Flying first class with our dog? It can be done. Meet Bark Air, the new luxury airline for dogs

Let us imagine that we are traveling in first class with our four-legged friend and to share all the comforts with him: if until recently it was only a dream - considering that in many traditional airlines dogs are forced to travel in the hold - now, thanks to a new company, it has become possible.

The goal of Bark Air - from the English "to bark," nomen omen - is just that: Making our furry friends travel with all the amenities and without forcing them hours and hours inside in a cage placed in the hold, far from us to boot.

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How Bark Air works

As soon as the flight is booked, the carrier contacts the owner to be informed about the size of the dog and any allergies and to consult the vaccinations, mandatory to fly with the luxury dog-friendly airline. The ticket (which includes a 22 kg suitcase and one piece of hand luggage) is valid not only for the dog but also, evidently, for the owner; then, if desired, extra tickets can be purchased for other family members or friends. 

Bark Air also decided to not to sell more than 10 tickets per flight: space aboard the Gulfstream G550 - aircraft used by the company-is not so much, which is why it is important that dogs (and their owners) have enough space to fly peacefully.

In flight

After going through airport formalities and before boarding the plane, dogs will be taken to designated areas to do their business; then, during the flight, should the need arise, our four-legged friends will be provided with pads.

Once on board, Bark Air staff will serve a fresh drink to animals (and owners); cabin crew who, among other things, will be able to entertain and play with the dogs during the trip. During the flight, dogs will be free to scampering around the plane (only during takeoff and landing and in case of turbulence they will have to be leashed) and will have at their disposal water, pheromones, soothing snacks, ear muffs and even some Vests that help them adapt to cabin pressurization.

Where Bark Air flies and how much tickets cost

To date, Bark Air - which officially took off last May 23 from New York to Los Angeles - connects 8 cities: you're in the U.S. - New York City (HPN), Los Angeles (VNY), Chicago (MDW), San Francisco (SJC), Phoenix (PHX), and Miami/Fort Lauderdale (FXE) - and 2 in Europe, London (BQH) and Paris (LBG). The only sore point is, perhaps, the price: it depends on the route, of course, but we are in the range of 5/6000 euros (one way!).

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In conclusion

"I don't know why a person would choose to do this to their dog, there must be something better," he said Matt Meeker - CEO of Bark Air - after traveling inside a dog cage in the cargo hold of an airplane to make the point, evidently, about how stressful it is for pets. The idea is noble and innovative, of course: if the prices were lower, however, this company might become more "pop."

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