In a groundbreaking move for canine travel enthusiasts, Bark Air, a new airline dedicated to dogs, is set to embark on its inaugural flight this Thursday. The maiden voyage, which has already sold out, will depart from New York and head to Los Angeles at 4:00 p.m. EST.
Bark, a well-known pet company founded in 2011, has been at the forefront of offering dog food and a variety of pet products. This April, they announced their latest venture: an aviation experience tailored specifically for dogs. Bark Air is now the second service to prioritize pets over humans in air travel, following the United Kingdom’s K9 Jets, which allows pets to travel alongside their owners in the cabin rather than being confined to cargo holds.
“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,” said Matt Meeker, co-founder and CEO of Bark, in a statement made in April. “We believe this initiative will elevate awareness of our brand’s mission and values, introduce more dog lovers to the Bark family, and help enrich the lives of dogs and their people around the world.”
The highly anticipated first flight from New York to Los Angeles has already reached full capacity, as indicated by Bark’s booking website. This innovative air travel service aims to alleviate the discomfort and stress often faced by dogs during long-distance journeys on commercial flights, especially those that cannot fit under the seats.
“Too often, dogs are denied travel, confined to a duffle bag, or endure the stress of flying in cargo,” Bark emphasized when announcing the launch of their new flights.
Bark Air promises an unparalleled “white paw service” for its canine passengers. The dog-centric cabin configuration allows dogs to socialize freely, mirroring the luxury of first-class human travel. Dogs will be treated to premium snacks, noise-canceling ear muffs, beverages of their choice, and other delightful surprises.
Initially, Bark Air will operate flights between the New York City metro area and Los Angeles, with plans to expand to routes including New York to London. The company has assured that additional routes will be added in the near future. Operating as a public charter service, Bark Air utilizes spacious Gulfstream G5 jets, although it does not own or operate the aircraft itself. Each dog ticket includes a pass for one human companion, with additional passes available for families. Children under 18 are not allowed onboard, and there are no restrictions on the size or breed of dogs.
However, this luxurious service comes at a premium price. A one-way ticket from New York to Los Angeles costs $6,000 for a dog and their human companion, while a New York to London ticket is priced at $8,000.
In a candid letter issued in May, Meeker acknowledged the high cost of the service but expressed optimism that prices would decrease as demand grows. “This is cost-prohibitive for most families, but less expensive than most options today. And this is also how most innovative products and services began,” he explained. “Televisions, telephones, VCRs and DVD players, to automobiles, train and boat travel, and, yes, even human air travel — all of these started with very high prices until demand was proven and the costs could be brought lower by serving the masses.”
Bark Air’s pioneering approach marks a significant milestone in pet travel, offering a luxurious and stress-free alternative for dogs and their owners. As the airline takes its first flight, it paves the way for a future where canine companions can travel in comfort and style.