Virgin America Pet Policies

In the recently released Airline Quality Rating report, Virgin America was once again named the top airline in the United States.

So what is the pet travel policy of the #1 airline in the U.S.?

• Virgin America accepts cats and dogs in the main cabin but not in First Class or in certain Main Cabin Select seats.  Pets are not allowed to travel as checked cargo.

• Pets are not allowed on flights that connect to Interline Partners. These include: Air China; Air Pacific; Air New Zealand; Cathay Pacific; China Airlines; El Al Airlines; Emirates; Ethiopian Airlines; Hawaiian Air; Korean Air; Qantas; SATA International; Saudi Arabia Airlines; Singapore Airlines; South African Airways; Turkish Airlines; Virgin Atlantic; and V Australia.

• Only one pet per passenger allowed.

• Your pet should be at least 6 weeks old.

• The weight of your pet plus its carrier cannot exceed 20 pounds.

• The pet carrier cannot be more than 18 inches by 15 inches by 8 inches, and must fit under the seat in front of you.  Virgin America recommends soft-sided cases as hard ones are usually too tall (10 inches) to fit under the seat.

• Pets must remain inside their carriers while in the cabin and at the airport.

• Pets must have all proper documentation from your veterinarian and as required by the government of your destination country.

Proof of rabies vaccination is not necessary for cats traveling to the U.S.

These requirements also apply to all assistance animals.

Sources:

Virgin America:  http://virginamerica.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/88/kw/traveling+with+pets/session/L3RpbWUvMTM5ODQ3ODg3NC9zaWQva0JEN3BKU2w%3D
Mashable:  http://mashable.com/2014/04/07/airline-quality-rating-virgin-america/
Airline Quality Rating (AQR):   http://commons.erau.edu/aqrr/1/