The world's first jet charter company where every passenger is a VIP (Very Important Person) is now taking off.
BARK Air, launched by dog toy maker BARK in partnership with Jet Charter Services, is a premium airline for man's best friend that will transport dogs of all sizes and their owners “in comfort and style,” CEO Matt Meeker said in a Reuters-provided video giving a behind-the-scenes look at the new airline.
“We are here to revolutionize dog flying,” the BARK Air website states.
BARK Air's inaugural flight departed at 4pm ET from New York to Los Angeles and has sold out, with flights for June filling up fast.
Here's what you need to know about the new airline, including flight prices.
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Dogs on Bark Air's maiden flight
BARK Air shared details of its inaugural flight in an Instagram post on Thursday.
“Today, we operate planes with dogs on board at 30,000 feet. Unlike any plane before, these dogs are not just an afterthought, nor are they treated as cargo or a burden to the crew or other passengers. Here, dogs come first,” the company posted.
BARK Air added that the effort has been 10 years in the making, but “we are confident that we can finally offer a dog-first air travel experience that all dogs deserve.”
One user commented: “This is a perfect flight!”, while another added: “Yay to see this.”
BARK Air's prices are not cheap
Pet owners should expect to pay $8,000 for a one-way international ticket covering both themselves and their dog, and $6,000 for a one-way domestic ticket.
According to the BARK Air website, flights to the New York City metropolitan area currently operate via Westchester County Airport (HPN), flights to the Los Angeles area via Van Nuys (VNY), and flights to London, England via Biggin Hill (BQH).
What to expect when flying with BARK Air
“The dogs were given the same special care that is typical of the first-class, exclusive experience that their humans receive,” the company said.
Meeker said airlines make every effort to accommodate dogs, “to reduce anxiety and stress and give them the most comfortable, fear-free experience possible on an airplane.”
The dogs will be provided with food and water and “even get spa treatments in the air,” Meeker said.
Bark Air says its concierges study the dogs' temperaments and sensitivities before the flight to ensure optimal placement on the plane. The company says dogs are not caged or leashed and can sit comfortably wherever they like – on a seat, with their owner or in a bed.
There will be designated areas for dogs to potty train before the flight, and emergency pads will be available during the flight.
How many dogs can I take on a plane?
According to its website, BARK AIR can accommodate up to 15 dogs and their owners on each flight, but will never sell more than 10 tickets per flight, as space during the flight is at a premium for animals to move around, the company said.
Additional tickets are available if there is more than one human accompanying the dog, but children are not allowed on BARK Air and each passenger must be 18 years of age or older.
