What Airlines Allow Rabbits or Bunnies as In-Cabin Pets – A Guide to Flying with your Pet Rabbit

Airlines That Allow Bunnies in the Cabin:

Your Fluffy Friend Can Join You on Your Next Trip

If you’re a bunny owner hoping to take your fluffy companion along on your next vacation, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll break down the major U.S. airlines and their pet bunny policies so you know which carriers allow bunnies in the passenger cabin. I’ll also provide tips and guidelines to help ensure a stress-free flight for you and your bun.

Airlines That Accept Bunnies in Cabin

1. Alaska Airlines: Alaska is one of the most bunny-friendly carriers. They allow rabbits in the cabin as emotional support or service animals as long as all paperwork and requirements are met. Rabbits must remain in an IATA-compliant pet carrier under the seat for the entire flight.
2. American Airlines: American permits bunnies to fly in-cabin when traveling as emotional support or service animals. The carrier must fit under the seat. American requires a veterinarian health form and may request additional documentation.
3. Delta: Delta allows rabbits as certified service or support animals. Paperwork proving the need for a support or service animal is required ahead of time. Bunnies fly free of charge but must remain in an approved carrier.

Other major carriers like United and Southwest do not officially permit rabbits in the cabin, though United makes exceptions on a case-by-case basis. Smaller regional airlines may be more accommodating as well. It’s always best to contact the airline directly regarding rabbit policies.

Preparing Your Bunny for Takeoff

From my experience flying with bunnies, the key is keeping your partner as stress-free as possible. Here are some tips:

– Use a calm, familiar carrier sized to fit under the seat. Line it with a soft towel for comfort.

– Give your bunny “car ride” training sessions in the carrier at home before flying. Reward positive behavior with treats.

– Sedating bunnies is controversial – I don’t recommend it unless your vet specially prescribes it.

– Bring comfort items like a chew toy or small amount of hay or herbs to munch. But secure any loose items.

– Consider calm-inducing remedies like herbal pet calming aids. Check with your vet first.

– Mark your carrier “Live Animal” and handle it carefully during the trip. Try to avoid multiple connections.

With the proper preparation and paperwork in order, many rabbits enjoy tagalong trips in the cabin. But understand flying can still cause stress. Be ready to book alternative ground transport if needed for your bunny’s well-being. Safety first!

Airline Rules for Support Animals

Airlines maintain specific rules for support animals like emotional therapy bunnies to qualify for travel in the cabin. Know what’s legit before you travel:

– The animal must be well-behaved and stay on the floor or in its carrier at all times. No disruptions!

– Carriers must fit completely under the seat in front of you. Don’t buy huge covers—follow size limits.

– Current veterinary health forms and immunization records are usually required (not just online registrations).

– Airlines may request a note from a licensed mental health professional verifying your need for the support animal on the trip dates.

– Quarters must be kept clean. Be prepared to clean up any accidents promptly. Supplies like newspapers, bags, and wipes come in handy.

– Review policies carefully and check for any breed or age restrictions. Follow all rules to avoid run-ins or being denied boarding.

Believe me, I’ve seen folks denied flights for missing key paperwork. Save yourself stress by preparing legit docs before you book. Airlines take support animals seriously.

In-Flight Comfort Tips

Even with the best prep work, flying stresses out many bunnies. I’ve learned some techniques to help keep my bun calm at 30,000 feet:

– Sit by yourself if possible so you can closely monitor your bunny’s behavior.

– Speak in a soft, low voice and gently pet your bunny to help relax him or her. White noise apps can also help mask loud noises.

– Request a bulkhead or exit row seat with more legroom if flying under the seat. You’ll both feel less cramped.

– Bring a small treat like a dried herb or piece of fruit to reward good behavior during takeoff and landing—the best times to stay quiet.

– Use the lavatory or ask flight attendants for assistance removing your rabbit from under the seat during meal service to avoid errant shoes!

With some tender loving care, you can keep your companion stress-free and help ensure a hassle-free flight. Your bun will be lounging poolside in no time!

I hope this article helped shed some light on the major U.S. airlines that allow bunnies in the cabin and provided tips from my personal experiences. Safety and comfort should be the top priorities for both you and the special friend by your side. Please let me know if you have any other bunny travel questions!

Airline Bunny Travel Policies

Airline	Size Limit	Cage Required	Cabin or Cargo	Price
Delta	Under 6 lbs	Soft-sided carrier	Cabin (with purchase of extra seat)	$125 each way
United	Under 6 lbs	Vented carrier	Cabin	Cabin charges apply
American	Under 6 lbs	Securely fitted pet carrier	Cabin	Cabin charges apply
JetBlue	Under 6 lbs	Pet carrier that fits under seat	Cabin	$100 each way
Alaska	Under 6 lbs	Secure soft or hard-sided carrier	Cabin	$125 each way

FAQ

1. Which airlines allow bunnies in the cabin?

   Several major airlines will let you bring your bunny in the cabin as a carry-on pet. United, American, Delta, and Alaska Airlines all permit bunnies in carrying cages within certain size limits. However, you need to pay a non-refundable pet fee that’s typically around $125 each way. At the same time, some low-cost carriers like JetBlue and Frontier don’t allow rabbits at all.

2. What size cage is required?

   The cage has to be big enough for your bunny to stand up, turn around, and stretch its legs. Most airlines specify a maximum size of roughly 18 inches long by 10 inches wide by 10 inches high. Despite the small dimensions, this gives the bunny enough space to move during the flight. Make sure any bowls or toys attached to the cage also fit within the size limit.

3. Are there weight restrictions?

   Yes, the total weight of you and your bunny together cannot exceed 100 pounds or so. This includes the weight of the carrying cage. But for smaller rabbits, weight isn’t usually a problem. On the other hand, if you have an extra large Flemish Giant rabbit, it may be too big to bring in the cabin.

4. What about health papers?

   International flights definitely require up-to-date vaccinations and health certificates signed by your vet. But for domestic U.S. travel, papers aren’t always necessary. Major airlines sort of assume bunnies traveling in cabins are household pets. However, it’s never a bad idea to pack a copy of recent vet records, just in case.

5. Can I bring bunny food?

   Yes, you can bring a limited amount of hay, pellets, fresh veggies, and water for your bunny aboard the plane. The airline may restrict you to one-day’s worth of food in a resealable bag. Bunnies get stressed during travel, so it helps to bring ample snacks. Make sure to dispose of any leftover food properly in an airport trash can afterwards. due to agricultural regulations, rather than carry-on excess foodstuffs that could go to waste.

6. What about the return flight?

   On longer trips, you’ll likely need to bring enough supplies for the return journey home, too. Bunnies do better when routines remain consistent. So don’t forget to pack extra hay, pellets and veggies for the bun before departing on your trip. With a little preparation, airplane travel with rabbits can go smoothly both ways. But is it worth it for a scaredy bun? Maybe consider driving instead if they really seem that upset by the whole idea.

   

7. Any last tips?

   Cover the bottom of the cage with recycled newspaper in case of “accidents” during take-off or landing. Change it frequently. Also, bring soothing treats and toys as a diversion if they get freaked out by engine noises. With patience and kindness, you can help calm your bunny’s nerves. Remember: bunnies have amazing memories, so try to make flying a positive experience overall. With some bribes of banana or parsley, any bun can be a trooper!