Bark Air puts the ‘wow’ in bow-wow

Now, every pup will be a VIP (Very Important Pet) thanks to Bark Air, a pioneering airline that prioritizes dogs over their human companions.  

The airline, which celebrated its inaugural flight on Thursday with a sold-out flight from New York to Los Angeles, marks the beginning of a unique air travel experience designed specifically for our four-legged friends. 

Founded in 2011, Bark is well-known for its range of dog food and pet products. In April, they announced their latest venture, an aviation service tailored to making long-distance travel more comfortable for dogs. This initiative positions Bark Air as the second service of its kind, following the UK-based K9 Jets, which also allows pets to travel alongside their owners in the cabin, rather than in cargo holds. 

Bark Air’s first flight was a resounding success, fully booked according to their booking website. The service aims to address the stress and discomfort that dogs often face when flying on commercial airlines, particularly those that cannot fit under a passenger seat. 

The airline offers what it calls “white paw service” for its canine passengers. Dogs on board will enjoy a range of luxuries akin to first-class human travel. These include treats, noise-canceling ear muffs, a beverage of their choice, and various other surprises. The cabin is configured to be dog-centric, encouraging socialization among the furry travelers. 

Initially, Bark Air will operate routes between the New York City metro area and Los Angeles, and from New York to London. Plans are already underway to expand to additional routes. The airline operates as a public charter service, utilizing spacious Gulfstream G5 jets, though it does not own or operate any aircraft itself. 

Each dog ticket comes with a pass for one human companion, with the option to purchase additional human passes for families. However, children under the age of 18 are not permitted on board. Notably, there are no restrictions on the size or breed of dogs allowed to fly. 

The service comes at a premium price. A one-way flight from New York to Los Angeles in June is priced at $6,000 for one dog and one human, while a New York to London ticket costs $8,000. In a letter from May, Bark’s founder acknowledged the high costs but expressed optimism that prices would decrease as demand increases.