Bark, a well-known pet product brand, is venturing into the world of air travel with a unique service tailored to enhance the flying experience for dogs. This initiative aims to provide a comfortable and luxurious journey for four-legged companions.
Set to launch on May 23, Bark will offer private jet flights specifically designed for pets, initially operating routes between New York City (NYC) and Los Angeles (LA), followed by NYC to London the following week.
One-way tickets for passengers and their pets on the NYC to LA route begin at $6,000, while flights between London and NYC are priced at $8,000.
Mark Meeker, co-founder and CEO of Bark, shared with The Washington Post that the idea for this specialized air travel service stemmed from his personal challenges in traveling with his late Great Dane, Hugo, who passed away in December 2021.
Throughout his life, Hugo traveled across the U.S. and Canada. Still, Meeker faced difficulties bringing him to the West Coast or Europe due to the limitations of commercial airlines for larger dogs.
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported that in 2022, there were seven animal deaths, one injury, and one lost pet during commercial air travel.
This is a significant improvement compared to 2010 when thousands of pets were estimated to be affected annually.
To further understand the plight of pets in commercial air travel, Meeker even experienced being placed in a crate, rolled onto the tarmac, and loaded into the plane’s cargo hold for almost an hour.
He described the experience as “very cramped, very dark,” with “loud noises,” no food or water, and no place to relieve himself.
In contrast, Bark Air promises more than just basic safety measures; it aims to deliver an ultra-luxurious experience for pets.
Dogs on board can enjoy ‘dog champagne’—chicken broth—and relax with pheromone-scented blankets.
For anxious pets, noise-canceling earmuffs will be available, and before takeoff, dogs can socialize in a designated area at the Bark Air terminals.
Human passengers will also be treated to gourmet meals prepared by private chefs before departure and complimentary drinks and snacks during the flight.
Once airborne, dogs can roam the cabin as long as they behave well, with high-quality treats readily available.
Upon arrival, a car service will be provided to transport the pampered pets and their owners to any location within a 30-mile radius of the airport.
During a test flight, Meeker noted that the dogs exhibited calm behavior with no signs of aggression or anxiety.
Despite the luxurious offerings, Meeker recognizes that the price tag may be steep for many dog owners.
On the same day Bark Air launches, one-way, nonstop business-class tickets from NYC to LA will be priced between $700 and $800, while tickets from NYC to London will start at over $2,200. In contrast, business-class fares on airlines like British Airways can exceed $10,000.
While commercial airlines typically charge up to $200 per pet, Bark Air’s service offers a much higher standard of care and comfort, which many pet owners may find invaluable when traveling with their beloved companions.
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