Pet dogs and cats could soon be allowed on planes

Pets could soon be allowed to join their owners in the cabins of commercial planes when laws are relaxed later this year.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s laws banning pets from the cabins of planes will be eased, giving each individual airline the choice of whether to allow cats and dogs to sit with their owners on flights.

Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Rex have until December 2 – when the rules come into effect – to make announcements about changes.

Pilots will have the power to allow animals to sit in the cabin, but they need to follow specific guidelines.

‘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,’ the new CASA rules state.

‘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.’

Australians are currently only allowed to take pets on planes if they’re kept in the cargo hold in a cage – which can lead to anxiety for animals and owners. 

Overseas pets are often taken into the cabin of flights, however some are charged a fee.