Luxury Airline Bark Air Caters To Canine Travelers, Offering $6,000 Flight From N.Y. To California

Bark Air, a new venture from the pet-focused company Bark, has launched its inaugural flight. It offers a luxurious air travel experience tailored specifically for canine companions and their human owners.

The first Bark Air flight departed from Westchester County Airport (HPN) in New York on May 23 and landed at Van Nuys (VNY) in California, fulfilling the company’s promise of providing “the world’s first air travel experience designed specifically for dogs first and their human companions second.”

Before boarding, dog owners were treated to a pre-flight meal prepared by on-site chefs as their furry friends mingled with fellow canine passengers. Concierges were on hand to ensure a stress-free experience and offered “calming treats, noise-canceling ear muffs and calming jackets” to help the dogs settle in.

Once on the plane, dogs were “served their beverage of choice during ascent and descent to ensure they do not experience any ear discomfort commonly caused by changes in cabin pressure,” according to the initial press release.

The inaugural sold-out flight cost customers who traveled with one human companion a staggering $6,000. Bark co-founder and CEO Matt Meeker acknowledged the price point as “cost-prohibitive for most families” but noted that this is often the case with innovative products and services.

“Televisions, telephones, VCRs and DVD players, to automobiles, train and boat travel, and, yes, even human air travel — all of these started with very high prices until demand was proven and the costs could be brought lower by serving the masses,” Meeker explained.

The next Bark Air flight, scheduled for May 30, is sold out. The company has also announced its first international flight from New York to London, set to take off on the same date, for $8,000. The first flight to Paris, priced at $8,500, will take off in October and has limited seats available.