As a seasoned gamer who has navigated through countless virtual worlds and real-life adventures, I can confidently say that my latest journey was nothing short of extraordinary. Boarding BARK Air, the self-proclaimed first dog airline, felt like stepping into an alternate reality where the needs and wants of our four-legged companions are prioritized above all else.
Modern airplane menus often provide numerous choices for drinks. However, it’s unusual to encounter options for water that encompass still, carbonated, and restroom varieties.
Then again, it’s rare to see a window decal warning to keep tongues inside the aircraft.
Life on BARK Air, self-styled as the nation’s first canine airline, is what I experienced one autumn day. This was the service I unexpectedly utilized.
It’s generally accepted that a traveler with a well-loved pet dog may prefer not to fly, as most modern airlines now restrict dogs from occupying seats and require them to be confined in compact carriers, similar to a sandwich bag size. For many pet owners, the idea of storing their beloved pets in the cargo hold is equivalent to amputating a toe.
BARK Air introduced an innovative concept when they debuted during the spring, catering particularly to the entertainment industry as Christy Pina of The Hollywood Reporter noted initially. (Notably, Josh Groban joined, along with others.) The service has since expanded, offering not just flights between New York and Los Angeles but also trips to London and Paris. As I was moving from New York to Los Angeles, a frequent occurrence for Hollywood professionals, I chose to give it a shot for myself and my two dogs.
Upon reaching Teterboro, a welcoming lounge brimming with goodies and cheerful staff was there to greet us, making our stroll across the runway more pleasant. Back on the tarmac, camera clicks filled the air as folks took selfies beside the aircraft. The pilot stood nearby, and I couldn’t help but ask, “Is the barking inside particularly loud or have you encountered louder noises from people?
“Much worse,” he said.
On the Gulfstream aircraft, approximately a dozen canine passengers and the human companions they somewhat grudgingly accepted traveled together. Each dog carried its individual boarding pass and passport, while the humans’ names were added as an afterthought.
While soaring above western New Jersey toward Pennsylvania, a menu suddenly materialized. “Barkaccino” was the highlighted dessert option, while “Doggie Champagne” headed the beverage section (with subtle notes of tennis ball and freshly cut grass). The flight attendant, who seemed to have experience running a dog spa in Brooklyn and was well-versed in handling canines, started presenting the treats, much like the silver platters seen in old Tom and Jerry cartoons. Some come to Hollywood with a script and dreams; others simply yearn for a Milk-Bone.
The encounter had elements reminiscent of a doggy daycare, a stage performance, and a divine intervention for weary pet owners. Here, there’s no need to fret about weight limits or crate sizes; instead, you’ll find a collective of individuals sharing their affection for dogs and finding solace.
For dog owners, one of the most nerve-wracking aspects is uncertainty about how their pets will behave during flights. Therefore, prior to boarding, a customer service representative conducted a Zoom call to determine the pet’s travel preferences. Are they anxious travelers or do they remain calm? What helps them relax during car journeys? Will they be friendly with strangers or prefer solitude? The consultation had a soothing effect, similar to a therapist accurately identifying my deepest concerns and then proposing a solution at the same time.
To help alleviate their fears, they used pheromone sprays, Thundershirt wraps, and even offered comforting bone broth. Unlike humans who resort to using apps like Calm, dogs take a different approach.
Dave Stangle, BARK’s brand marketing manager, shared his thoughts with me later about their approach. He mentioned that modern air travel can be quite stressful for many pet owners, so they decided to take a different route and make the experience not just good, but exceptional, ensuring your dog receives even more care than you do yourself.
BarkBox, established back in 2011, transformed into BARK publicly around four years ago. You might recognize them from their subscription boxes for dogs. The idea to initiate an airline, as explained by Stangle, stemmed from the same motivation behind their product line: to bridge gaps within the pet-care industry and simplify life for pet owners. A majority of the weekly $6,000 long-haul flights have already been booked; considering ticket costs, pet fees (and possibly Xanax prescriptions), the expense isn’t dramatically higher than a first-class commercial flight ticket.
On-board, performance held significant importance – there were even adorable canine selfies with the pilot (no worries about paws near the controls); a relaxing spa treatment was offered to curious dogs. Although not typically my preference, I found myself contemplating this pet-friendly experience. If you’re not planning a facial for a wet nose in an aircraft above Indiana, when else might such a service be appealing?
Additional classes were offered, catering to both people and their furry companions. The flight attendant ensured to offer the bottle to the dog for approval prior; our four-legged passengers deserve sommeliers as well. (The beverage was a delightful chicken-based liquid. I hope.) By the time we crossed over Nevada, the entire experience seemed less like an air travel and more like a canine vacation that just so happens to transport you somewhere.
Despite its enjoyable nature, the event subtly foreshadowed the future of air travel, given the emergence of companies like Joby-Uber and JSX who are introducing air taxis, as well as BARK Air offering a more personalized and less stressful flying experience. These businesses anticipate that many individuals will be ready to pay a premium to bypass the congestion that characterizes modern commercial aviation. Particularly for BARK Air, their service appears quite timely as the holiday travel season approaches, since leaving pets behind is usually not an option for many.
Despite the dogs onboard behaving impeccably with barely any noise at all, it was hard to forget that we were in a dog-themed journey. For instance, the window sign reminding everyone to keep their heads and noses inside. Not to mention, the wifi password was the aircraft’s tail number.
(The windows don’t open. To the dogs’ chagrin.)
Approaching Van Nuys airport, the pilot spoke over the intercom to update us about the weather and express gratitude for choosing BARK as our airline. Meanwhile, outside, the aircraft began to descend, mirroring the actions of several passengers inside.
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2024-12-16 00:55