There was recently quite a blow-up on Virgin Australia's Facebook page, after some local hunters were refused access to a booked flight in QLD, because they were carrying hunting trophies as checked baggage. In response to online complaints - V-Australia issued a statement on F'Book; that the actions were correct and that Virgin would not transport any hunting trophies.

A number of hunters pursued different lines of inquiry (and pressure) with V-Australia, which yielded this clarification today from their PR department.... stating that V-Australia would follow local laws with regard to the carriage of hunting trophies. Great news all round... (well as good as we can expect in the current climate). I promised that I would make this known to the hunting community and I will ask you to do the same.

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As you would understand, Virgin Australia is committed to Australian and international efforts to conserve and protect certain wildlife and plant species. While we acknowledge that there is a legitimate global trade in certain wildlife and plant species products, in recent years there has been a significant increase in the illegal trade in some of these commodities. The scale and growth of this trade has potential adverse effects not just on wildlife and plant species, but also on people, their communities and livelihoods, biodiversity and economies that rely on wildlife-based tourism.
Virgin Australia believes that the best way our business can address these issues is by complying with domestic laws and Australia’s international commitments, in particular, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). As you would be aware, Australia is a signatory to CITES and has enacted this treaty into law through the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the Act). In doing so, the Australian Government has also adopted stricter trade controls for a number of species that go beyond CITES requirements.
Against this background, Virgin Australia’s policy position in relation to the transportation of hunting trophies or endangered species is as follows:
• Virgin Australia will not undertake the carriage of wildlife unless such carriage is in accordance with the Act’s requirements;
• Virgin Australia does not transport hunting trophies of any species listed under CITES Appendix I – or hunting trophies of elephants, rhinoceros and lions – in accordance with Australian Government restrictions; and
• Virgin Australia does not accept hunting trophies of animals listed under CITES Appendix I or II unless accompanied by relevant CITES permit(s)/certificate(s).
Thank you once again for taking the time to share your concerns. I trust this information clarifies Virgin Australia’s approach, and we hope to see you on board again soon.
Kind regards,

Danielle Keighery
Group Executive, Public Affairs

Thanks for posting this.
I don't have a kind word to say about their service but you have to give them credit for adopting a sensible policy on this matter. A few other "partner" airlines should follow suit. Well done Virgin.