Eleanor Steel and her little Marky Mark were lucky to be on the first flight to take pets on board from Tullamarine on October 16 this year.
“We left at 10.45am for the Sunshine Coast and the Virgin staff were amazing,” Eleanor said.
“We were taken to the front of the queue for boarding and the first into the cabin, we felt very special.
“Also travelling on board were one cat and three dogs. Two rows were allocated for a pet. Row 20, seat number A and seat number F, both window seats. Row 18 was the same. We had a cat on the opposite side of our row, and we never heard a bark or meow from any of the furry travellers.
“Marky Mark was so good, and a bit confused about being in the pet carrier, but never a sound from him. He had to go under the seat in front of me, as Virgin Airlines are very strict with the rules having an animal on board. The weight of pet and carrier must be under eight kilos. Marky Mark and his carrier came in at six kilos.”
Eleanor said staff made a “real fuss” of Marky Mark.
“Many photos were taken and we were interviewed by the Queensland ABC,” she said.
“I hope Virgin Airlines extend this service after January 30, 2026. I can’t wait until June to escape Lake Tyers Beach cold weather and spend a month with family on the Sunshine Coast.”
On the flight going back home to Tullamarine, Marky Mark was the only pet on board.
“The lady next to me complained, not about the pet next to her, but about Virgin not telling her there could be a pet in row 18,” Eleanor said.
“I spoke to the cabin manager, and she moved the two customers to the back of the plane where they were seated next to a youngster. Not really what they were hoping for.
“Marky Mark and I then had three seats for us to spread out and relax with Marky Mark still on the floor of course. Super good for us,” Eleanor said.
