2025: Airports Worldwide Go Pet-First. Milan Airport & Virgin Australia's Latest Trends Roundup

Overseas, the development of pet-friendly travel environments for families traveling with pets is rapidly accelerating from 2024 to 2025.

Recently on PetAirJPN,"What's the situation with pet lounges in Europe?" "Can pets accompany passengers onboard?"We have been receiving an increasing number of inquiries such as these.

So this time, we'll look at the most recently announced"Milan Linate Airport's Pet-Friendly Area"andVirgin Australia's In-Flight Companion ServiceWe've picked two big news stories. Based on the latest official information, we'll explain the global "pet-first" movement.

1. Milan Linate Airport to Open “Pet Area” (Announced November 2025)

A groundbreaking space has opened at Linate Airport (LIN), the gateway to Milan, Italy.
Italy's premier luxury furniture brand Poltrona Frau However, at the Leonardo Lounge VIP lounge inside the airportPet-Only AreaWe have newly established it.

✨ Features as officially announced

  • Luxury space
    Featuring furniture from Poltrona Frau's "Pet Collection".
  • Stress-free design
    Featuring a calming design with wood grain and leather accents, it includes soft mats and dividers for dogs and cats to relax.
  • High convenience
    Located near Gates A17–A18, available from 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM.

💡 Here's the key point
In Europe, the concept that "pets are also valued members of the customer base" has become firmly established. The trend of creating such dedicated, full-scale spaces within airport lounges is expected to expand further in the future.

2. Virgin Australia "Pets in Cabin" Limited-Time Trial

Australia's major airline Virgin Australia Starting October 2025, on some domestic routes,Small Dogs and Cats in the Cabin (Pets in Cabin) We have begun a trial introduction.

Australia has long been a strict country regarding pet transport due to quarantine and ecosystem protection concerns, but major carriers have finally begun to take action.

✈️ Overview and Terms of Use (Scheduled until 2026/1)

  • 📍 Target Route:Melbourne ⇄ Sunshine Coast / Gold Coast
  • 🐶 Target animals:Dogs or cats only (maximum of 4 animals per shipment)
  • ⚖️ Weight limit:Including the case, total weight must be within 8kg.
  • 💰 Fees:149 AUD (one-way)

💡 Here's the key point
The fact that a major airline has implemented "in-flight dog travel for general passengers"—something not yet realized in Japan—is big news. If this trial proves successful, it will become an important model case that could spread to other countries and airlines.

3. The Future of Pet Travel Seen Through Global Trends

Looking at developments over the past two years, three distinct trends have become clear worldwide:

Trend 1: Standardization of "Pet-Friendly" Airport Facilities
Pet Areas (dedicated rest areas), pet toilets, and dedicated counters are becoming standard features.
Trend 2: Airlines Formalizing Their Rules
Rather than tacit approval, systems are now being established to clearly define weight limits and carrier regulations for acceptance.
Trend 3: Expansion of "Luxury" Targeting the Affluent
The shift in values from "just getting around" to "traveling comfortably." Integrated experiences where people and pets can share the same space are gaining importance.

4. From the Perspective of PetAirJPN

We at PetAirJPN, specializing in international shipping, are also keenly aware of this trend in our field.
The measures that began in Europe and AustraliaOften affecting Asia and Japan after a time lag of 2 to 5 yearsIt is customary. In the near future, it is almost certain that "pet-friendly lounges" will appear at Japanese airports.


Unique support from PetAirJPN

Taking your pet overseas requires a lot of procedures and preparation, but
PetAirJPN will provide smooth support.

PetAirJPN's full support services

✈️ Pre-departure Counseling

Provide a roadmap of what to do and when, based on the destination country's animal quarantine and airline company rules.

📄 Document Preparation Support & Review

The Embassy's designated format and English-language documents are also covered, including those that are prone to errors.

🏥 Animal Quarantine Station Response

We assist with the pre-submission of necessary documents and schedule coordination, and make arrangements to ensure that the day-of procedures proceed without delay.

📦 Air Freight & Local Agent Coordination

Optimizes transportation routes so that pets can travel with peace of mind, even on long flights or via connecting flights. Support is also provided for receiving and health checks upon arrival.

PetAirJPN staff possess extensive experience in international shipping and are thoroughly familiar with the latest import and export regulations, which are constantly updated. If you feel uncertain about handling the procedures yourself or are too busy to prepare, please consult our experts.

Miley.

We at PetAirJPN provide detailed support so that pets and their owners can live overseas with peace of mind. Our staff, who are well versed in the latest regulations and airline requirements of each country, will propose a plan tailored to each and every pet!

🎁 Privileges

PetAirJPN is currently offering all customers using our overseas travel support service
We are currently offering the following special gifts!

List of recommended spots by destination country
(Full of information on selected spots where pets are allowed)

Original Pet Passport Notebook
(A practical book to keep track of your travel)

We invite you to receive a special gift that will help you create memories with your beloved pet.

📩 Free Consultation & Inquiries

Do you have any questions about transporting pets overseas?
First, feel free to reach out to us via your preferred chat tool.

※Clicking will launch each app.

Risako Seto|PetAirJPN Business Manager, Pet International Transportation Specialist

She has loved animals since she was a child, and her desire to "protect the lives of animals" led her to become a pet nurse. Currently, she is using her experience as an international pet transportation specialist and business manager of PetAirJPN to support many pets and their families to relocate or travel abroad.
We help owners fulfill their wish to "be with their pets, their precious family members, no matter where they are in the world. We strive to provide a transportation plan that is as stress-free as possible, according to the personality and physical condition of each individual pet. We will support you wholeheartedly so that both you and your pet can start a new life with peace of mind.

[Qualifications]
pet nurse
Animal Health Technician (AHT)
Veterinary Technician (VT)

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