Any dog owner who has ever had to take their pooch on a plane knows the struggle and stress that entails, for themselves and the pet alike. From finding the right sized crate, to passing through security and anxiously awaiting to reach the destination, travelling with a pet by plane is no easy task.
Bark, a company making products for dogs, from toys to treats and food, has decided to give owners the option of reducing the hassle of travelling with their companions, albeit at a price. In April, it launched BarkAir, “the world’s first air travel experience designed specifically for dogs first, and their human companions second, enabling them to travel together comfortably and conveniently.” Partnering with a jet charter company, Bark now offers premium private flights for dogs and their owners.
“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, Co-Founder 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.”
BarkAir currently serves 2 routes, connecting the New York City metro area via Westchester County Airport (HPN), to the Los Angeles area via Van Nuys (VNY) and London via Stansted Airport (STN). Priced at $6,000 and $8,000 respectively, the company hopes to make the service more affordable and introduce more routes over the summer.
How does the VIP travel experience for dogs go?
On the day of travel, dogs and their companions have to be at the airport 45 to 60 minutes before take-off for a simple, efficient check-in process. As the flights depart from private terminals, no security check is required.
In the meantime, all the dogs that will be on the same flight can meet and get acquainted to each other, while their people are treated to meals prepared by onsite chefs. The pooches have a chance one last bathroom break before a BarkAir concierge welcomes and evaluates each of them to ensure they are enjoying their experience and adapting to the new environment and if additional attention and care is needed prior to boarding or once on board.
Prior to boarding, the plane is treated to a “Dogs Fly First” flight prep with calming pheromones, music and colours that pups prefer. All furry passengers also have access to various aids, such as calming treats, noise-cancelling earmuffs and calming jackets, to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable flight.
Once onboard, dogs are served their beverage of choice during ascent and descent to ensure they do not experience any ear discomfort commonly caused by changes in cabin pressure. Additionally, a variety of Bark-branded treats, snacks and toys are provided throughout the flight with the intent of pampering furry passengers and their humans.
