Pets on planes: Australians may soon be allowed animals in cabins but airlines are hesitant

Australians may soon be able to take their pets into the cabin on commercial flights as federal laws governing the practice will be relaxed later this year. However, the country’s major airlines appear not to be rushing to allow animals to ride alongside their owners. Currently in Australia all non-service animals must travel in the cargo hold of planes. But in many overseas jurisdictions pets can be carried in cabins for a fee, with everything from pigs, miniature horses, and ducks spotted on flights in the past. Under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s changes to flight rules to come in December, pilots will be able to decide whether pets can ride in the cabin. “A rule change will allow airlines to carry pets without applying for approval from CASA,” a CASA spokesperson said. But CASA said it would be up to each airline to determine if they wish to carry pets in cabins, and they must demonstrate they can do so safely. “They must consider how to restrain animals, effects on other passengers, not blocking exit rows, dealing with droppings/urine. The procedures for pets would be added to their operations manuals,” the spokesperson said.<br/>