Airlines That Allow Rabbits to Fly in the Cabin – A Complete Guide to Flying with Your Pet Rabbit

Airlines That Allow Rabbits in the Cabin – Your Complete Guide

If you want to travel with your pet rabbit, figuring out which airlines permit rabbits in the cabin can be tricky. In this article, I’ll outline all your options and answer any questions you may have about flying with your fuzzy friend. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of airline rabbit policies and feel prepared for your upcoming trip.

Which Airlines Definitely Allow Rabbits?

The airlines that universally allow rabbits in the cabin as carry-on pets are:

1. Alaska Airlines
2. American Airlines
3. Delta Air Lines
4. JetBlue
5. Southwest Airlines
6. United Airlines

These major US carriers have explicit policies stating that rabbits are accepted as in-cabin pets as long as they remain in an IATA-compliant pet carrier under the seat for the entire flight. The carrier cannot take up more room than a personal item.

What Are the Requirements?

While rabbits are permitted as in-cabin pets, there are some standard requirements you need to follow:

1. Rabbit must remain in an IATA-compliant soft or hard-sided pet carrier that is leakproof and well-ventilated. Hard plastic carriers are best for airline travel.
2. The carrier cannot exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches to fit safely under an airline seat.
3. You may be asked to prove your rabbit is safe, docile, and poses no danger with a letter from your vet.
4. There is usually a maximum weight limit of 20 pounds for in-cabin pets including the carrier.
5. You must purchase a ticket for your rabbit just like any other passenger.

As long as your bunny and carrier meet size/health specifications, you shouldn’t face any problems bringing them in the cabin of those cooperating airlines.

What If My Rabbit Is Larger?

A few airlines will accept slightly larger or overweight rabbits as checked baggage instead of cabin pets. This involves routing your bunny through the cargo hold rather than keeping them at your seat. The rules vary by airline:

• American and Delta allow checked rabbits up to 25 lbs in dimensions around 24 x 16 x 10 inches
• United checked rabbits must be under 20 lbs and carrier can’t exceed 30 x 24 x 14 inches
• Alaska and JetBlue don’t permit checked rabbits at any size

Keep in mind temperature extremes are a concern in cargo, so checked bunnies require extra provisions like heating/cooling elements in the carrier. It’s always preferable if your rabbit qualifies for the cabin instead.

What About International Flights?

Flying internationally with rabbits gets trickier due to each country having unique laws. Always research import/export rules well in advance. Some things to know:

• Rabbits qualify as “emotional support animals” for US carriers allowing ESA’s in cabins internationally.
• The European Union has strict exotic pet regulations – checked cargo may be your only option into the EU.
• Countries like Australia/New Zealand have quarantine holding periods for all imported animals.
• You’ll need a health certificate from your vet proving your pet meets the destination country’s standards.

With proper planning for any required permits/vaccines, rabbits can travel overseas just like domestic trips. Just be sure to verify policies airline by airline.

What About Layovers or Connecting Flights?

If flying requires a layover or connection, ensure your rabbit’s airline permits animals to be transported between flights without being placed in cargo. Most major US carriers allow this:

• Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United will carryrabbits through to the final destination without interruption as long as the entire itinerary is booked on the same airline.
• Foreign partners or regional carriers may have different animal policies, so avoid changing airlines mid-trip if possible.

Carriers with up to 8 hour layovers are usually fine, but contact the airline if it exceeds that. In a pinch, you may need to commission a pet sitter if a longer break is unavoidable.

What About Emotional Support or Service Rabbits?

While rabbits are by no means traditional service animals, a small subset of airlines do recognize them as emotional support animals with certain rights:

• Delta and United allow ESAs of any species including rabbits to accompany passengers in-cabin without purchase of a ticket.
• American only permits dogs/cats as ESAs for waiving pet fees or in-cabin access.
• An ESA letter from your medical provider is required by law verifying your need for the animal.

However, public misconceptions and scrutiny mean you may face increased difficulty proving a rabbit’s duty as an ESA compared to a dog or cat. Cargo holds are still off limits regardless of ESA status as well.

What Else Should I Know?

A few more tips from my own experience flying my holland lop Emma:

1. Acclimate your rabbit to the carrier in advance through positive reinforcement. A stressed bun is no fun to fly with!
2. Bring snacks, hay, and a familiar blanket to ease travel stress. Small bowls/bottles can attach to carrier walls.
3. Check airline policies on food/weight limits for in-cabin provisions in case snacks must be frozen or portion-controlled.
4. Consider sedatives like meloxicam under vet guidance to reduce anxiety if flying upsets your rabbit.
5. Bring backup documentation of vet records, vaccine history, breed/description in case asked.

I hope this breakdown of US airline rabbit policies was helpful! With care preparing your bunny and carrier, traveling together need not be a unpleasant experience. Feel free to reach out if any other questions come to mind.

Wishing you smooth and stress-free adventures with your furry companion wherever the road may lead.

Airline Policies for Carrying Rabbits in Cabin

Airline	Weight Limit	Carrying Case Required	Additional Fees
Delta	6 lbs	Hard-sided carrier	No
United	6 lbs	Soft or hard carrier	$95 per carrier
American	8 lbs	Soft or hard carrier under seat	No
Alaska	6 lbs	Hard-sided under seat	$100 per carrier
Southwest	Unable to accommodate	N/A	N/A

FAQ

1. Which airlines allow rabbits in the cabin?

   Several major airlines such as United, American, Delta, and Alaska allow domesticated rabbits to fly in the cabin in their carriers. However, restrictions may apply depending on the size of the carrier and flight duration. It’s best to check with the airline directly.

2. Do I need any papers for my rabbit to fly in the cabin?

   Yes, you will need a health certificate from your vet stating that your rabbit is fit to fly. The certificate cannot be older than 10 days. You may also need to show proof of current vaccinations like RHDV. The paperwork acts as evidence that your fluffy friend is healthy and will not cause any troubles during the flight.

3. What size carrier is allowed?

   Most airlines require rabbits to be in carriers no bigger than 18x12x8 inches. The carrier needs to be big enough for your bunny to stand up and turn around in but small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. Always check exact sizing policies with the specific airline before showing up to the airport with your rabbit!

4. Do rabbits have to stay in carriers the whole flight?

   Yes, for safety and to comply with federal regulations, rabbits must remain securely in their carriers for the entire duration of the flight. The cabin environment can be quite stressful on small animals, so it’s best they stay cooped up in their familiar housing. Flight attendants also cannot hold or assist with animals roaming free during take-off and landing.

   

5. What if my rabbit is upset on the plane?

   It’s normal for rabbits to get agitated or scared on a plane due to the noises and movement. You can try to soothe your bunny with treats, toys and comfort inside the carrier. Talking softly also helps. If they seem really distressed, cover the carrier with a small blanket to block some stimulation. As a last resort, consult your vet about a mild sedative. With patience and reassurance, most rabbits adjust okay by the end of the flight.

6. How early should I get to the airport?

   To be safe, you’ll want to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure time. Check-in takes longer with live animals and you may face additional screening at security. Plus, it never hurts to be [casual slang term for early or ahead of schedule]. Make sure all your rabbit’s papers and travel stuff are in order long before you head to the airport. You don’t want any holdups keeping you from getting through security hassle-free.