FROM a toy-filled lounge to relaxing spa treatments – welcome to the world’s first luxury dog airline.
Pups at Bark Air will enjoy first-class pampering as they’re able to roam free around the cabin while enjoying a glass of “doggy champagne”.
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Instead of “pasta or chicken”, the four-legged passengers will receive a shoe foot on a tray to bite at will.
The American company currently operates flights from Westchester County Airport, in New York, Van Nuys, near Los Angeles, as well as London’s Biggin Hill.
But it is already considering routes to Paris, Milan, Chicago, Seattle, Florida and Arizona.
On domestic flights, the trip costs £4,000 for one dog and their human. For international routes, the price rises to around £6,000.
Each dog ticket comes with a pass for one human but additional passes are available for purchase.
There are no size or breed restrictions for your pup but all human passengers must be over 18, the dog airline stated.
Bark Air’s very first flight took place on Thursday from New York and Los Angeles, in a Gulfstream G5 jet with capacity for up to 14 people.
But the airline always makes sure to sell up to only 10 tickets per flight to ensure that pooches and their owners have enough space for a comfortable trip.
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A BARK Air concierge will get in touch once a booking is made, where they will collect information about your dog and your travel plans to guarantee the best in-flight experience.
On the travel day, pups and their humans can arrive at the airport just one hour before the flight for a quick and easy check-in process and security screening, with “no crates and no stressful lines”.
Staff will be ready to welcome all dogs to help them settle in and socialise with their fellow furry passengers at the gate.
According to the Bark Air website, the “dog-centric” cabin will be fully prepped with calming aids.
These include pheromone, music, warm lavender scented refreshment towels, and other comforts to help each dog feel settled.
Dogs will also have a “lounge” full of toys and treats and a spa.
“Our concierge will also have a ‘just in case’ bag filled with calming treats, leashes, poop bags, and more will be provided at the gate,” the airline said.
“Once onboard, dogs will be served their beverage of choice (water, bone broth, you name it), during ascent and descent to ensure they do not experience any ear discomfort commonly caused by the change in cabin pressure.”
Treats, snacks and surprises will also be served during the flight.
It comes after a heartbroken dog owner shamed an airline after his golden retriever died when he was sent on an eight-hour flight by mistake.
Beloved Joca was supposed to travel from São Paulo, Brazil, to Sinop, Mato Grosso state, on a flight that should have taken two-and-a-half hours.
But instead, the poor pooch was put on a plane to Fortaleza, Ceara state, and reportedly left unattended for hours before he was flown back to São Paulo.
Joca’s owner João Fantazzini claims his dog was kept in a cargo hold under the scorching heat inside a cramped cage.
The four-year-old dog reportedly stayed there for eight hours with limited access to water, he claimed.
When he learned of the error, João went back to São Paulo, where he waited for Joca to arrive – only to discover him dead.
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The common rules for flying with dogs
FLYING with your dog involves following specific rules and regulations that vary by airline.
But generally, there are common guidelines you can expect:
Size & Breed Restrictions: Airlines often have restrictions on the size and breed of dogs that can fly. Small dogs are usually allowed in the cabin if they fit in a carrier under the seat. Larger dogs might need to fly in the cargo hold. Certain breeds, particularly brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs, may have additional restrictions due to their susceptibility to breathing issues.
Carrier Requirements: Dogs must be transported in an airline-approved carrier. For in-cabin travel, the carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. The carrier should be well-ventilated, secure, and large enough for the dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Health Certificates: Most airlines require a health certificate from a veterinarian, issued within a specific time frame (usually 10 days) before travel. This certifies that your dog is healthy and fit to fly.
Vaccinations & Documentation: Ensure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date. You might need to provide proof of rabies vaccination and other relevant health records.
Booking in Advance: Airlines usually have a limited number of spots for pets on each flight, so it’s important to book your dog’s spot in advance. There is often an additional fee for travelling with a pet.
Security Screening: At the airport, you’ll need to go through security screening with your dog. Typically, you’ll carry your dog through the metal detector while the carrier goes through the X-ray machine.
Comfort & Safety: Make sure your dog is comfortable and secure during the flight. Consider using a calming product if your dog is prone to anxiety. Avoid feeding your dog a large meal right before the flight to prevent motion sickness.
Arrival & Customs: If you’re flying internationally, you’ll need to comply with the pet import regulations of the destination country. This might include quarantine, additional health checks, and specific documentation.
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