Top Airlines That Allow Rabbits as Emotional Support Animals – Bring Your Bunny Along

Airlines That Allow Rabbits as Emotional Support or Service Animals

If you rely on your rabbit for emotional support or have trained them as a service animal, you may want to travel with your furry friend by plane. However, not all airlines permit rabbits in the cabin. In this article, I’ll outline the major U.S. airlines and their policies regarding rabbits, as well as provide tips for flying with your rabbit companion.

Which Airlines Allow Emotional Support or Service Rabbits?

The following airlines have policies that permit rabbits that are classified as either an emotional support animal or a service animal:

1. Alaska Airlines – Allows rabbits as emotional support or service animals in the cabin, though they must remain in an IATA-approved carrier under the seat for the entire flight.
2. American Airlines – Permits rabbits as emotional support or psychiatric service animals. The rabbit must remain in an IATA-approved soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat.
3. Delta Airlines – Accepts rabbits as service or emotional support animals if traveling in an enclosed pet carrier that can fit under the seat or in the overhead bin.
4. Hawaiian Airlines – Allows rabbits classified as service or emotional support animals to fly in-cabin in an FAA- or IATA-compliant pet carrier under the seat.
5. JetBlue – Permits rabbits that are service or emotional support animals to travel in an IATA-compliant hard-sided or fabric carrier under the seat.
6. Southwest Airlines – Accepts rabbits as emotional support animals if in-cabin in a secure carrier that fits under the seat or in the cabin lap of the passenger.
7. United Airlines – Allows rabbits as emotional support or psychiatric service animals if traveling inside an enclosed pet carrier under the seat for the entire flight.

Airlines That Do Not Accept Rabbits

The following major U.S. airlines have policies prohibiting rabbits from traveling in the passenger cabin:

1. Allegiant – Only accepts cats and dogs as service animals. No other species permitted in-cabin.
2. Frontier Airlines – Does not accept rabbits, rodents, reptiles or service/emotional support animals not listed as accepted under the ACAA.
3. Spirit Airlines – Prohibits all animals aside from service dogs to be brought on board in the cabin.

Tips for Flying with Your Rabbit

If your airline allows rabbits, here are some tips to prepare your rabbit pal for flying:

1. Make sure your rabbit is accustomed to their carrier before the flight. Start introducing them to it well ahead of time and associating it with positive things like treats.
2. The carrier should be large enough for your rabbit to stand up and turn around in comfortably but still fit under the airline seat as required. Many shops sell IATA-compliant soft-sided carriers.
3. Provide comfort items in the carrier like a small blanket with your scent on it. Toys may distract your rabbit during takeoff/landing when they need to stay still.
4. Ask your vet for a note stating your rabbit is fit to fly. Many airlines require health/behavior records for support/service animals.
5. Bring extra water bowls, litter boxes, bedding and zip locks for waste cleanup in case of delays. Have food/litter accessible in the carrier.
6. Label carriers clearly with YOUR contact information in case it’s separated from you during transit. Microchip your rabbit as an extra precaution.
7. Notify the airline of your rabbit during booking and get pre-approval. Without proper paperwork, airlines can refuse to let your rabbit fly with you.

From my experience, the most challenging part of flying with rabbits is keeping them calm and contained during takeoffs and landings when cabin pressure changes can cause anxiety. It helps if your rabbit is desensitized to carrier travel through positive rewards and desensitization exercises beforehand. I’ve found munching treats of herbs like chamomile during these periods helps keep my rabbit Shasta mellow as she dislikes the popping in her ears.

Here’s a “for instance” story from my own practice flying with Shasta: Our flight from San Francisco to New York had an hour-long delay on the tarmac due to weather. Shasta started getting restless after some time cramped in her carrier without a bathroom break. I discreetly took her out of her carrier on my lap and used tissues to spot-clean her litter box right there on the plane. This five-minute potty diversion calmed her down enough to wait patiently again. By asking flight attendants for some water and staying positive, we rode out the delay comfortably together. Proper preparation and problem-solving go a long way when flying with any animal companion.

On that note, if you’re only looking to bring your rabbit on a shorter domestic flight, it’s important to make sure they are accustomed to car or bus rides and potentially being separated from their usual environment for a day before planning plane travel internationally or cross-country. Building up distance and duration gradually allows their tolerance to increase safely. It can also help to check if your airline offers red-eye or overnight flights as a gentler pace for your furry friend’s rest cycle.

Now, while the large “legacy” carriers are generally most accommodating of support/service rabbits nationally, it’s key to determine your specific itinerary and check alternative airlines serving shorter routes if needed. For instance, my current cross-country trip options through Frontier wouldn’t be rabbit-friendly despite Alaska allowing Shasta on all my domestic legs. Basically, flexibility may be required in cases like this – be strategic and connect with pet transportation specialists if full-service air travel proves too logistically challenging.

Therefore, in summary – while policies restricting animal species can differ and present some logjams, with diligent training, carrier desensitization beforehand, and adapting travel plans accordingly – it is absolutely feasible to include pet rabbit bonding as a priority on most domestic air journeys. Patience, preparation and problem-solving on both ends make all the difference. And kudos to those airlines leading the way in meaningful pet accommodation.

Airlines That Allow Rabbits as Cabin Pets

Airline	Cabin Pet Policy	Cage Size Requirements	Additional Fees
Alaska Airlines	Allowed in cabin in pet carrier under seat	Carrier must fit under seat and be at least 12″ x 7″ x 7″	$125 per carrier each way
American Airlines	Allowed in cabin in pet carrier under seat	Carrier must fit under seat and be at least 12.5″ x 7″ x 7″	$125 per carrier each way
Delta Airlines	Allowed in cabin in pet carrier under seat	Carrier must fit under seat and be at least 17″ x 12.5″ x 9″	$125 per carrier each way
JetBlue	Allowed in cabin in pet carrier under seat	Carrier must fit under seat and be at least 13.5″ x 9″ x 7″	$100 per carrier each way
Southwest Airlines	Allowed in cabin in pet carrier under seat	Carrier must fit under seat and be at least 12″ x 7″ x 7″	No additional fees for cabin pets

FAQ

1. Which airlines let you bring rabbits as carry-on luggage?

   Most airlines won’t let you bring a rabbit in the passenger cabin. However, some airlines might allow small pets like rabbits in carriers that can fit under the seat. You’d need to check each airline’s pet policy site by site. At the same time, even if allowed, it’s probably not a kind trip for the bunny!

2. Can I check rabbits as luggage?

   Many airlines will let you check a rabbit in the cargo hold of the plane as you would check baggage. Nevertheless, conditions down there could be quite stressful for little Fluffy. Unless totally unavoidable, it might not be worth putting your rabbit pal through that, right? Perhaps consider driving or another option if it’s just a short trip.

   

3. What size carrier do airlines require for rabbits?

   Airlines that let rabbits fly typically want them secured in an IATA-compliant carrier. These must be big enough for the bunny to stand up and turn around in freely. A carrier of about 16x11x8 inches is usually considered a decent minimum size. Of course, bigger is always better when it comes to giving a rabbit more space. It doesn’t take up much extra suitcase space to make a bunny more comfy.

4. Can I bring multiple rabbits on a flight?

   Generally, most airlines will allow a maximum of one or two pet rabbits per passenger on a flight. Anything more and it could be seen as a commercial operation. Some carriers “sort of” make exceptions now and then, so calling the airline in advance can’t hurt to ask. But don’t be too shocked if they basically say just one or two bunnies max, sorry!

5. How much does it cost to fly with a rabbit?

   costs can range from around $100 to $250 each way depending on the airline. There’s usually a base transport fee, plus additional charges per container over a certain size. Hey, at least you won’t have to pay for the rabbit’s airline meal, right? Maybe look into driving if flying with bunnies gets too pricey.

6. What precautions should I take when flying with a rabbit?

   Besides ensuring the carrier meets size guidelines, some key tips include: having ID on the carrier, submitting vet health papers before travel, avoiding foods or toys in the carrier, giving the bunny a light meal a few hours before the trip, and if possible requesting a “hold animal” note so the carrier isn’t checked. But is it worth all the hassle and stress on the bun? Perhaps consider driving or leaving them with a petsitter instead, if able.

   

7. Is it stressful for rabbits to fly?

   Absolutely, flying can be very stressful for sensitive rabbits. Changes in air pressure, loud noises and being confined for hours are awfully anxiety-producing for the poor bunnies. There’s a good chance they’ll arrive agitated, hungry or even dehydrated. Unless totally unavoidable, driving or another option may well be kinder on your pooch or bun-bun. But what do the experts say? Let me look into that for more advice!