Alaska Airlines Restores In-Cabin Rabbit Travel After Backlash

Alaska Airlines has reversed a recent policy change and will once again allow rabbits to travel in airplane cabins, following strong customer feedback from pet owners who said the restriction created unnecessary hardship and safety concerns.

The airline had quietly limited in-cabin rabbit travel earlier, forcing some passengers to consider transporting their pets in cargo holds or abandoning air travel altogether. The decision drew swift criticism from customers who argued that small animals such as rabbits are particularly vulnerable to stress, temperature changes, and handling risks associated with checked or cargo transport.

After reviewing the response, Alaska Airlines confirmed that rabbits meeting size and carrier requirements will again be permitted to fly in the cabin alongside their owners. The move restores a long-standing accommodation that many travelers viewed as consistent with the airline’s reputation for being more pet-friendly than many of its competitors.

For travelers like college student Jessee Tompkins, the reversal offers immediate relief. Tompkins regularly travels with her rabbit, Bunni, and said the earlier policy left her with few viable options. Shipping Bunni in cargo was not something she felt comfortable with, while long-distance driving was impractical and disruptive. The reinstated policy allows her to continue traveling safely without compromising her pet’s well-being.

Pet owners have increasingly pushed airlines to rethink animal travel policies as pets become more integrated into daily life and mobility needs. While dogs and cats dominate airline pet programs, advocates argue that other small animals, when properly contained, pose little risk to cabin safety or comfort. Rabbits, in particular, are quiet and typically remain inside carriers for the duration of a flight.

Alaska Airlines said the decision reflects its commitment to listening to customer concerns and balancing operational needs with passenger expectations. The airline continues to require that rabbits travel in secure, airline-approved carriers that fit under the seat, and standard pet-in-cabin fees still apply. Capacity limits remain in place to ensure cabin comfort and safety for all passengers.

The episode highlights how quickly airline policies can draw scrutiny in the age of social media and direct customer engagement. Even relatively niche rules can have outsized impact on loyalty when they affect travelers’ ability to move with family members, including pets. Airlines are increasingly cautious about changes that may be perceived as reducing flexibility or compassion.

For Alaska Airlines, restoring in-cabin rabbit travel helps reinforce its brand as a customer-focused carrier willing to adjust when policies miss the mark. As airlines continue to refine ancillary rules and onboard policies, the response to this change underscores the importance of clear communication and responsiveness, particularly when decisions affect animal welfare and passenger trust.

Related News: https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/airline-finance/

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com