Traveling On A Plane With A Rabbit

Which airlines allow rabbits?

This blog will only help those traveling within the United States. Alaska Airlines or Frontier are the only airlines now that allow rabbits in cabin. As strange as this may sound, Alaska only allows rabbits that are pet and not ESA (emotional support animals). ESA animals are considered a prescription and not an actual animal which I find to be the weirdest thing. Anytime I have ever called to add a rabbit to my flight, they have never asked if they are ESA. So you didn't hear this from me, but they don't have to know if your pet is an ESA or not. Just be sure to book them as a pet.

​How to add a rabbit to your flight.

I only have experience flying with Alaska because Frontier has very limited flights to the destinations I have been to. If you book your flight online you will save money vs. calling in the reservation and having an agent book it. When you find your desired flight do not book it first! Keep your screen open and call Alaska Airlines and ask them if they have room for an animal in cabin on whichever flight you are interested in. There are only a certain amount of animals aloud on each flight so be sure to ask before booking or they may not refund your flight. If the agent tells you there is room, than while keeping them on the phone, book the flight online and than give the agent the confirmation code so they can add your pet to the flight. Currently it's $100 to add a pet to your reservation and they only allow one crate per person. You are aloud up to two bunnies per crate though. 

​What to bring on the plane for your rabbit.

The most important thing you need is a crate. Listed below are the crates I recommend for traveling with a bun.

Crate #1: Coopeter Luxury Soft-Sided Pet Carrier Expandable,Pet Travel Carrier
This crate is the most ideal for travel. The sides fold out for extra room for your buns to stretch out and move around. If you are expecting a lay over or long drive to your final destination, this crate may be the best option. During flight you may be able to unfold at least one side down for extra room. If you have a long drive after flight, you can open up both sides for traveling in the car for ultimate space! The cozy fleece bed is easy to remove and washable. 
Click here ---> Amazon

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Crate #2: Henkelion Pet Carrier
This crate works great especially for traveling with just one bun. If you have two smaller sized rabbits, this crate will work for them as well. The cozy fleece bedding is easy to remove and washable. 
Click here ---> Amazon

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You will also need something for them to eat and drink from. Don't forget to bring hay, pellet food (if fed pellets), and a full water bottle. Soft sided crates don't really allow for a water bottle to be attached but a bowl will work just fine. You can also bring a water bottle as well and every few hours open the crate and hold it for them to drink from it. I recommend  using a ceramic bowl with no lip so it's more stable and less likely to tip during travel. Below is the perfect bowls for traveling! 
​Click here ---> Amazon

​What to do when arriving at the airport.

When you arrive to the airport, go to the Alaska or Frontier counter to check in your rabbit and pay the animal fee ($100). Then you will proceed through security. You will have to take your bun/buns out of the crate and walk them through security so their crate can go through the scanner. Once you make it past security, you can put them back in the crate. 

​While on the plane.

The airlines require your pets to stay in their crate during the entire flight. I have flown several times in cabin with buns and I will say from experience, most of the time they really don't care. If you have someone sitting next to you, it would be polite to ask them if they mind first to respect them. But usually everyone wants to see them. If you have nervous buns that may not travel very well than it may be best to keep them in the crate the whole time so they feel safer.

Is it safe for rabbits to fly?

This will be based on your best judgment. Most rabbits can fly and travel even if they are timid. The only real concern to watch for is making sure they are eating and drinking. Some rabbits may not eat or drink while on the plane ride which isn't necessarily bad, but make sure they eat within 24 hours after landing. Rabbits can go into GI Stasis which is an intestinal blockage that can be caused from stress. Of course this is worst case scenario so just monitor their eating habits during travel. To be safe you can bring along critical care which is a high fiber supplement which helps their digestive system. 
​Click here ---> Critical Care

Safe travels everyone!