You could bring your furry friends on your next flight.
Responding to audience feedback from a 2021 survey where almost 70 per cent of respondents said they would travel with their pet in the cabin, Virgin Australia Group chief executive officer Jayne Hrdlicka said the company’s guests overwhelmingly want to travel with their pets.
“Our love for animals has always been in the Virgin Australia DNA and we are excited at the prospect of taking off with Australia’s first-ever pets in cabin flights," Hrdlicka said.
Almost 70 per cent of respondents said they would travel with their pet in the cabin.
There will be some limitations to the service, with only small cats and dogs allowed, and only on specific routes. The pets will also be restricted to a small number of designated rows, they won’t be able to roam freely or sit on their owner’s lap and they must be carried in a Virgin Australia-approved pet carrier, which must be kept under the seat in front of the owner for the duration of the flight.
“Animals being carried onboard Virgin Australia flights will be required to remain in their approved pet carriers at all other times within the terminal," Melbourne Airport chief executive officer Lorie Argus said.
Only small cats and dogs will be allowed to use the service.
This new pets onboard service will not impact approved assistance animals being able to fly in the cabin of the aircraft at no additional cost. Pets will also still be able to be transported as cargo through approved pet carrier services.
Assistance animals will be able to travel like normal.
With most major North American airlines offering a pets onboard service, Virgin Australia is taking a huge step in evolving Australian domestic flights.
“It’s something that commonly happens overseas and is proven to work well," Hrdlicka said.
The service is expected to be implemented within 12 months, subject to regulatory approval.
Virgin Australia is taking a huge step in evolving Australian domestic flights.
Will you be utilising Virgin Australia’s pets onboard service? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
No one does road trips like Australians. Make your journey perfect.
The humble road trip is a way of life in Australia, and it’s not the same here as it is anywhere else. Sure, you could fly, but then you’re missing out on the bonding time and priceless memories that get made along the way (good or bad, you’ll be sharing them for years to come). Not to mention, some of Australia’s most worthwhile and untouched places can only be accessed by road .
But how to ensure your road trip is quintessentially perfect? Why use this checklist, of course.
1. Start with the perfect vehicle
Relax with stunning views in a spacious motorhome. (Image: Demi Gavin)
I can tell you from experience, nothing will push even the most tight-knit group to devolve into chaos and fighting faster than a vehicle that isn’t up to the task of a proper road trip. Enter the premium options of Star RV Motorhomes.
They have a range of sizes to suit any group, from solo travellers and couples to families. And they’re designed to be easy to drive.
Take the Polaris 6, for example. This light-filled sanctuary of comfort has plenty of space for bigger groups. Three double beds, a shower and toilet, and an extendable awning (with room to move between them all) make it perfect for exploring Australia.
Couples might prefer the Polaris 2 with a fully self-contained bathroom, kitchen and a bed for two that transforms into comfortable seating during the day. Both models are pet-friendly.
2. Pack the tastiest snacks
Make use of the spacious storage in your Star RV.
Road trip snacks are an Australian art. Some, you’ll need to pick up along the way. We’re talking the iconic Chico Roll, choccie milk and maybe a sneaky potato scallop (or several).
Others, you can pack ahead of time to save on time and, usually, money. Thankfully, Star RV Motorhomes all come with plenty of storage space, so your snacks can last as long as your road trip. Think fresh fruit and other supplies to cook lunch and dinner along the way. Plenty of lollies and maybe even some soft drinks and Red Bulls for the road.
Not to mention, many Star RV motorhomes have a kitchen onboard, complete with a full-size kitchen, so you won’t need to lug an esky around.
3. Bring your pet for the ride
Travel Australia with your four-legged co-pilot. (Image: Erin Bacchi)
Man’s best friend is essential for a truly Aussie road trip. Pet-friendly Star RV Motorhomes not only mean your dog (or cat, if they enjoy the open road more than mine do) can experience Australia with you, but that you save a small fortune on pet sitters or dog hotels.
4. Prepare the perfect soundtrack
Chase the journey and the destination.
No ifs, ands or buts, the perfect soundtrack can make or break a road trip. It’s really up to you, but we recommend plenty of Australian classics. Cold Chisel never hits quite the same as when you’re listening to it with only gumtrees and kangaroos for company.
Of course, this means you’ll also need a good sound system to listen to your carefully curated tunes on. Star RV motorhome sound systems allow you to connect your device and play your own music. Goodbye, spotty radio reception.
5. A spacious tent and camping gear
Enjoy soft linens and space to stretch. (Image: Cariund Hannes)
If there’s one thing that a road trip can guarantee, it’s a campsite or several. So you’d better source a good sturdy tent, sleeping back, and a camping mattress that probably won’t help much – but it’s better than the ground.
Or, just hire a motorhome so your vehicle is also your bed, and comfort is a priority (goodbye foam camp mattresses) with linens provided. And you’ll have room to unpack and move around. Heaven.
6. Plan your toilet breaks
Typically, an Aussie road trip means pulling over at a good bushy area or finding a horrific pit toilet on the side of the road – the smell of which will stay with you forevermore. If you’re planning to camp, better pack that handy shovel and find a good, bug-free place to dig your own loo hole.
To avoid that hassle (and smell), forgo the shovel and hire a motorhome with an onboard toilet. When the toilet comes with you, there are no emergency roadside stops. Plus, it’s a whole lot fresher.
7. Pick the ultimate destination
Hit the road, Aussie-style. (Image: Matt Finch)
Of course, the journey is half the fun. But the other half is an incredible destination. With accommodation and transportation sorted out with one motorhome, you have the flexibility to choose a gorgeous view for the night (or several).
There are endless views to choose from, like the rugged cliff faces of Queensland’s Carnarvon Gorge National Park. Carnarvon Gorge camping area (near the visitor area) and the Big Bend walkers’ camp both have bushy surrounds and a trail to the gorge itself.
Or Lake Argyle, Western Australia‘s largest man-made freshwater reservoir. Find the only dedicated camping and caravan park at Lake Argyle Resort.
Meanwhile, Mount Buffalo National Park in Victoria is prolific for its wildlife. Wander through snow gum forests and keep an eye out for wombats, Australian kestrels and more. There are several camp options here.
Start planning your Australian road trip adventure (and get 15 per cent off on any Star RV motorhome rental in Australia) at starrv.com/au .
