UNDATED (WKRC) - No more cages in the luggage compartment or smuggling shih-tzus through the metal detectors, now you and your dog can awkwardly share tangled earbuds while watching a mediocre movie and argue over who gets the armrest.
Bark, the company behind the online storefront of the same name which specializes in dog products (toys, food, treats, etc.), announced they will be opening an airline that will provide you and, more specifically, your dog with an exclusive and pampered experience. This comes as a response to the typical airline experience with an animal companion, which is not only extremely stressful for the pet, but for their owner as well.
Starting Thursday, May 23, Bark Air will offer flights on chartered Gulfstream G5 for humans and their canine companions. The plane can fit 15 dogs and humans, but for the safety and comfort of the passengers, Bark Air does not sell more than 10 tickets per flight. Purchase of a ticket grants you a pass for an individual dog and human, and other human passes are available for an additional cost.
The routes are currently limited between New York, Los Angeles, and London, but the company allows customers to suggest routes on their website with the hope of including other destinations soon. Over 15,000 route requests have already been submitted.
A team of Bark Air concierges will guide you through the registering and security process, and when you arrive to the airport will equip you with anything you could need to face the air with your pup: treats, leashes, poop bags, and more. The cabin of the airplane itself will be prepped with pheromones, music, and lavender scented towels. Finally, dogs are served their beverage of choice during liftoff and descent to avoid painful ear discomfort from changes in air pressure.
Bark Air welcomes dogs of all shapes and sizes, and a concierge will speak to owners about their dogs temperament before boarding. The planes have specific places designated for shyer dogs, but also attempt to match seat neighbors based on behavior and preferences.
Children under the age of 18 are not allowed on Bark Air flights.
Bark Air says its core philosophy revolves around the idea that "no dog should fly in a crate." To show the uncomfortable and inhumane conditions sitting in a crate on an airplane induces, the Bark Air CEO, Matt Meeker, flew in a crate for nearly three and a half hours.
A luxury chartered flight for you and your furry friend won't come cheap, however. For domestic flights (which is presently only flights between NY and LA) tickets will cost $6000 for a single human and dog pass. For international (which is only offered between NY and London) that price rises to $8000. The company does say their "goal over time is to bring the ticket cost down significantly as we scale," on their FAQs.
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