Westchester County, New York – Air travel has taken on a new meaning as BARK, the company behind BarkBoxes, recently launched its first-ever BARK Air “white paw experience” flight from Westchester County Airport to Los Angeles’ Van Nuys airport. This flight, over a decade in the making, aims to provide a unique air travel experience for dogs and their owners, putting the needs of the animals first.
The inaugural BARK Air flight was deemed a success by Katharine Enos, BARK’s Chief of Staff, who shared that the diverse group of canine passengers, including chihuahuas, golden retrievers, and dachshunds, enjoyed a peaceful journey with no incidents. Dogs onboard were treated to BARK cereal treats, dog-friendly cupcakes, puppuccinos, and even doggie champagne, while their human companions bonded over their shared love for their furry friends.
BARK CEO, Matt Meeker, explained that the idea for BARK Air stemmed from his personal struggles of traveling with his Great Dane, Hugo. The concept behind BARK Air is to prioritize the comfort and well-being of dogs during air travel, by offering a stress-free and anxiety-reducing experience for them onboard. Passengers and their pets are welcomed with treats in a lounge before boarding, without the need for crates or rigorous security screenings.
With plans to expand to London in addition to New York and Los Angeles routes, BARK Air envisions having around 10 dogs and 15 people on each flight. The company has partnered with charter company Talon Air to ensure a seamless and safe travel experience for all passengers, both furry and human.
Future plans for BARK Air include adding flights to cities like Paris, Milan, Chicago, Seattle, Florida, and Arizona. The company aims to make pet-friendly travel more accessible and affordable, with hopes of lowering the ticket prices in the future. The success of the inaugural flight highlights the growing demand for dog-centric travel experiences that cater to the needs of four-legged companions.