BARK Air is redefining pet travel by offering first-class amenities to dogs, starting with its inaugural flight from New York to Los Angeles this Thursday. The airline, founded by Matt Meeker—who also established the popular BarkBox subscription service—is inspired by his own challenges traveling with his Great Dane, Hugo.
“I was unable to travel with him long distances and had the idea that there should be an airline that caters to dogs,” Meeker explained. His vision has now manifested into BARK Air, where the comfort and care of dogs are prioritized to reduce anxiety and stress during flights.
The premium experience begins right from the airport, where dogs and their owners are treated to a waiting lounge filled with treats, facilitating a quick and soothing check-in process. Once onboard, the pampering continues with an exclusive spa for dogs and a gourmet menu that includes “doggie champagne” and “barkaccinos.”
BARK Air operates luxury aircraft that accommodate up to 15 people, but limits tickets to 10 per flight to ensure ample space for 10 dogs. Ticket prices are set at $8,000 for one-way international flights and $6,000 for domestic routes, with potential price reductions anticipated as the service scales.
“We’re operating at a loss today as we start,” said Meeker. “The idea is over time, we have a pretty clear pathway to lower the price for the consumer and lower our costs. And that comes with scale and more routes.”
Currently, BARK Air operates flights between New York City, Los Angeles, and London. With a growing demand, evidenced by 15,000 requests for new destinations, the company is considering expanding its services to include cities like Paris, Milan, Chicago, Seattle, and popular seasonal destinations in Florida and Arizona.
Meeker’s goal is to “create an experience that reaches every family that wants to travel with their entire family like they do with their children,” ensuring that dogs are not just pets, but pampered passengers. As BARK Air takes off, it sets a new standard in luxury air travel for pets, making it a noteworthy development for pet owners and the travel industry alike.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, reuters.com
