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8 Airlines that Allow Flying with Rabbits in Cabin [2023 Pet Policy]

1 9 minutes read

When it comes to traveling with pets, rabbits may not be the first animals that come to mind. However, for many rabbit owners, these furry companions are an integral part of their families. Fortunately, some airlines understand the importance of keeping these beloved pets close, allowing them to accompany their owners in the cabin.

In this article, we will explore the policies of various airlines regarding flying with rabbits in the cabin, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience for both you and your furry friend.

The following airlines allow flying with rabbits in cabin:

Aeroflot Airline
Air Europa
Alaska Air
Finnair
Frontier
La Compagnie
Spirit Air
WestJet

For a more detailed guide on flying with a rabbit, check Can I Take My Rabbit on a Plane? [Yes! Here’s how].

Why flying with rabbits in cabin is recommended.

It is recommended that you fly with your rabbit in the cabin, rather than checking him in as baggage.

In the cabin, your rabbit will be permitted to sit under the seat in front of you, by your feet. Sat together for your flight, you will both feel more at ease.

Firstly, you will be able to keep a close eye on your rabbit to ensure that he is happy. Secondly, you can also provide him with comfort and reassurance on the flight. You may not be able to take him out of the carrier, but just the sound of your voice is reassuring for your bunny.

In the cargo area of the plane, it is likely that your rabbit will get stressed. Rabbits are fragile creatures and being exposed to high levels of stress is dangerous and can even be fatal.

Therefore, unless you have a super calm and confident rabbit, the aircraft hold isn’t an ideal environment for a bunny.

Which airlines allow flying with rabbits in cabin?

Aeroflot Airline’s Rabbit Pet Policy.

Maximum number of rabbits allowed: no limit, however the carrier should be of sufficient size to allow the rabbit to stand up, turn 360 degrees, and lie down in a natural position.
Maximum weight: cannot exceed 8kg (including carrier).
Carrier restrictions: 44х30х26 cm for a rigid carrier and the sum of all dimensions must not exceed 126 cm for soft pet carriers.
Cost for domestic flight: 3,750 RUB / 57 USD (approx.)
Cost for international flight: 75 USD

Additional Information

Rabbits must be tamed.
Carriage must be approved by the airline at least 36 hours before the scheduled flight departure.
The number of animals that can be carried in the aircraft is limited.

Check the Aeroflot website for more information.

Air Europa’s Rabbit Pet Policy.

Maximum number of rabbits allowed: In a single container up to 3 rabbits may be transported in cabin.
Maximum weight: cannot exceed 8kg (including carrier).
Carrier restrictions: 55x35x25 cm
Fare for Mainland, Canary Islands and Balearic Islands: 27 USD
Fare for Europe and Africa: 55 USD
Fare for Inter Canary / Balearic Routes: 10.4 USD

Additional Information

The maximum capacity for pets in the aircraft must be respected, which is dependant on its characteristics. For PETC it is always the number of containers that counts and not the number of animals.
Small rabbits are only permitted on short and medium haul flights.
Rabbits must be at least 3 months old to fly on medium haul flights.
On flights operated by ATR aircraft, the weight cannot exceed 6kg (pet + container).

Check the Air Europa website for more information.

Air Alaska’s Rabbit Pet Policy.

Maximum number of rabbits allowed: Up to 2 pets of the same species and similar size may travel in the same carrier, provided no body parts protrude from the carrier and the animals are not in distress.
Maximum weight: N/A
Carrier restrictions: 17″x11″x9.5″ for soft sided carriers and 17″x11″x7.5″ for hard-sided carriers.
Cost: 100 USD
International: No

Additional Information

A customer may travel with a maximum of 2 pet carriers in the main cabin, only when the adjacent seat is purchased by the same customer.
The main cabin can accommodate a total of up to five pet carriers per flight.
Rabbits must stay in their travel container with the door/flap secured at all times in the boarding area (during boarding and deplaning), Alaska Lounge, and while onboard the aircraft. They must be stowed under the seat during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
A customer may travel with a maximum of 2 pet carriers in the main cabin, only when the adjacent seat is purchased by the same customer.
A health certificate is not required for rabbits traveling in the cabin with their passenger; however, many states have specific importation health and vaccination requirements. Contact the state veterinarian at your destination prior to travel to determine necessary documentation (such as health and cold-weather acclimation certificates) and vaccination requirements.

For more information, check the Air Alaska website.

Finnair’s Rabbit Pet Policy.

Maximum number of rabbits allowed: 2 adult rabbits are allowed in the same carrier, or three rabbits under the age 6 months from the same litter.
Maximum weight: cannot exceed 8kg (including carrier).
Carrier restrictions: 55x40x20 cm for soft sided carriers and 35x30x20 cm for hard-sided carriers.
Cost for short haul: 40 EUR / 45 USD (approx.)
Cost for long haul: 100 USD

Additional Information

You may not carry a pet in the cabin if you are travelling in Business Class on an intercontinental flight, as there is no room under the reclining seats.
Your rabbit must travels in its own pet carrier or box that is placed under the seat in front of you. The pet needs to stay in the carrier or box throughout the journey from the departure gate to the arrival terminal at your destination.
A soft pet carrier is the most convenient choice, as it is flexible enough to fit under the seat in front of you and allows your pet to stand up and lie down comfortably.
Please choose an IATA-approved pet carrier or box with a solid bottom. A soft pet carrier should be waterproof and have a breathable mesh at the front.

Check the Finnair website for more information.

Frontier Airline’s Rabbit Pet Policy.

Maximum number of rabbits allowed: N/A
Maximum weight: N/A
Carrier restrictions: 18″x14″x8″
Cost for domestic flights: 75 USD
Cost for international flight: N/A

Additional Information

Rabbits are not permitted in cabin on international flights, with exception when flying to/from the Dominican Republic and Mexico.
Rabbits are usually only permitted on flights within the US.
You may not sit in row one or an exit row when traveling with a rabbit.
For safety reasons, your rabbit must remain in the travel container at all times. If your pet is disruptive, it’s up to you to soothe him/her without taking him/her from the pet container.
Frontier do not require a health certificate for rabbits carried in the cabin traveling within the U.S. However, upon arrival, a certificate may be required by the specific state in which you are landing. For clarification, please call your veterinarian or see the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Veterinary Services.

For additional information, check the Frontier Airline’s website.

La Compagnie Rabbit Pet Policy.

Maximum number of rabbits allowed: one rabbit per passenger
Maximum weight: cannot exceed 33 pounds / 15kg
Carrier restrictions: 21 x 13 x 9 inches
Cost for travel: 10% of your ticket price

Additional Information

Only dwarf rabbits are permitted.
You must book your rabbit on the flight at least 48h before the departure of your flight and confirm by paying the fee corresponding to 10% of your ticket fare.
Your rabbit must be at least 2 months old.
Your rabbit be microchipped (this must be done before the rabies vaccination) and have a valid rabies vaccination.
Your rabbits animal health certificate must not be issued more than 5 days prior to the outbound journey and more than 15 days prior to the return journey.
Your rabbit must remain stowed in a carrier in front of your seat and remain inside of it during the whole flight.
Dwarf rabbits must be placed in a hard plastic cage with an access hatch on the top which cannot be reached by the animal even when he is resting on his hind legs. The airy box must meet the Company’s standards, if considered unsatisfactory it’ll be refused onboard.
If you travel with your pet, you may not be seated in the exit row.

Check the La Compagnie website for more information.

Spirit Air’s Rabbit Pet Policy.

Maximum number of rabbits allowed: two rabbit permitted per customer.
Maximum weight: 40 pounds / 18.14kg
Carrier restrictions: carriers must be soft sided and within 18″x14″x9″ / 45.72 x 35.56 x 22.86cm
Fee for travel: 125 USD per pet container, each way

Additional Information

Spirit Airlines does not require a health certificate for pets traveling with guests in the aircraft cabin, except for Guests traveling to USVI.
A maximum of 2 rabbits per container is permitted, but only one container per guest is allowed.
Rabbits must be able to stand upright and move about comfortably in the container.
Rabbits must remain in the carrier for the duration of the flight.
The rabbit should be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned.
The rabbit must be harmless, inoffensive, odorless, and require no attention during the flight.
You may choose to sit anywhere you wish with the exception of the first row and emergency exit rows.
The combined weight of the rabbit(s) and carrier may not exceed 40 pounds (18.14 kg).

Check the Spirit Air website for further information.

West Jet’s Rabbit Pet Policy.

Maximum number of rabbits allowed: one rabbit permitted per customer.
Maximum weight: N/A
Carrier restrictions: carriers must be soft sided and within 41×21.5×25.4 cm.
Fee for travel within/between Canada and the U.S.: 50 – 59 USD
Fee for travel between Canada/U.S. and all destinations outside the U.S.: 100 – 118 USD

Additional Information

Rabbits are not permitted on itineraries which include flights operated by our code-share and interline partners.
Please view general entrance requirements for guests travelling with pets for more information. Entrance and documentation requirements are subject to change and may vary depending on your destination, the animal’s breed and the type of animal travelling (e.g. a pet and a rescue animal can have different requirements).
Rabbits that are younger than eight weeks old will not be accepted for transport.
Rabbits travelling in the cabin must remain in the kennel and be stored under the seat in front of you at all times. If you remove your rabbit from its kennel while on board, you may be banned from travelling with your pet in the cabin on future WestJet flights.

Check the West Jet website for further information.

Can I fly with a rabbit in cabin internationally?

The following airlines that allow flying with rabbits in cabin, state the following regarding international travel:

Aeroflot do not specifically state that rabbits are not permitted on international flights.
Air Europa permit rabbits in cabin on international flights, as long as they are short or medium haul.
Alaska Air only permit dogs and cats to fly internationally in cabin.
Finnair do not specifically state that rabbits are not permitted on international flights.
Frontier only permit flying with rabbits in cabin within the US.
La Compagnie do not specifically state that rabbits are not permitted on international flights.
Spirit Air do not permit pets on international flights.
Westjet do not specifically state that rabbits are not permitted on international flights.

What rabbit carrier should I use when flying in cabin?

The cage that you buy depends on which airline you and your rabbit are planning on flying with. Each airline has different travel carrier restrictions.

Generally, if you rabbit is flying in the cabin with you, airlines require that cages are small enough to fit under the seat in front of their owners. A carrier that is 11 x 11 x 18 inches will fit most aircrafts.

Your rabbit travel cage must be spacious enough to allow him/her to stand up, turn around and sit up comfortably. Additionally, there must be room for a water dish, a food dish, and a pillow or blanket.

Tips for keeping a rabbit calm while flying in cabin.

Traveling can be stressful for rabbits, as they are sensitive creatures that thrive on routine and familiarity. The following are 8 easy ways to keep a rabbit calm while travelling in cabin:

Use a secure, private travel carrier for your bunny.
Re-create the calm feeling of being inside a rabbit hole.
Put your rabbit’s favourite blanket or toy in the travel carrier.
Get your rabbit familiar with its travel home.
Do some short practise runs.
Talk softly to calm your bunny while travelling.
Do not take your rabbit out of their travel carrier.
Put bonded rabbits in the same travel carrier.

For more details on keeping rabbits calm while traveling, check 8 Easy Ways to Keep a Rabbit Calm While Travelling.

Tips for preparing on the day of flight.

a) Pack food and water.

Before your flight, give your rabbit an opportunity to eat and drink.

Popping some hay in their travel cage is recommended, so that you rabbit has a snack if he/she does want to eat.

Hay and fresh greens may be prohibited if traveling internationally, or to agriculture protected areas such as Hawaii.

Top tip – pack extra food in case the flight is delayed.

b) Arrive at the airport early.

Aim to arrive at least 2 hours early. Some airports or airlines may require you to arrive even earlier, so check beforehand.

When you check in at your ticket counter, mention that you have a rabbit joining you.

They will ask to see your rabbit’s health certificate and receipt of reservation. Hold onto these as you may need to present these again to airport or airline staff when going through security or boarding the plane.

If your rabbit is flying in the cargo, stay with him/her as long as possible. This will relieve stress for both you and your rabbit.

For more details on flying with a rabbit, check Can I Take My Rabbit on a Plane? [Yes! Here’s How]

Conclusion

Traveling with rabbits can be an enjoyable experience, especially when airlines accommodate these furry friends in the cabin. It is essential to research and familiarize yourself with the policies of each airline before making any travel arrangements. Remember to prepare a suitable carrier, ensure your rabbit’s comfort, and comply with all necessary requirements. By adhering to these guidelines and selecting an airline that allows rabbits in the cabin, you can create lasting memories and share exciting adventures with your beloved furry companion.

1 9 minutes read

8 Airlines that Allow Flying with Rabbits in Cabin [2023 Pet Policy]

Why flying with rabbits in cabin is recommended.