Sydney Airport’s latest upgrade to its dedicated pet bathrooms has received praise from travellers, who describe the renovated facilities as “excellent” for “disability support animals, canine units, and guide dogs.”
First installed in 2020 at both the domestic and international terminals, the facilities received a fresh upgrade in 2024 — catching the attention of keen-eyed passengers on social media early this year.
Responders wrote online they thought it was “about time” the airport adopted the “great idea”, with some arguing such facilities should be rolled out at all major Australian airports.
A spokeswoman for Sydney Airport confirmed to Yahoo News Australia there are two pet bathrooms at the domestic terminal, and another stationed at the international terminal. Yahoo understands that at this stage, the facilities are only able to be used by registered assistance animals.
It’s not clear if that’ll soon change, ahead of Virgin Australia’s plans to trial pets in cabins on domestic flights in 2025.
There are two pet relief areas in Sydney’s domestic terminal and one at international. Source: Facebook/Aussie As
Push to put pets in Virgin Australia cabins
Virgin Australia announced in March 2024 its intention to become the first major local airline to allow small pets, such as cats and dogs, to travel in the cabin alongside their owners. The service is expected to launch sometime this year, subject to regulatory approval.
Under the new plan, pets will need to be transported in Virgin Australia-approved carriers that fit under the seat in front of the owner. While pets will remain confined to these carriers throughout the flight, the initiative promises to provide greater convenience and peace of mind for pet owners.
Designated seating areas will be introduced to accommodate pets, ensuring a comfortable experience for all passengers. The program will initially launch as a trial on select domestic routes, including the popular Melbourne-Sydney corridor.
Speaking to Yahoo on Thursday, a Virgin Australia spokesman confirmed regulatory engagement processes are continuing.
This move aligns with global trends and the service will reportedly come with an additional fee, anticipated to range between $100 and $150 per flight.
When questioned by Yahoo News Australia, major rival Qantas and its budget subsidiary Jetstar previously revealed neither airline will change their policy in the wake of Virgin’s 2024 announcement. Yahoo asked each airline whether there were any plans to review that strategy, but each chose not to respond.
The pet bathrooms come as Virgin Australia eyes off allowing pets in cabins. Source: Getty
Disability advocates praise Sydney Airport’s initiative
Meanwhile, disability advocates and travel enthusiasts spoke out in support of Sydney Airport’s current pet relief facilities. “It is fantastic! My dog uses it each time we are at the airport! He is a hearing dog and so permitted to fly with me,” a woman wrote.
“It is great to see more and more places recognise the need, and accommodate for service/therapy dogs and hopefully pets will be able to fly like they can in the USA and Europe,” said another.
“What a great idea—let’s see these in all airports,” a third echoed. “Absolutely fantastic,” another commented.
“Bunnings should do the same. [It] may limit dogs p***ing on the floor,” another man, weighing in on the contentious debate around dogs inside retail stores, said. It’s understood customer feedback has so far been positive on the ground as well, the Sydney Airport spokeswoman added.
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