BARK Air, a brand new charter flight service that permits people to fly with their dog by their side, is expanding to San Jose Mineta International Airport this fall, bringing what the corporate calls a “unique, stress-free, dog-centric travel experience” to the South Bay.
The airline launched flights between New York and Los Angeles and New York and London last month and can offer flights from Paris, Chicago, Phoenix and Miami/Fort Lauderdale in the approaching months. Flights to San Jose airport shall be offered from Chicago and New York.
BARK Air, the primary company of its kind, is a public charter operator and never a direct air carrier. The company doesn’t own or operate the aircraft. It focuses on ensuring dogs feel comfortable, blissful and protected during their flight.
“We have a saying: 'The dog buys the ticket and he gets a human companion free,'” says Katharine Enos, chief of staff at New York-based airline BARK Air.
Flights between New York and Los Angeles cost $10,000 round-trip and $6,000 one-way on the identical route. A ticket from New York to London costs $8,000. Prices for flights to and from San Jose haven’t yet been released.
Pups on the Gulfstream G5s receive fluffy robes, calming blankets, noise-cancelling earmuffs, organic chicken bone broth on a silver platter and soothing dog treats. They're also invited to enjoy a white-gloved spa treatment, where they're slathered with paw and nose butter and wrapped in warm, lavender-scented face towels.
But the first-class service starts long before dogs and their owners board the plane. After booking, a BARK Air “concierge” conducts a “puppy intake” by gathering information in regards to the dog, the duo’s travel plans and any special treatment needed to make sure a smooth and protected flight.
“They really go into detail about what you and your dog need,” Enos said. “They ask questions like, 'Has your puppy traveled before? Does he have any allergies? And is he OK with other dogs walking right up to him?'”
On the day of travel, dogs and their companions arrive on the airport one hour before departure, where they undergo a fast check-in and personal security screening. There is space for 14 dogs and folks, but currently the airline limits the number to nine people and nine puppies.
“Bark Air will operate from one of our fixed-base carriers, so the four-legged passengers will not be processed through our terminals,” a San Jose International spokesperson said in a press release. “While the boarding and disembarkation process for the furry passengers will be slightly different than for airlines that only bring human passengers, we are excited to welcome BARK Air to SJC – we are all about making travel more convenient and fun for everyone.”
Before boarding, human passengers are given a “just in case” bag containing calming treats, leashes and poop bags for his or her dogs. Owners are asked to let their dogs “do their business” one last time before boarding, but puppy pads can be found in case of emergency in a big bathroom where the owner can accompany the dog.
On board, an FAA-certified pilot and a veterinary technician or BARK Air concierge greet the dogs with reggae music (Enos says it calms dogs) and a chilled pheromone spray.
All breeds of dogs are allowed to fly, but sometimes a wild or overly friendly dog shall be locked in a separate area of the cabin in order to not disturb or upset the opposite pups.
“There are always a few party animals on board the planes, but also some who are more reserved,” says Enos.
Sally Grottini, a dog behaviorist at JustAnswer who has been involved in dog training for greater than 30 years, said the airline appears to have solid safety measures in place.
“As long as dogs are kept at a distance during boarding and are kept apart from each other on the plane, it should be safe,” she said. “It's probably safer than the way they currently board in the baggage area on traditional airlines.”
Although Enos said there may be some howling and barking in the beginning of flights, the dogs appear to follow an analogous pattern after the plane takes off.
“The dogs almost sing a chorus together and then they relax,” she said. “It's very entertaining for everyone on board because you're reminded that you're here because of the dog.”
BARK employs 150 people and has a dog park in its East Coast offices. It can be the parent company of BARK Box, a subscription service for dog treats and toys. BARK was co-founded by Matt Meeker, who serves as the corporate's CEO.
Meeker was inspired to get into the dog-friendly air travel business by his late Great Dane, Hugo. Meeker wanted Hugo to accompany him on business flights, but was unwilling to place the dog in a crate within the airplane's overhead compartment. To prove his point, Meeker climbed right into a crate himself and boarded a charter flight from New York to Florida within the overhead compartment.
“The interest and enthusiasm for BARK Air so far has been overwhelming,” Meeker said in a press release. “We are excited to expand BARK Air's service to new cities and new routes, meet customer demand and bring our unique, stress-free, dog-centric travel experience to even more families.”
To fly, dogs will need to have up-to-date vaccination records and international destinations require documents confirming rabies vaccination records and microchipping compliance. The UK also requires proof of tapeworm treatment before dogs can fly.
BARK Air representatives said customers include each people who find themselves moving and wish to take their dog with them to their recent home, in addition to those that are “spending the summer in the Hamptons” and need to take their dog with them on vacation.
“It’s worth it when we see the big grin on the owners’ faces when we land,” said Enos.
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