I wonder, what drove the cabin rabbit ban?
'Our customers tell us...'? then reconsidered?
- Bob Mann
https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2026/01/23/bunnies-back-board-alaska-airlines-brings-back-its-rabbit-in-cabin-policy/
*Bunnies back on board: Alaska Airlines brings back its rabbit
in-cabin policy *
By Dani Tompkins
<https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/authors/dani.tompkins/>
Published: Jan. 22, 2026 at 9:53 PM EST
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Alaska Airlines reversed a recent policy
change and will once again allow rabbits to travel in airplane cabins,
providing relief for travelers with the furry companions.
The airline discontinued allowing rabbits in-cabin in mid-2025 but
reversed the policy change on January 14 after receiving customer
feedback.
For Jessee Tompkins, a college student, the policy reversal means she
can continue traveling with her 9-year-old Holland Lop rabbit, Bunni,
who has flown to more than five states.
“She has a huge personality. She’s very loving,” Tompkins said about
Bunni, who was born in Talkeetna.
*Travel challenges without cabin access *
When Alaska Airlines discontinued the rabbit policy, Tompkins faced
difficult travel options between her college in Colorado and home in
Alaska.
“I was pretty stressed out and pretty disappointed as well because I’m
in school in Colorado and so I have pretty long breaks,” she said. “I
was going to have to plan to drive the Alcan home with my rabbit.”
The drive from Colorado to Alaska covers more than 3,000 miles. For
rabbits, cargo travel poses significant risks.
“Rabbits get scared very easily. In fact, they can be scared to
literal death. So, if they get so scared they can die,” Tompkins said.
“And it’s very important for her to be able to travel in the cabin
with me... we can’t really sedate her and put her in the cargo.”
*Cabin travel benefits *
Bunni travels in a soft-sided carrier that fits under an airplane
seat. The setup allows Tompkins to monitor her pet throughout the flight.
“Bunni stays in her crate the whole time. It fits right under the seat
in front of me, so it’s perfect,” she said.
Alaska Airlines requires soft-sided carriers that meet specific
dimension requirements listed on the airline’s website. Travelers must
reserve a spot for their rabbit and pay a small fee.
*Policy reversal brings relief *
After receiving customer feedback about the policy change, Alaska
Airlines reversed its decision.
“I am so glad that rabbits are allowed back on board now, because now
there’s not the stress of me... trying to figure out what to do,”
Tompkins said. “Thank you, Alaska Airlines!”
The policy change allows rabbit owners to continue traveling with
their pets in airplane cabins rather than seeking alternative
transportation or leaving them behind.
/Editor’s note: Jessee Tompkins is related to the author of this article/
--
R.W. Mann & Company, Inc. >> Airline Industry Analysis
Port Washington, NY 11050 >> tel 516-944-0900, fax -7280
mailto:[email protected] >> URLhttp://www.RWMann.com/
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