Pampered pooches get bone-us points
United States: Virgin Atlantic ready to launch air miles for pets
Virgin Atlantic is to become “the first scheduled airline to bring domestic cats and dogs into the UK” later this month – and is even launching special ‘bone-us miles’ and ‘frequent felines’services for well heeled (or well-pawed) pets.
The new service will initially operate on flights between Los Angeles and London Heathrow, but the airline says it will consider extending the service to other destinations if it is a success. Under current rules pets do not need to be quarantined on arrival in the UK – as long as they have been vaccinated against rabies, had the relevant blood tests, and are fitted with a microchip. They must also hold a ‘pet passport’ have only travelled in approved countries in the six months before arrival in the UK.
Virgin chairman Sir Richard Branson said: “On average 250 cats and dogs travel to the UK from the US each month and I hope we will see this figure double as more airlines sign up to the scheme. We are talking to a number of reward partners and hope to offer special treatments and pampering weekends – just like our flying club for human travellers.”
CLIA expands trade support with expedition event
Qatar Airways adding Manchester flights
Jet2 unveils Samos as new Greek destination for summer 2026
EU entry-exit system delayed again
ATC strike in Greece could disrupt flights this week