BARK, the popular dog toy company, is launching a new airline – BARK Air – that is sure to delight dog owners. According to a report by USA Today, this charter flight service will transport dogs and their owners on private planes, offering a more comfortable and luxurious experience, and a stress-free alternative to commercial jets.
The announcement was made on BARK’s X handle on April 12.
Starting May 23, BARK Air will operate weekly flights between Westchester County Airport in New York’s White Plains, and Los Angeles’ Van Nuys Airport, with bi-monthly service to London Stansted Airport to follow. The one-way cross-country flight will cost $6,000 for one dog and one owner, while the transatlantic flight will cost $8,000.
The company aims to provide a more personalised and luxurious experience for dogs and their owners. For instance, passengers can skip security checkpoints and screenings, and instead opt for a simple check-in process where they can meet the other dogs on the flight. The dog owners will also be served a meal cooked by on-site chefs.
Moreover, each flight undergoes “Dogs Fly First” flight prep, which includes calming pheromones, music, and colours that pups prefer. Dogs have access to various aids such as calming treats, noise-cancelling ear muffs and calming jackets.
During takeoff and descent, dogs are given a beverage of their choice to help their ears adjust to cabin pressurisation.
BARK Air offers the “white glove experience typical of a human’s first-class experience and redirected all that pampering to pooches”.
“We are excited to take the insights we have learnt over years to create an experience that is truly dog-first, which is drastically different from just accepting dogs – from the ground to the skies,” Matt Meeker, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at BARK, was quoted as saying by USA Today.
The idea of BARK Air was inspired by Matt Meeker’s Great Dane, Hugo, who never made it to the West Coast or Europe due to the challenges of flying pets, especially large ones.
