Hello all.

We aren't quite at that point yet, but here's my question regarding my travel to the US:

I'm gonna take my pet rabbit with me, and since I would hate for him to travel in cargo hold, I'm trying to find airlines that will allow him to be with me in the cabin during the flight. Nowadays it's quite easy to do this with a cat or small dog, but I've found it to be almost impossible with a rodent. (why that is, I have not the slightest idea... )

So, if anyone of you was successful having a rabbit or similar pet in the cabin as handluggage on your flight to the US, which airline did you use? The only one i found that might allow it is Continental.

Any input will be highly appreciated!

Try Delta. They seem pretty "up for anything". LOL

There's a rodent in da cabin, whatcha gonna do,
There's a rodent in da cabin!

Just put it in a cat carrier, tell them it is a cat. I doubt they will look to verify.

Yeah, they allow it on flights within the US, on the website it doesnt say anything about international flights. I'll check on that, thanks!

akdiver, that would be a good idea, but I'll have to take him out of the carrier during the security check cause of the x-raying, so people might notice it's not a cat...

So? I dont they will go ask Delta if you're allowed to do it.

Besides, the TSA people are so dumb, they might even think it is a dog.

Cheers!
AKDiver

Actually, with cabin pets they take them away from you and they are inspected in a different part of the terminal, where a vet is present. The bags are labelled with what is inside it too.

If it says "cat" and it is in fact a rabbit, I really don't think that'll pass by unnoticed I'm afraid...

Hehe yeah. Will say "rabbit" in his papers as well, of course i guess nobody will actually bother looking at those.

So change the label to read "rabbit"

You guys give up way too easily.

Cheers!
AKDiver

Good point: Nephilim could easily say that this "cat" has a rare recessive genetic condition--which should stop any of the few half-wits (as opposed to the far larger number of quarter-wit or no-wit) at TSA.

Well he's a long haired rabbit, if i let his hair grow out long enough all they'll see will b a big ball of fur, will be very hard for them to tell what it really is

You guys are killing me!

I really don't think they will notice

Hi,

Some airlines will allow pets to travel in a carrier, if you buy him a seat-I am not joking. I met a woman on a KLM flight traveling from Amsterdam to NY, with her darling little Pug.

I know KLM will allow this...but I think you will need clearance from a veterinarian-ask them what paperwork they require. I don't think you will have any problems...

: )

Good Luck !

Wow, buy him a seat? If they'll charge me as much as for my own ticket that might get quite expensive.

But I'll look into that, thanks a lot for the info!

You got a pic? We'll be able to evaluate his cat-chances then

I took my cats in cabin and I didn't have to buy them a seat. I paid $30.

Sure!

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb152/neph_06/009.jpg

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb152/neph_06/002.jpg

Very cute! Kinda looks like a Persian cat, but the ears might be a problem to sell him/her as a cat....

Good luck

Quick google search (rabbits airlines) yielded unofficial results that Continental and Delta allow rabbits in the cabin. I'd call to verify (is Continental still in existence??).

And this website has some things to consider (scroll down for info on air travel):

http://www.rabbit.org/chapters/san-diego/b...ior/travel.html

Best of luck! Your friend is adorable!

Maya

PS Rabbits are not rodents, they are lagomorphs (these are two separate and distinct taxonomic orders).... sorry... I'm a former biology major who just can't help herself!

Thanks Anna, I'm a proud mama

Your cat is a cutie too btw!




Thank you for the link Maya, I came across this website before, and based on what i read there and on other sites I decided I really don't want him to travel as cargo. Poor thing will be so frightened anyway, I'd rather take care of him myself.

Another question, the health certificate I'll have to get from the vet, does it have to be in english?

I flew with Delta (took my cats in-cabin) and they didn't require a health certificate. Phone calls to Delta resulted in different replies so I got one anyway. If the health certificate is needed they will need to read it at both ends of the trip - the Germany end and the USA end. I'd consider asking for it to be done in two languages, that way you're covered.

Incidentally, if you phone Delta's booking line for Germany they will tell you straight away if you can take your rabbit in cabin. This will remove any of the guesswork that has been going on in this thread. If you can take rabbit in cabin you need to book it at the same time as your ticket. There is a limit to two animals in cabin per flight, first come first served.

This site might also help you:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/sregs/

Try the Europaeische Heimtier Pass, google it, it comes in German/English and is a health certificate, every vet will be able to fill it out!!! It mostly focuses on the rabies vaccination and a healthy animal...

Sample in German...
Sample in English...


It is for entry to the EU, but I guess you can use it as a health certificate for your little one too!!!! Oh don't do it earlier than 10 days prior departure - it should be really recent. Talk to your vet about it!

Most fit to fly certs concentrate on the animal's heart and communicable diseases. The airline wants reassurance that the animal won't die mid flight.

Some airlines ask that the examination be done only five days before flying. Check with the airline to find out what their requirements are.

C'mon guys, stop being so serious and sing with me:

"There's a rodent in da cabin...."