Bark Air, the world's first airline explicitly designed for dogs, will take off on its maiden voyage today.
This pioneer in pet travel, operated by BARK, Inc., is dedicated to providing a stress-free, first-class experience for dogs and their human companions.
The inaugural flight will travel from New York to Los Angeles; all ten available tickets have been sold out (via IFLScience).
Bark Air, the world's first airline for dogs, launches today with sold-out flights from New York to Los Angeles, providing a luxurious, stress-free travel experience for pets.Photo by Egor Gordeev on Unsplash
World's First Airline for Dogs
According to the company, Bark Air was born out of the challenging and often distressing reality of traveling with dogs.
Traditional airlines typically require dogs to be confined to small carriers or transported in the cargo hold, which can be stressful and uncomfortable for pets.
Additionally, there have been countless cases of pets being lost in transit, forced to be left at airports, and some being sick after the grueling travel.
BARK's CEO Matt Meeker himself went on to take a flight in a crate in the plane's belly to show the discomfort that dogs typically endure.
Addressing these concerns, pet company BARK, Inc. decided to create an airline that prioritizes the comfort and well-being of dogs.
"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," CEO and co-founder Matt Meeker said in a statement.
The Dog Airline Experience
The Bark Air experience begins well before takeoff. Passengers, both human and dogs, must arrive at the airport 45 to 60 minutes before departure for a streamlined check-in process.
Here, dogs can socialize with other furry travelers while their human companions enjoy meals prepared by onsite chefs.
A Bark Air concierge welcomes each dog at the gate, ensuring they are comfortable and relaxed before boarding.
To create a calming environment, the airplane is treated with soothing pheromones, music, and colors that dogs prefer. Dogs are served beverages during ascent and descent to prevent ear discomfort caused by changes in cabin pressure.
Additionally, calming treats, noise-canceling ear muffs, and soothing jackets are available to ensure a stress-free journey. Dogs must remain on a leash during taxi, takeoff, and landing but are otherwise free to move around the cabin.
Initially, Bark Air will operate routes from New York to Los Angeles and New York to London, with plans to expand to more destinations.
"We believe this initiative will raise awareness of BARK's mission in a cost-effective manner," said Zahir Ibrahim, BARK's Chief Financial Officer. The flexibility in chartering flights allows the company to meet high-demand periods and further promote its core business.
The company plans to add more routes, infrastructure, equipment, staff, and unique dog-first amenities to enhance the travel experience further.
