Bark Air, a New Airline for Dogs, Set to Take Its First Flight
A Unique Aviation Experience Tailored for Canines
Bark Air, a groundbreaking airline that prioritizes dogs over their human companions, is set to take its first flight on Thursday. This innovative service is brought to you by Bark, a pet company established in 2011, known for its range of dog food and other pet products. Announced in April, Bark Air promises a revolutionary aviation experience designed specifically for canines, making it the second air travel service to cater primarily to pets. This initiative follows the example of UK-based K9 Jets, which also allows pets to travel alongside their owners in the cabin rather than in cargo holds.
A Dog-First Travel Experience
Matt Meeker, co-founder and CEO of Bark, expressed his excitement about the new venture:
“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. 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.”
Sold-Out First Flight
The inaugural flight from New York to Los Angeles on Thursday is already sold out, as reported on Bark’s booking website. The airline aims to make long-distance travel more comfortable for dogs that cannot fit under the seats in commercial aircraft.
“Too often, dogs are denied travel, confined to a duffle bag, or endure the stress of flying in cargo,” the company noted in its April announcement.
White Paw Service and Canine Comfort
Bark Air promises “white paw service” for its canine customers, allowing them to socialize with other dogs in a specially designed “dog-centric” cabin. Similar to first-class human passengers, dogs will be treated to a range of amenities including treats, noise-canceling ear muffs, beverages, and other surprises.
Initial Routes and Future Plans
Initially, Bark Air will offer flights between the New York City metro area and Los Angeles, as well as from New York to London, with plans to expand to more routes in the future. Operating as a public charter service, Bark Air will use spacious Gulfstream G5 jets, though the company does not own or operate any aircraft directly. Each ticket for a dog includes a pass for one human companion, with additional passes available for purchase. Children under 18 are not permitted, and there are no size or breed restrictions for dogs. Each Gulfstream G5 aircraft accommodates 15 passengers, but Bark Air only sells 10 tickets per flight to ensure ample space.
Pricing and Future Prospects
Traveling with Bark Air comes with a premium price tag. A one-way flight from New York to Los Angeles in June costs $6,000 for one dog and one human, while a New York to London ticket costs $8,000. Meeker acknowledged the high costs in a May letter but expressed optimism that prices will decrease as demand increases:
“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. 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 innovative approach to pet travel aims to transform the experience for dogs and their owners, making long-distance journeys more comfortable and enjoyable for canine passengers.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, cbsnews.com