Did you know that you can take your rabbit with you on your next flight? You’ll be able to share new experiences with your furry little travel buddy.
While traveling with a pet in your car can be easy, doing so on a plane would be a whole new challenge.
Therefore, when taking your pet rabbit on a flight with you, you must be prepared for everything and anything.
Can Your Pet Rabbit Travel Inside the Cabin?
Whether your pet rabbit will be allowed inside the plane cabin with you or not depends on a few variables:
Your Travel Route and Airline Choice
Some air services only let rabbits fly on specific routes in the cabin. This is especially the case for United Airlines. They allow pet rabbits inside the cabin.
However, rabbits are not permitted inside the cabin on flights from or to Australia, Hawaii, New Zealand, and other countries.
Similarly, some only allow pets inside the cargo hold as checked baggage.
So, get in touch with the air service you’re traveling with to know more about their policies on animal travel.
Your Rabbit’s Size
Certain airlines will let rabbits travel in the cabin with their owners. This is only possible if their cage can be tucked below the seat in front of you.
When it comes to larger rabbits, it might not be easy to fit their cage under the plane seat. Therefore, they have to travel in the plane’s cargo hold.
Furthermore, you won’t be allowed to buy an extra plane ticket for your rabbit. Again, this policy can vary. So, inquire about these things beforehand to avoid any issues later on.
Can You Take Your Rabbit on An International Flight?
You may or may not be able to travel with your rabbit on an international flight. This again depends on the airline, your destination, and the flight duration.
So, considering an alternative strategy for traveling internationally with your pet rabbit would be best. In fact, consider researching country policies to avoid facing issues while traveling with a pet.
It will help you ensure you follow guidelines related to taking pets on an airplane.
For instance, Delta airlines don’t permit taking your rabbit with you on flights from and to:
- UAE
- United Kingdom
- South Africa
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- Iceland
- Hong Kong
- Australia
- Dakar
- Barbados
- Dubai
Such restrictions are placed due to the risk of injury to animals.
Lastly, it also depends on the duration of your flight. Delta will let you bring your rabbit to an international flight if your flight duration is twelve hours or less.
Things to Consider When Booking a Flight with Your Pet Rabbit
Get in touch with customer service before purchasing plane tickets to learn more about the following:
- Do they allow rabbits on the flight?
- Does the airline let you reserve a spot for your pet rabbit?
- Can you take your pet rabbit on a particular flight?
- Will your rabbit travel in the cargo or the cabin?
Also, try to abide by the following recommendations when making your flight reservations. This will allow your pet rabbit to have an injury-free traveling experience.
Avoid Traveling During the Holiday Season
Airports and planes are significantly busier and louder during the holiday season. This will only give your rabbit additional discomfort.
Furthermore, there is also the chance of delays during holidays. So, avoid traveling during major holidays to provide your rabbit with the most comfortable traveling experience.
Avoid Travelling During Overly Cold and Hot Weather
Try to avoid traveling when it’s really cold or hot. In fact, during severe weather, you might not be allowed to carry rabbits on particular flights.
Try To Book a Direct Flight
Firstly, since the travel would be shorter, a direct flight would relieve a lot of traveling stress.
Secondly, you won’t have to stress over leaving your bunny in a chilly or warm cargo section while waiting for a connecting flight.
How Many Rabbits Can I Take on A Flight?
Consider a few things when you want to take multiple pet rabbits with you. These include:
Your Rabbits’ Weight
Some airlines only allow one cage per passenger. In contrast, some restrict the number of rabbits that can fit within each cage.
Your rabbits’ weight often determines whether they are permitted to fly together in the same cage. So, check with your choice of air service provider beforehand.
Your Air Service Provider
Of course, every airline has its own set of rules and regulations. Some accept five bunnies on board, whereas others don’t even accept one!
For example, Air Europa has the following guidelines for pets traveling in the cabin:
- You can transport a maximum of three pets in one cage.
- They must be the same species.
- They must be under the listed weight and size limits.
For pets traveling in the cargo hold through Air Europa, the following guidelines apply:
- You can check in a maximum of five animals in the cargo hold.
- Only one pet can travel in one cage.
- However, you can check in two animals in one cage if they are below fourteen kilograms each.
- You can check in three animals into one cage if they are six months old and from the same litter.
Documents You Need to Travel with a Pet Rabbit
You will often require a health certificate for your rabbit. This document will prove that it is fit and healthy to travel.
Furthermore, you might need additional documentation if traveling through or to particular countries and regions.
Lastly, it’s also critical to remember that regulations for leaving and returning to a country might vary. So, get in touch with customer service in advance to avoid any issues.
Rabbit Cage Options
The cage you purchase will depend on the air service you and your rabbit want to travel with. It also depends on whether your rabbit travels in the cabin or the cargo hold.
Rabbit Cage Considerations for Cargo Travel
Your rabbit’s cage needs to be roomy enough for it to stand up, turn around, and sit up comfortably.
However, it shouldn’t be so big that if there is any air turbulence, it runs the risk of being tossed around.
So, contact the air service provider through the phone and find out what kind of cages they allow on board. Their websites sometimes don’t contain such information.
Rabbit Cage Considerations for Cabin Travel
Air service providers often allow small cages to be placed beneath the seat in front of the rabbit’s owner.
Moreover, your rabbit’s travel cage must be big enough to provide a comfortable in-cabin traveling experience. Lastly, the cage must have enough space for a water dish, a food dish, and a cushion or blanket.
However, if you’re traveling with a larger cage, you can do two things:
- Purchase a seat for your rabbit beside you. However, not every air service allows this.
- Place your caged rabbit in the cargo hold.
Tips To Prepare Your Rabbit’s Cage
Here are a few tips to help prepare your rabbit’s cage for air travel.
Line the Bottom of the Cage
To help absorb pee, line the bottom of the cage. While paper towels are an option, puppy potty training pads are more convenient.
You can also use hay to line the case as it is comfortable and serves as a mid-flight snack for your rabbit.
Place Your Rabbit’s Favorite Cushion or Blanket in the Cage
For added security and comfort, choose a blanket that your rabbit likes. It will provide your rabbit with a more comfortable and stress-free traveling experience.
Cover Your Rabbit’s Cage with a Breathable, Lightweight Cloth
Doing this will decrease your rabbit’s stress levels. After all, air travel is something that most pets aren’t used to.
So, covering the cage will block their view of the surroundings. This step is necessary as the cargo hold also houses other pets.
Don’t Forget to Put a Label on Your Rabbit’s Cage
Attach a note to the side of your rabbit’s cage that says” Live Animal.” Furthermore, write down your destination, phone number, and name in case your pet gets lost.
Wrapping Up
At the end of the day, traveling with your rabbit by air requires a lot of pre-planning. But, ensuring that you and your rabbit have a stress-free flight can be worthwhile.
Also, don’t forget to consult your veterinarian for advice if your rabbit has previously experienced issues when traveling by air.
Lastly, follow the tips mentioned in this article, and you will have an enjoyable air travel experience with your furry friend. We wish you a happy journey!
Other articles you may also like: