BARK Air takes first cross-country flight for dogs with tickets costing $6,000 for pet and owner

Air transport has fallen into oblivion. Literally.

BARK, the company that makes BarkBoxes, flew its first-ever BARK Air “white paw experience” flight Thursday from Westchester County Airport, outside New York City, to Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles, with a number of races and their inhabitants on board.

The company said the flight has been in the works for 10 years, “but we are finally confident that we can give all dogs the air travel experience they deserve: one that puts them first. We don’t We could be more excited to finally welcome your dog (and you) on board.”

Katharine Enos, BARK’s chief of staff, told FOX Business the maiden flight was a “great success.”

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“There was a mix of breeds on board, including chihuahuas, a golden retriever and dachshunds,” she continued. “Happy to report there was no doggy drama, some dogs played in the driveway while the smaller dogs took long naps. All dogs snacked on BARK cereal treats for dogs , dog-friendly cupcakes, chicken puppuccinos, and dog champagne (chicken broth) “The humans on board all got along equally well and felt connected by their shared obsession with their dogs. “

Tickets for the flight cost $6,000 and included a dog and its owner.

“Right now, at an altitude of 30,000 feet, there is a flight full of dogs,” the company wrote on Instagram on Thursday to commemorate the first flight. “Unlike all previous flights, these dogs are not simply an afterthought, nor treated as cargo or a burden to the crew and other travelers. Here, the dogs are the top priority. Every detail of this flight experience flight was designed with a “dogs first” mindset.

One person commented on the post: “I went through so much to travel with my dog ​​in the cabin. I couldn’t let him go on cargo; he’s not an object. Airlines lose their suitcases all the time and dogs are members of our families They should not travel like objects I am so happy to see the industry changing with this airline.

An influencer named “herboozytails” said she was “HONORED” to have taken the first flight, “and we can’t wait to share the BARK Air experience with everyone!” »

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BARK CEO Matt Meeker told Reuters he considered BARK Air because he had difficulty traveling with his Great Dane Hugo.

“I couldn’t travel long distances with him and I had the idea that there should be an airline that caters to dogs,” he revealed. “We take care of everything for the dog, trying to reduce their anxiety and stress, so they have the most comfortable and fear-free experience on a plane.”

The “white paw” experience begins before you even get on the plane. Passengers and their four-legged friends are greeted with a quick check-in to a lounge stocked with dog treats.

Pre-flight does not involve checkouts, TSA checkpoints, or screening.

The company, which will also fly to London as well as New York and Los Angeles, says it expects to have about 10 dogs and 15 people on each flight.

An “Argus Platinum charter company is responsible for all matters related to aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance,” BARK previously said.

A BARK Air spokeswoman said it had partnered with charter company Talon Air, which would handle the flights.

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Flights to London cost $8,000, but the company expects this price to drop in the future. BARK Air also plans to add flights to Paris, Milan, Chicago, Seattle, Florida and Arizona.