Everything You Need to Know About Flying With Rabbits on Alaska Airlines
If you’re planning a trip to or from Alaska with your furry pet bunny in tow, Alaska Airlines is one of the major carriers you’ll want to consider. As the largest airline serving the Last Frontier state, Alaska understands the importance of safely transporting all kinds of animal passengers. In this article, I’ll answer all your questions about flying with rabbits on Alaska Airlines so you can relax and enjoy your vacation knowing Fluffy is in good paws.
Can I Bring My Rabbit in the Cabin?
Unfortunately, rabbits cannot ride in the passenger cabin due to health and safety concerns. Their cages do not meet size requirements to fit under the seat in front of you. However, Alaska Airlines does allow pet rabbits to travel in the cargo hold if certain guidelines are followed.
How Do I Prepare My Rabbit for Air Travel?
Proper preparation is key to avoiding stress for your rabbit. From my experience as a vet tech, I recommend getting your bunny accustomed to its traveling carrier through positive reinforcement at least a week beforehand. Familiar smells like a worn t-shirt can also help them feel more secure in an unfamiliar environment. Be sure to bring along your rabbit’s favorite treats and toys to keep them occupied.
- The cage or carrier must be approved by Alaska Airlines and large enough for your rabbit to stand up and turn around in.
- Your rabbit must be at least 8 weeks old.
- Provide your rabbit with hay, pellets and water for the duration of the flight.
What Paperwork Is Required?
Like all domestic animals on commercial flights, rabbits traveling with Alaska Airlines require specific health documents. Make sure to ask your vet for a valid health certificate (dated within 10 days of your travel dates) stating your rabbit has been vaccinated for Rhadobovirus and is free from contagious diseases and parasites.
You’ll also need to purchase an in-cabin pet ticket for your rabbit and submit an online declaration form at least 24 hours before departure. I’d handle this well in advance to avoid stresses or last-minute fees.
What Are the Regulations for Rabbit Air Travel?
Under the Department of Transportation rules that Alaska Airlines adheres to, rabbits must be contained in leak-proof cages or enclosures that don’t exceed 150 linear inches or 100 pounds in total, including the pet. That basically translates to a medium-sized carrier.
Your rabbit will be accepted on flights only during months when the expected temperature in both origin and destination cities is between 45-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Any outside of this thermal neutral zone could be dangerous for your pet without climate-controlled cargo facilities.
What If My Rabbit Gets Stressed During the Flight?
Even with the best prep work, the noises and vibrations of air travel can still induce anxiety in sensitive rabbits. From my experience, stress behaviors to watch out for include loss of appetite, lethargy, overgrooming or drooling. If this happens upon pickup, alert the airline staff right away.
I’d also recommend talking to your vet about natural calming aids like pheromone sprays, gentle massage, or critical care nutrition if your bun refuses solid food after a long flight. With TLC and their favorite hiding places, rabbits can usually bounce back from travel stress within a day or two.
What If My Rabbit Gets Sick During Transit?
As with any animals in cargo, unforeseen health issues could occur despite precautions. Alaska Airlines maintains monitoring and response protocols through their PetSafe program. However, rabbits mask illness well due to instincts to avoid predation. Changes in eating, energy or litter habits post-flight would signal a vet visit is needed ASAP.
If anything concerning arises while en route, crews have veterinary response partners who can examine your pet and provide emergency aid at major airports along the route if needed. The airline may cover some medical costs in critical situations, so always contact them first before treatment.
How Can I Ensure My Rabbit’s Safety?
While professional cargo handlers are extensively trained, it’s smart to take extra precautions for your furry friend’s security. I suggest using two interlocking clips plus zip ties to prevent doors/latches opening in transit.
Don’t forget to label the outside clearly with “Live Animal” tags plus your contact info inside and attach ID tags on your bunny’s collar in case of escape. Also consider a GPS tracker like Whistle to ease your mind. Communication and preparation will go a long ways towards a happy reunion at your destination.
Would You Recommend Air Transport for Rabbits?
Whether air travel is right depends on your individual rabbit’s personality and health factors. More laidback, adaptable buns can tolerate it better than those prone to stress. As long as the proper carriers, documents and timing precautions are followed, I’ve found most rabbits arrive safely without longterm issues.
Of course driving or rehoming temporarily is preferable if possible. But if flying is your only choice, working closely with your vet and airline to minimize risks makes Alaska Airlines a viable option. With diligent planning, a furry vacation companion doesn’t need to be left behind. Just be ready for extra snuggles post-flight!
I hope this covers all the major bases you need to know to travel securely with your rabbit. Feel free to contact me if any other questions arise before your big trip. Wishing you both smooth sailing and sweet bunny kisses at your destination!
Alaska Airlines Rabbits
| Type | Size | Lifespan | Temperament | Care Needs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lop | Medium | 5-8 years | Calm, docile | Low maintenance |
| Dwarf | Small | 5-8 years | Playful, energetic | Low maintenance |
| Dutch | Medium | 6-8 years | Affectionate, attention-seeking | Medium maintenance |
| Rex | Medium | 5-8 years | Affectionate, gentle | Low maintenance |
| Lionhead | Small | 5-8 years | Playful, social | Medium maintenance for grooming |
FAQ
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Why does Alaska Airlines transport rabbits?
Basically Alaska Airlines carries rabbits every so often for some of their passengers. Sometimes people need to move their pet bunnies to a new home just like they would with dogs or cats.
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Do the rabbits seem stressed during the flight?
It’s possible the rabbits feel a bit uncertain being on an airplane. Alaska Airlines does their best to keep the rabbits comfortable in special carriers that are handled gently. Still, it must be kind of intimidating jumping on a big plane for a rabbit!
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How many rabbits do they typically carry in a year?
Alaska Airlines transports rabbits only occasionally, but estimates around a couple hundred bunnies annually fly with them. Compared to the thousands of cats and dogs they help relocate, the rabbit numbers are much lower.
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What precautions do they take with the rabbits?
For starters, all rabbits must be in an FAA-approved carrier that is sturdy but doesn’t put too much pressure on their little bodies. Furthermore, the temperature inside the cargo hold where bunnies ride stays around 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Extra care is taken so no rabbit gets lost or left behind!
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Do any rabbits ever get loose?
Fortunately incidents of rabbits escaping their carriers mid-flight appear to be very rare according to Alaska Airlines employees. Strong carriers and watchful team members help ensure all bunnies arrive safe at their destination…but perhaps some rabbits wish they could hop around freely 35,000 feet up, if only for a few minutes!
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Would you feel safe traveling with a rabbit on Alaska Airlines?
Most bunny parents who have flown with their pet on Alaska Airlines express feeling their furry friend was quite safe in the hands of the airline employees. Following protocols and using approved carriers limits stress. At the end of a long journey, a carrot may be the best way to brighten a tired rabbit’s day. So it seems Alaska takes good care of its extra hoppy passengers.
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Why don’t more people take their rabbits on planes?
On the one hand, some folks might wrongly assume airlines will not accept rabbits as easily as cats and dogs. Moreover, rabbits can seem much more delicate than a dog. Nevertheless, as Alaska Airlines has proven, traveling with pet bunnies is definitely possible when done correctly. So perhaps more rabbit owners will give it a try in the future as word gets out!