Dog parents who've traveled by air with their furry children are well aware that it’s not an easy task. Not all canines enjoy being in the cabin, and if they surpass a certain weight, they usually have to go in the cargo hold, which is not a particularly pleasant ordeal. But how can the experience be better for our traveling furry friends? By creating an airline just for them, of course.
Bark Air. That’s the name of the–completely real–airline that the pet food and accessory company Bark recently unveiled. The service, which was announced on April 11, is being marketed as “the world’s first air travel experience designed specifically for dogs first, and their human companions second, enabling them to travel together comfortably and conveniently.” Technically, however, it’s not really the first, as the British K9 Jets already offered something similar–but it’s still intriguing.
Matt Meeker, the company’s CEO, stated:
“We are excited to take the insights we’ve learned over the years to create an experience that is truly dog-first, which is drastically different from just accepting dogs–from the ground to the skies.”
Cinnamon, spokesdog for the Traveling Dogs Association, added:
“Woof, woof, woof-woof, woof, woof. Bow-wow, woof. Arf.”
Okay, this last part isn’t real. But how often do you get to write something like this?
So, what does this airline offer? Basically, it’s the equivalent of first class for humans, but for dogs. It includes the full first class experience, from booking and arrival perks to onboard services. It should be noted that Bark didn’t purchase any planes; instead, the company partnered with an Argus Platinum-rated charter company. The plane they use is a Gulfstream G5.
A VIP passenger enjoys the company of her two-legged companion on a Bark Air flight | Image: Bark
Dogs must arrive 60 minutes before their flight so they can meet the other passengers while their human companions enjoy a meal. The furry travelers will also receive “their beverage of choice during ascent and descent to ensure they do not experience any ear discomfort commonly caused by changes in cabin pressure. Additionally, a variety of BARK-branded treats, snacks, and surprises will be provided throughout the flight with the intent of pampering furry passengers and their humans.”
The company explains that, prior to boarding, “the plane will [undergo] a ‘Dogs Fly First’ flight prep with calming pheromones, music, and colors that pups prefer. All furry passengers will have access to various aids such as calming treats, noise-canceling ear muffs, and calming jackets to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable flight.”
Image: Bark
The inaugural flight. On Thursday, the first doggie flight departed from New York to Los Angeles. It was sold out. For now, there are few routes (New York-Los Angeles-London-Paris) and, needless to say, the tickets aren’t exactly cheap. A one-way ticket from New York to Los Angeles in June costs $6,000 for a dog and one companion, while a one-way ticket from New York to London will set you back $8,000.
Images | Bark