The Issue

With rulings on Emotional Support Animals in the past 4-5 years many airlines have revised their pet policies to limit in-cabin pets to "Dogs and Cats only," even if previously the rule may have been Dogs, Cats, Rabbits (and sometimes Birds.) At the same time airline mergers have typically led to the more restrictive “Dogs and Cats only” policy being adopted with very little thought, just like with the recent merger of Alaska and Hawaiian airlines. Although cargo is less than ideal, many airlines including Delta and United have also suspended their pet safe programs for those pets not allowed to fly in-cabin to fly as checked baggage on the same flight as their owners.

At this point only three US Airlines (Spirit, Frontier and Avelo) and few International Airlines (including but not limited to ITA Airlines, JAL, La Compagnie, SATA and Finnair) are allowing rabbits as in-cabin pets. This has left rabbit owners in a bind, especially when relocating with many families, including military families, forced to leave their pets behind and rabbits, being the third most abandoned animal at shelters in the US, being surrendered. 

Why am I asking JetBlue?

• As far as I know JetBlue always had a “Dog and Cats only” policy. I assume an expansion into other species was probably never given much thought, so there could be lack of awareness. 
• JetBlue, outside of the pet policy, is my favorite airline. I am a True Blue member and if I can’t fly with Spirit, Frontier or Avelo I fly with JetBlue.They deserve the business of million+ bunny owners. 
• JetBlue generally appears more open than other airlines to listen to their customers, so I have hope they will listen to the House Rabbit Community as well. 
• JetBlue does not allow pets as checked baggage, so there is really no option for bunny owners.
• This could be a reversal of a trend: An airline who never allowed house rabbits in cabin now allowing them. 

Why should rabbits  be allowed to fly? They are vegan cats with long ears and short tails.  

• Rabbits are not horses or goats. Opening the door to rabbits will not open the door to unreasonably large, loud or smelly animals. 
• Despite a common misunderstanding rabbit are not rodents but lagomorphs, so allowing rabbit does not open the door to rats or mice. 
• Rabbits are the size of a small cat. Typically, 3-10lbs. So, they easily fit under the seat, while also being big enough that they could not "just escape." 
• Rabbits are clean. Most of them are trained, just like cats. 
• Rabbits make less noises compared to even cats or dogs. 
• Rabbits have little dander and are less allergy than even cats or dogs. 
• Rabbits live 12+ years and are the 3rd most abandoned animal at shelters. 
• Rabbits have extremely strong bonds with their families and suffer if abandoned.
• Because of their small size rabbits, prey animal instinct and attachment to their owners, rabbits will not fare well left alone in cargo holds.
• Rabbit owners happily pay a pet fee to keep their bunny with them. They also pay to get them spayed / neutered, vaccinated for common diseases, etc.
• Most countries including the US don’t have entry requirements for rabbits beyond maybe informal health certificates. Exceptions are those countries that are generally strict like the UK or Australia.
• There have been many successful examples over the years from rabbits who have traveled on planes.  Here is a great video from Lennon the Bunny, an Internet Celebrity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXCPYaTrvfo
• I also have a personal experience having relocated with my bunny Tapsi from Germany in-cabin back with Delta in 2005, when it was much easier. 

Please JetBlue, give us bunnies a shot. Owners like myself will be forever loyal and support you. Thank you for reading and considering.  

Note: Picture is of my rabbit Hocus who is a 6 – year old 7lbs bunny and sidekick who travels with his family “almost everywhere.” He has not been on a plane but stayed in campers, hotels and Airbnbs. He has even gotten positive reviews calling him out specifically by Airbnb hosts.