BarkBox is launching an ultra-luxury private jet air carrier for people and their pets — see what it's like on a $6,000 Bark Air flight with 'dog Champagne' and a private chef

Brittany Chang,Taylor RainsApr 10, 2024, 17:12 IST

Bark, the company behind BarkBox, says it's launching a pet-friendly air carrier where humans and dogs can both have a "first-class experience" for at least $6,000 a one-way ticket.Bark Air

Bark, the company behind BarkBox, is launching a pet-friendly air carrier, Bark Air.
Fares start at $6,000 per person for a one-way flight between New York and Los Angeles.

Have a "ruff" time flying with your pup? The company behind the wildly popular pet subscription service BarkBox might have the solution to your problems — so long as you're willing to pay $6,000 for a one-way flight.

Bark is looking to break out of the "box" and shoot for the stars — or at least the clouds — with its latest passenger aviation venture, Bark Air.

You read that right: Bark is launching a dog-friendly air carrier.

No more leaving your furry friends in under-seat crates or alone in the plane's cargo hold. Starting April 11, travelers can book Bark Air's ultra-luxe, 10-guest private planes, on which pets are welcome to sip on "dog Champagne" (chicken broth), relax in "calming pheromone" --scented blankets, and romp around with fellow four-legged passengers.

Bark’s new air carrier will offer two roundtrip routes starting May 23: weekly flights between New York and Los Angeles and twice-monthly flights between New York and London.

Meeker said Bark Air will fly from New York to Los Angeles on Thursday and back on Friday.Bark Air

Bark’s new air carrier will offer two roundtrip routes starting May 23: weekly flights between New York and Los Angeles and twice-monthly flights between New York and London.

But its fares could make you tuck your tail between your legs.

Meeker said the flight times would be "a bit" shorter than traditional flights because the Gulfstream G500s can fly at higher altitudes and won't be stuck in the traffic jams of larger airports.Bark Air

To launch its new aviation venture, the company says it’ll contract private jet charter company Talon Air’s two Gulfstream G500 'or similar' jets.

The Gulfstream G500 has a range of about 6,100 miles and space for up to 19 passengers Bark Air

When it's ready to take off, the air carrier promises a traveling pet parent's dream: 'no crates, stressful TSA checkpoints, or screening.'

Travelers without a furry accompaniment, such as a second pet parent, still must pay $6,000.Bark Air

Forget humans — Meeker said the company wants to provide a ‘first-class experience’ for pets.

Passengers are advised to arrive at least 45 minutes before the flight.Bark Air

According to the new air carrier, even the plane’s ‘mood music’ and colors would be designed for dogs’ preferences.

Talon Air's crew would clean the plane after every flight.Bark Air

Don’t worry; humans receive upscale services as well.

While capable of doing so, the seats can't lie flat due to the plane's layout.Bark Air

Despite all these amenities, $12,000 for a roundtrip New York to Los Angeles flight is objectively steep — and Meeker knows it.

Meeker said Bark Air could operate "one-off" or "seasonal" flightsBark Air

But when it comes to transporting a dog across the country or the Atlantic Ocean, the alternative options ‘are pretty poor,’ the CEO of Bark said.

Meeker said Bark Air has done two test flights between New York and Florida.Bark Air

But Meeker said BarkAir would be operating as a private charter, which means it would skirt around the UK's restrictions.

Meeker, left, told BI he started chalking out Bark Air 1 ½ years ago with help from James O'Leary, chief supply chain officer of Bark who previously worked with Amazon Air.Bark Air

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BarkBox is launching an ultra-luxury private jet air carrier for people and their pets &mdash; see what it's like on a $6,000 Bark Air flight with 'dog Champagne' and a private chef

Bark’s new air carrier will offer two roundtrip routes starting May 23: weekly flights between New York and Los Angeles and twice-monthly flights between New York and London.

But its fares could make you tuck your tail between your legs.

To launch its new aviation venture, the company says it’ll contract private jet charter company Talon Air’s two Gulfstream G500 'or similar' jets.

When it's ready to take off, the air carrier promises a traveling pet parent's dream: 'no crates, stressful TSA checkpoints, or screening.'

Forget humans — Meeker said the company wants to provide a ‘first-class experience’ for pets.

According to the new air carrier, even the plane’s ‘mood music’ and colors would be designed for dogs’ preferences.

Don’t worry; humans receive upscale services as well.

Despite all these amenities, $12,000 for a roundtrip New York to Los Angeles flight is objectively steep — and Meeker knows it.

But when it comes to transporting a dog across the country or the Atlantic Ocean, the alternative options ‘are pretty poor,’ the CEO of Bark said.

But Meeker said BarkAir would be operating as a private charter, which means it would skirt around the UK's restrictions.

BarkBox is launching an ultra-luxury private jet air carrier for people and their pets — see what it's like on a $6,000 Bark Air flight with 'dog Champagne' and a private chef