Let Bunnies Fly campaign: let's keep the momentum going!
In September, the “Let Bunnies Fly” campaign launched, urging airlines to allow pet rabbits to fly in-cabin. On September 8th, hundreds of rabbit guardians from across the nation joined our day of action, calling and emailing major airlines to ask them to reconsider their policies that exclude rabbits.
If you participated, thank you! If you missed it, don’t worry. You can still take action. Airlines are listening, and your voice truly matters. You’ll find contact information and resources on our “Let Bunnies Fly” campaign page. Please also sign a change.org petition calling for Alaska Airlines to revert their recent ban on bunnies. At the time of this blog post, close to 4,500 people have signed their name–add yours today!
Sloppy Joe, adopted from HRS, recently flew with his adopter in-cabin safely.
One major airline responded directly to us, saying, “We have noticed more bunny lovers reaching out lately, and your feedback is being shared with our leaders. Who knows, maybe one day rabbits will get their boarding passes too.” This shows that collective action works. Now is the time to keep the pressure on!
We’re encouraged by this response and the number of people who stepped up. We want to keep this momentum going! Rabbits can’t speak for themselves; let’s be their voice. Here’s how you can keep helping this effort:
Contact the DoT & FAA
Let the Department of Transportation (DoT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) know that rabbits deserve the same in-cabin travel rights as cats and dogs.
📞 DoT: 202-366-4000
📞 FAA: Call 866-TELL-FAA (866-835-5322)
Find a sample call script on the “Let Bunnies Fly” campaign page. Take a deep breath, state your point, and be kind. The staff are used to hearing from the public and will make sure your message is logged!
If you would like, you can mail a letter to:
Federal Aviation Administration
℅ U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave, SE
Washington, DC 20590
Here’s a template you can personalize with your own story and voice:
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to urge the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration to support a policy change that would allow domestic rabbits to travel in-cabin on airplanes, just like cats and small dogs.
Rabbits are the third most popular companion animal in the United States. They are quiet, clean, and travel safely in carriers, making them ideal in-cabin passengers. Unfortunately, most airlines currently require rabbits to fly in cargo, where conditions can be dangerous and even deadly. Families like mine consider rabbits to be beloved companions, and we should not be forced to risk their lives in order to travel.
Expanding in-cabin travel options to include rabbits would improve animal welfare while also benefiting airlines. Rabbit guardians are eager to support carriers that welcome their whole family. A change.org petition calling for Alaska Airlines to revert their recent ban on rabbits has already gathered nearly 4,500 signatures, showing strong public support for safer, more inclusive travel options for pet owners.
I respectfully ask that the FAA and DoT consider updating guidance for airlines so that rabbits are recognized as suitable in-cabin pets. Such a change would help families travel safely and responsibly with all of their animals.
Thank you for your time and for considering this important issue.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email / Phone]
You can also file a complaint with the DoT directly. Learn more on the Dot website at transportation.gov/airconsumer/file-consumer-complaint.
Contact Your Senators & Representatives
Your elected officials need to know this issue matters to you. A quick phone call or email can go a long way.
🔎 Find your senators: senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm
🔎 Find your U.S. representative: house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
Let them know: rabbits are beloved pets, and guardians should be allowed to travel safely with them in-cabin. Use this sample letter template as a guide and tailor it however you see fit:
Dear [Senator/Representative Last Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I am a constituent in [Your City/State]. I’m writing to urge your support in encouraging airlines to allow pet rabbits to fly in-cabin, just like cats and small dogs. Rabbits are quiet, clean, and gentle animals who travel safely in carriers. Unfortunately, current airline restrictions often force rabbits into cargo, which can be deadly for them. Families like mine should not have to risk our pets’ lives simply to travel together.
For many families, rabbits are beloved companions; they are the third most popular companion animal in the U.S., right behind dogs and cats. Expanding in-cabin options to include rabbits would not only protect animal welfare but also strengthen customer loyalty, as rabbit families would actively choose airlines that welcome their pets. A change.org petition calling for Alaska Airlines to revert their recent ban on rabbits has already gathered nearly 4,500 signatures, showing that this issue has strong support across the country.
While there isn’t current legislation about this issue, I wanted to share my concerns as your constituent. I hope you will use your voice to encourage airlines and the Department of Transportation to recognize rabbits as safe, appropriate in-cabin companions. Your support in raising awareness about this issue can make a real difference for families who want to travel responsibly with their pets.
Thank you for your time and for your commitment to the well-being of families and their pets.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email / Phone]
Join the “Let Bunnies Fly” Facebook Group
Stay up-to-date on the latest news by joining the “Let Bunnies Fly” Facebook group where you can connect with other rabbit lovers, share updates, and be ready for the next day of action.
Share Your Story
Have you flown with your rabbit in-cabin before airlines changed their policies? Share your experience on social media using the hashtag #LetBunniesFly. Real stories from rabbit guardians show that rabbits can travel safely and calmly alongside their humans. You never know who might see your post; whether an airline employee, a legislator, or another advocate; and your story could make all the difference.
The momentum is growing, and every single email, call, and petition signature makes a difference. Rabbits can’t speak up for themselves, but we can. The more people who speak up, the louder our message becomes. Let’s keep pushing until bunnies have their boarding passes too.
