A new airline that aims to prioritise dogs over their owners is expected to launch its first flight.
Bark Air, launched by dog product company BARK, is designed specifically for dogs, enabling dogs and their owners to travel together “comfortably and conveniently”, it said.
A statement from BARK when they announced the airline in April said: “Traveling long distances with a dog is a challenge many dog parents face, particularly for those dogs that don’t fit into a carrier that can be placed under the seat in front.
“Too often, dogs are denied travel, confined to a duffle bag, or endure the stress of flying in cargo. Recognizing these challenges, and the increasing demand for an accessible solution, BARK Air presents a more fun – and humane – option for dogs traveling with their two-legged human companions.
“BARK Air exemplifies BARK’s dog-first mentality and award-winning customer experience, setting a new standard for dogs who love to travel but have been forced to settle for less-than-ideal traveling conditions”.
According to Bark’s website, the inaugural flight from New York to Los Angeles is sold out – with prices at $6,000 for one dog and human (or $8,000 for New York to London).
The company currently offers flights from NYC to LA, but also has flights from London to NYC. Potential passengers can also request routes on the company’s website.
“When we started BARK in 2011, we were on a mission to disrupt the dog space and create products designed for dogs and their humans. 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, cofounder and CEO at BARK. “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.”
Bark Air will fly its passengers on a chartered Gulfstream G5 jet. Each dog ticket comes with a pass for one human, and families may also purchase additional passes. Children under the age of 18 are not permitted aboard. There are no size or breed restrictions for dogs.