Bark Air launches as first-ever airline catered to dogs

"We’re here to revolutionize flying for dogs. A 100% totally real airline for dogs," the company's website says.

by Kelsey Kernstine | May. 23, 2024

LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 30: A dog dressed as an airplane is seen during the Haute Dog Howl’oween Parade at Marina Vista Park on October 30, 2022 in Long Beach, California. (Photo by Chelsea Guglielmino/Getty Images)

Story at a glance

Bark Air is launching Thursday.

Launched by the pet company Bark, the new airline aims to put pets front and center.

A domestic flight costs around $6,000 per ticket, while international tickets cost about $8,000 each.

(NewsNation) — A first-of-its-kind airline called Bark Air is taking to the skies Thursday, offering travel opportunities for humans and their dogs.

“We’re here to revolutionize flying for dogs. A 100% totally real airline for dogs,” the company’s website says.

Welcome aboard Bark Air

Launched by the pet company Bark, the new airline aims to put pets front and center. Passengers won’t have to relegate their dogs to the cargo hold or cram them into a crate.

Flights for the rest of May and almost all of June are already sold out.

The company offers “white paw service” with treats, earmuffs and beverages for its canine customers — similar to what humans call first-class service. Plus, there are no size or breed restrictions for which dogs can fly on the Gulfstream G5 jets.

Bark says its plane layouts are “dog-centric,” allowing the animals to socialize and make friends. Plus, each ticket purchased will include one human to accompany their dog. Other tickets can be purchased for each additional passenger if needed. However, no one under 18 years old is allowed to fly on this airline.

“It’s a first-class experience for the dog, a business-class experience for people. We … we cater everything to the dog, trying to lower their anxiety and their stress, so they have the most comfortable, fear-free experience on an airplane,” Bark co-founder and CEO Matt Meeker said.

What’s a ticket going to cost?

The kicker: Tickets are going to cost passengers thousands.

A domestic flight costs around $6,000 per ticket, while international tickets cost about $8,000 each.

Bark Air says costs will come down as demand for the service increases.

Flights are currently offered at hubs in New York, Los Angeles, London and Paris. Plus, there have already been about 15,000 requests for more destinations.