launches pets on planes poll​

 

[Rqe]

It's not just for the big boys - I actually take my dog in my single engine Cessna - suitably restrained in the rear seat, but have to get a permit from CASA which needs renewal every 12 months - which is costly and annoying particularly as the dog / restraint / aeroplane doesn't change! So this change will certainly make my life easier!

 

[dk4]

I wonder what the driver was for this, with CASA. ... As QF has already said they won’t be allowing it, I wonder if it was one of the others trying to come up with a bit of differentiation.

Presumably recent deaths in custody. e.g. QF - Qantas passenger heartbroken after dog dies mid-flight & VA - Dog Dies On Tarmac In Sweltering Heat At Australian Airport | One Mile at a Time

As Qantas has outsourced baggage handling, one more death in custody there, and I suspect they will fall in line.

 

[Snowant]

If only Virgin allow it, then I might find myself flying Virgin. People bring small dogs into the cabin in carriers in the US and it's absolutely fine. Putting dogs in the hold is still a risky procedure, it's mostly OK but sometimes horrible things happen.
I would much rather have a dog in a carrier next to me than a noisy child. 100%.

 

[RooFlyer]

People bring small dogs into the cabin in carriers in the US and it's absolutely fine.

With respect, its not fine all the time. What would have been your solution for a howling chihuaua when the owner doesn't or can't do anything about it on and off for an hour or so?

I would much rather have a dog in a carrier next to me than a noisy child. 100%.

I'd rather not have either, but for the moment I'll be happy with the status quo.

 

[oz_mark]

I wonder what the driver was for this, with CASA. They normally don’t expend any energy on important things, and this would be number 5 million on the to do list. As QF has already said they won’t be allowing it, I wonder if it was one of the others trying to come up with a bit of differentiation.

I know someone in GA that says it will free him up from a lot of applications to CASA to carry his dog.....

 

[jase05]

Not a fan at all as I have zero tolerance for pets. Obviously service animals are a different matter but if I was seated next to someone with a pet they would be getting a stern warning pre departure

 

[antycbr]

My main concern is emergency evacuation. People insist on bringing their carry ons down the slide. Can you imagine people leaving their fluffy puppy behind…

 

[Daver6]

I'm clearly in the minority here. I'd rather sit next to a dog than most other people.

 

[TheRealTMA]

I'm clearly in the minority here. I'd rather sit next to a dog than most other people.

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