With Virgin Australia’s first Pets in Cabin service set to take off on Thursday, travellers can now use Velocity Frequent Flyer Points to book their small dog or cat on board.
Velocity Frequent Flyer today announced members can redeem 18,600 Velocity Points per flight, in addition to their own fare, to include their pet in the cabin on select services between Melbourne and the Gold Coast and Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast.
Nick Rohrlach, CEO of Velocity Frequent Flyer, said Australians love their pets and they’re thrilled to make it even easier for families to travel together.
“Velocity is committed to expanding the way members can redeem their Points. By opening up Points redemptions for the Pets in Cabin service, we’re giving our members another reason to choose Virgin Australia for every member of the family, including the four-legged ones.”
Virgin Australia said the service had already seen a surge in bookings, reflecting strong demand among pet owners.
Under the program, up to four pets weighing under eight kilograms (including the carrier) can travel per flight. Pets must remain in an approved soft-sided, leak-proof carrier measuring no more than 44cm x 26cm x 28cm and stowed under the seat in front for the duration of the flight.
Pets must be up to date with vaccinations and meet health and safety requirements. Cats will not initially be permitted on flights between Melbourne and the Gold Coast.
Guests travelling with pets will be seated in designated window seats only, and Virgin Australia aircraft are fitted with air filtration systems that remove 99 per cent of airborne particles, including pet dander.
Pets will not be permitted in Virgin Australia Lounges or food service areas.
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