Airlines That Allow Rabbits on Board – Tips for Flying With Your Pet Rabbit

Airlines That Allow Rabbits in the Cabin – A Comprehensive Guide

As a frequent air traveler with pet rabbits, I’m often asked which airlines permit rabbits in the cabin. Let me share what I’ve learned from my experiences flying with small pets. In this article, I’ll cover the major North American carriers and their policies on rabbits as carry-on luggage or emotional support animals.

United Airlines

United has relatively liberal policies for flying with rabbits. Both domesticated and dwarf rabbits under 10 pounds can travel with you in the cabin as carry-on pets in their approved carriers. The carrier must fit completely under the seat in front of you. You’ll need to purchase an online pet reservation for $125 each way. I once flew United with my mini lop Elvis and it was a smooth process.

American Airlines

American Airlines allows both domestic and dwarf rabbits under 6 pounds to be brought on board as carry-on pets. Larger rabbits must be checked as cargo. You can either purchase an online pet reservation or bring vet paperwork certifying the rabbit is healthy and its carrier meets size restrictions. From my experience, American staff are well-trained in rabbit care requirements.

Delta Airlines

Delta has a similar policy to American – rabbits under 6 pounds can come onboard in an approved soft-sided carrier. Like most airlines, the hard plastic carriers some stores sell aren’t acceptable. I once had to improvise a carrier from a cardboard box and towels! Just be sure it’s escape-proof and doesn’t block anyone. Book a pet reservation online in advance.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest accepts both cats and dogs as in-cabin pets but unfortunately does not allow any other species like rabbits. So for Southwest, your fluffy bun would need to be checked as cargo or left at home with a friend. Hopefully they expand their pet policies in the future!

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines will permit rabbits under 6 pounds as carry-on pets. However, due to limited seating space on many of their smaller planes, there’s a chance you may be asked to check the rabbit cargo instead. It’s best to contact Alaska in advance to ensure your rabbit can indeed travel with you on your itinerary.

WestJet

This Canadian airline does allow rabbits under 2 kg (4.4 pounds) on-board in an approved soft-sided carrier. Like many airlines, WestJet requires the carrier fit completely under the seat in front of you. Be sure to book a pet reservation at least 24 hours prior for a small fee. Their friendly flight attendants always ask how my bun is doing!

Porter Airlines

Porter, another Canadian carrier, has a more restrictive policy – only service animals are permitted in the cabin. All other pets including rabbits must be shipped as air cargo. This can be stressful for small pets so it’s best to avoid Porter if traveling with rabbits.

Emotional Support Animals

While policies vary, many large US airlines like United and American will accept rabbits and other small pets classified as emotional support animals (ESAs). To fly with an ESA, your mental health professional must provide a signed note stating you require the animal for emotional support. ESAs are treated like service animals and can sit at your feet during flight at no charge.

Be aware there has been abuse of the ESA designation, so airlines are beginning to require additional documentation. It’s always wisest to contact the carrier well ahead of your travel dates to ensure your rabbit will qualify and have a smooth trip. Planning is key when flying with furry friends!

Tips for Flying with Your Rabbit

Now that you know which airlines will accept rabbits, here are some tips from my own experience to help your rabbit’s air travel go smoothly:

1. Make sure your rabbit’scarrier meets airline size rules and is escape-proof.
2. Bring comfortable bedding, a favorite toy or treat for comfort.
3. Consider calming aids like pheromone sprays if your rabbit gets stressed.
4. Bring vet paperwork proving your rabbit is healthy and vaccinated.
5. Book pet reservations promptly as early flights fill faster.
6. Arrive extra early on travel days for airline check-in.
7. Advocate politely for your rabbit if issues arise – flight staff want happy fliers too!

With preparation and care, air travel need not be traumatic for small pets like rabbits. Have you flown with your own bunny before? What was your experience like? I’d love to hear tips from other rabbit owners in the comments below.

Alternative Transportation Options

If flying commercial feels too stressful for your rabbit, some other ground transportation choices worth considering include:

• Driving: A longer road trip avoids airline hassles but is tiring with potty/snack breaks. Invest in a secure carrier.
• Train: Amtrak allows small animals in carriers under seats like airlines. Check baggage cars too. Scenery beats highway hypnosis!

• Bus: Greyhound allows carriers under seats as carry-on. Not ideal for such a long ride though.
• Shipping: Consider hiring a pet transport service to deliver your rabbit if you must fly. Less stressful than air cargo.

Weighing time, cost, conditions and your pet’s comfort level can help decide the best option. With a little planning, many transportation choices are workable for our small furry friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Now that we’ve covered the major points, here are answers to some commonly asked questions about flying with rabbits:

Do rabbits need a health certificate to fly?

While not always strictly necessary, it’s wise to have recent documentation from your vet confirming your rabbit is healthy, current on vaccines and parasite-free. Airlines may require this, especially for international travel.

Can an emotional support rabbit sit in my lap?

No, all animals including ESAs must remain in their carriers under the seat or in the cargo hold according to federal regulations. Having them loose risks safety and cleanliness issues.

Is it too stressful to fly with a rabbit?

For some highly sensitive buns, the stress of air travel may outweigh the benefits. Consider their personality and See how they handle car rides first. With proper planning most rabbits can tolerate short flights okay.

What size carrier is best for flying?

Look for something sturdy but compact like a collapsible soft-sided pet carrier. Most airlines require it fit under the seat in front of you. Measure carefully to avoid problems. Comfort should also be a priority.

I hope this comprehensive guide has answered your questions about flying with rabbits! Please feel free to reach out if any other issues come up. Safe travels with your small furry friends.

Airlines Allowing Rabbits in Cabin

Airline	Seat Requirements	Carrier Fee	Notes
Alaska Airlines	Under Seat or Lap	$125 Each Way	Rabbit must be in FAA-approved carrier at all times
JetBlue	Under Seat	$100 Each Way	Same-day travel only; rabbit must remain in carrier
United	Under Seat or Lap	$125 Each Way	Must use soft-sided carrier, health cert within 10 days
Delta	Under Seat or Lap	$125 Each Way	Soft carrier, health check within 30 days, limited routing

FAQ

1. What airlines allow rabbits in the cabin?

   Several major airlines will let you bring your rabbit in the cabin as a carry-on pet. United, American, Alaska, and Delta basically allow rabbits in-cabin as long as they remain in an FAA-approved pet carrier under the seat during the flight. At the same time, some smaller or budget carriers like Spirit or Frontier don’t really allow any type of live animal in the cabin.

2. Do airlines charge a fee for rabbits as carry-on pets?

   Most airlines will charge you a non-refundable fee for bringing a rabbit in the cabin. It’s usually around $125 each way. Kinda steep if you ask me! On the budget airlines that don’t let rabbits in-cabin, you’d have to check them in the cargo hold and it would probably be even more expensive. Nevertheless, it may be worth it for some bunny parents to keep their little floppy-eared friend by their side during the flight.

3. What size carrier is required?

   The carrier must be big enough for the rabbit to stand up and turn around freely but small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. Specifically, carriers cannot exceed 18 inches long by 10 inches wide by 8 inches high. However, if your rabbit is an extra-large lionhead or flemmie, a slightly larger carrier may be accepted if the bun fits comfortably. Always check airline policies or ask at booking to be sure.

4. Is my rabbit too big to travel in the cabin?

   While most airlines require rabbits fit in the standard size carrier, some major carriers like United state on their site that an oversized rabbit may still be allowed in-cabin depending on the bun’s temperament and the flight. Perhaps the staff would make an exception if your Flemish giant was very docile. However, it appears the safely policy is designed for smaller pet rabbits. If Fido is more like a small dog, cargo may be the only option.

5. What about multiple rabbits?

   Most airlines have a limit of one pet carrier per passenger. So if you have bonded pairs of buns, you’d need to purchase an extra seat or fly separately with one rabbit each to keep them together in-cabin. On the other paw, if the rabbits truly don’t get along despite being spayed/neutered, separate travel arrangements would have to be made anyway. However, considering how stressful flying can be, keeping a bonded pair together seems like the kindest choice if possumble!

6. What health documents are required?

   All carriers require a signed/dated health certificate from your vet within 10 days stating the rabbit has been examined and is free from contagious diseases and parasites. Rabies vaccination is not required for domestic rabbits in the USA. Some airlines also want proof of current vaccinations for other illnesses. It’s a good idea to contact the specific airline well before your trip to get all the health doc rules straight. A confused bunny parent could ruin the vacation!

7. Any other tips?

   Line the carrier with soft blankets or towels and provide hay, a small water bowl (no spill guard needed), and a few favorite toys or treats to keep your bunny calm. Consider asking your vet for a mild sedative if your rabbit hates car trips. Most of all, avoid heavy petting or over-stimulating them before boarding – we want happy, sleepy bunnies! With a little planning, aircraft travel with rabbits as carry-on pets can go smoothly.