Any dog parent will tell you that the hardest part of going on vacation is leaving behind your fur baby. You could take them with you for road trips, but what about trips that require flying? Recently, more airlines have adopted a pet-friendly approach. Some airlines have started allowing service animals to fly with their humans, but for the most part long-distance air travel with pets still means having them inside a crate in cargo. But what if it doesn't have to be that way?
Introducing BARK Air, the world's first airline that puts your pupper first. This public chartered air service just launched its maiden flight this May, and here's what you need to know about this dog-friendly airline, an idea long overdue.
Here's what you need to know about BARK Air:
"Finally, dogs can fly" is BARK Air's tagline. Designed to revolutionize flying with dogs and give them a "white paw" experience, BARK Air is the world's first and only "100% totally real airline for dogs." It is the air travel arm of the dog-centric brand BARK, a company that sells dog treats, toys, and a curated subscription box specially made for your fur babies.
BARK Air is a public charter air service. This means the company doesn't own nor fly any aircraft but leases it from a US carrier. BARK Air uses a fleet of Gulfstream G5s, which are long-range jets typically used as private carriers for VIPs-because your dogs are VIPs too, in this case Very Important Puppers. You can think of flying on BARK Air as similar to hanging in a dog park, a dog-friendly cafe, or a friend's house.
Flights on BARK Air are never booked to the full capacity of the aircraft. Only 10 seats on the plane are open for booking at a time. This ensures that dogs of all sizes, temperaments, and breeds can have a safe and enjoyable flight experience with lots of room.
Flight cabins are prepped with calming aids such as pheromones, music, warm lavender-scented refreshment towels, and other comforts to help each dog feel settled. Passengers will also receive a "just in case" bag filled with calming treats, leashes, poop bags, and more. Once onboard, dogs will be served their beverage of choice (water, bone broth, etc.) during ascent and descent to ensure they do not experience any ear discomfort commonly caused by the change in cabin pressure.
As this is an airline for dogs, carriers, and crates are not required, but if your dog is more comfortable flying in one, that's also okay. Leashes are only required to be on during taxiing, ascent, and descent, or if turbulence is expected.
Dogs need not be trained to ride on BARK Air. A BARK Air Concierge will discuss your dog's temperament and sensitivities. Spaces will be available in the jet for shyer pups, and every attempt will be made to match personalities when assigning seats. BARK Air understands that not all dogs are social and may be a bit nervous about being around strangers and meeting other dogs. Note that your dog does not need to socialize with others and is welcome to settle in with you.
Travel requirements for dogs and humans
Just like any other airline, travel requirements will be checked at the gate prior to boarding. International destinations require documents certifying rabies vaccination records and microchip compliance. When flying to the UK, proof of tapeworm treatment is required before taking off.
Don't worry if this seems a bit overwhelming. A BARK Air Concierge will contact you to guide you through the boarding and flight requirements after your purchase.
Where does BARK Air fly?
As of its launch this May, BARK Air operates on limited routes from the United States, London, and Paris. Currently, the airline offers one-way and round-trip flights between New York and LA, and New York and London. More routes, such as Paris and London and New York and Paris, will be added soon.
On launch, routes will serve the New York City metro area via White Plains (HPN), Los Angeles via Van Nuys (VNY), and London via Biggin Hill (BQN). While these airports are not the main ports in these big cities, all of these airports are easily accessible to the metro areas around them.
How much are flights on BARK Air?
Despite BARK Air being an airline for dogs, your pets obviously can't fly unattended. This is why tickets on BARK Air are for one human and one dog pairing. The airline aims to replicate the human first-class travel experience but for dogs, couple that with the airline operating with a chartered air service then you know the flights are going to have a premium.
Currently, BARK Air flights between New York and Los Angeles cost around USD 6,000, or roughly P350,000, while flights between New York and London cost around USD 8,000, or approximately P465,000.
Each person is allowed one 22-kilogram checked bag and one wheeled carry-on case that will be stowed during travel. Essential in-flight items can be brought in one personal bag that you'll have by your seat.
BARK Air also provides complimentary, dog-friendly car services within a 30-mile radius of the airports. Just inform the BARK Air concierge of the details about pick-up and drop-off during booking confirmation.
For more information, visit BARK Air's website
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