If you are visiting family abroad, going on vacation, or even moving to another country, chances are that you won’t want to leave your precious pet behind. Popping your rabbit into the car is one thing, but taking them on a plane where restrictions are much heavier could be a little more challenging. So, can rabbits travel on planes?
Rabbits can travel by plane but there may be restrictions depending on which carrier you choose, for instance, whereabouts on the plane the rabbit will be allowed to occupy.
If you are thinking about taking your rabbit on a flight, it is vital you prepare correctly for this. With that in mind, let’s take a look at everything you need to know.
Can You Take A Rabbit On A Plane?
Depending on the airline, you may be able to take your rabbit in the cabin with you along with your regular hand luggage. Of course, you can’t just take him as he is, your rabbit will need to be in a carrier. But there are other things that you will need to think about.
Some airlines will only allow animals in the cabin up to a certain size. This is so that the rabbit, and its cage, can be placed underneath the seat in front of you. It is highly unlikely that an airline would permit you to pay for another seat for your rabbit but this is not unheard of so you should check before you assume this is the case.
For people with larger rabbits, there is a good chance that you will be asked to place your rabbit in the cargo section of the plane. While airline staff will take care to handle your pet responsibly and carefully, you should consider whether this experience will be too stressful for your bunny.
If traveling with your pet is unavoidable then it may be a good idea to condition your rabbit in the days leading up to the flight. This is especially true of rabbits that are going to have to go into the cargo hold.
There are vitamins and minerals with a special stress-formula that can be used a week prior to flying and for a week afterward. These products are designed to limit the negative effects of stress such as infections and illness.
You will need to consider your destination as there are some airlines and some places around the world where you are not permitted to fly with a rabbit in the cabin. However, for the most part, you will be able to check them as cargo baggage.
For example. United Airlines will allow domestic rabbits to travel in the cabin unless the flight is to Australia, New Zealand, or Hawaii. These are not the only restrictions in terms of location.
Many airlines, including Delta, will not allow rabbits on a flight that is longer than 12 hours. This is largely down to the well-being of the rabbit. A flight can be a stressful situation for an animal who doesn’t understand what is going on and lengthening this experience could be detrimental to its health.
What Airlines Allow Rabbits To Fly?
Before booking a flight with your rabbit, you should always check with the airline as to their up-to-date regulations regarding traveling with pets. While there are several airlines that will allow rabbits in the cabin, there may be current affairs that alter these rules.
However, as a general rule, the following airlines allow rabbits in the cabin provided that size and other criteria are met.
- Aeroflot Airline
- Finnair
- Delta
- United Airlines
- Air Europa
- Frontier
- Air Canada
- Air India
- Air France
- KLM
- Japan Airline
- Aer Lingus
- Iberia
- West Jet
- Aegean Air
Can rabbits fly on American Airlines?
American Airlines is one of the biggest airlines in the world and as such, has a pet-friendly policy which is great news for bunny owners. As with many other airlines, rabbits and their holders must be stowed underneath the seat in front of you. Otherwise, they must travel in cargo. Prices may vary depending on certain factors but as a general rule, you can expect to pay between $100 and $200 for a domestic animal to fly with you.
How Do You Travel With A Rabbit?
Traveling on a plane by yourself is often stressful enough; have you got your passport? Are you arriving at the airport on time? Have you got something to keep you entertained on the flight? Add into that the prospect of caring for your pet and traveling just took on a whole new persona.
However, provided that you are prepared and have all the relevant documentation, traveling with your rabbit doesn’t need to be a difficult experience.
If you have options of when to travel, it can be worth considering flying at quieter times. Hopping on a plane during school holidays is going to mean that the airport will be much busier and therefore, much more stressful for your pet. Furthermore, flying in extreme temperatures can have a negative impact on your pet.
All pets that travel by air must have a certificate that shows the animal is in good health. You will typically need to present this for every flight so make sure that you have it. What’s more, there may be certain parts of the world where rabbits are not allowed to move freely without certain documents. It is important to look into local regulations before heading to a destination.
You should also consider that while you may be able to take your rabbit into a country, leaving could be a different matter. To avoid unnecessary drama, be sure to check this before your journey.
Do Rabbits Like Being Carried?
Rabbits are active animals that like a lot of space. Putting them into a travel cage is never going to be an entirely enjoyable experience for them. However, you may find that it is less stressful for the bunny if you introduce them to the cage before you fly.
You can leave the travel cage in their space at home with the door open so that they can explore it. Always be sure to choose the biggest cage that will be allowed on the airline to prevent your rabbit from feeling too enclosed. Furthermore, you may consider using one with plastic sides so that the rabbit doesn’t feel overly exposed and vulnerable.
When it is time to fly, you should make sure that you prepare the cage properly. You will need to fill it with plenty of bedding. Using puppy pads to soak up urine can be helpful as well as using a favorite blanket or towel. Furthermore, you might consider covering the cage with a thin piece of breathable material to stop your rabbit feeling vulnerable.
It is also a very good idea to clearly label the cage to let others know that it contains a live animal.
