Summary BARK Air will offer dog-centric flights starting May 23, creating a comfortable flying experience for dogs and owners.
VistaJet offers competition with pet-friendly services, ensuring the safety and comfort of animal passengers.
Commercial airlines also accommodate pets, varying in policies and options for traveling with furry companions.
A new airline will begin operations on May 23rd. The charter operator will cater to dogs and their owners on several flights leaving the New York area. According to Businesswire, BARK is set to change how dogs take to the skies. The company was first set up to design experiences catering to dogs with the animal and its owner in mind. BARK Air is set to become the world’s first air travel experience designed specifically for animals, enabling them to travel with their family comfortably. Discover how it may differ from other means of taking your dog on a flight.
Photo: K9 Jets
The company’s CEO, Matt Meeker, reportedly told Businesswire,
When we started BARK in 2011, we were on a mission to disrupt the dog space and create products designed for dogs and their humans. We are excited to take the insights we’ve learned over the years to create an experience that is genuinely dog-first, which is drastically different from just accepting dogs – from the ground to the skies,
We believe this initiative will elevate awareness of our brand’s mission and values, introduce more dog lovers to the BARK family, and help enrich the lives of dogs and their people worldwide.
Starting on April 13, bookings are open, with the first flights set to take off on Thursday, May 23. The initial destinations will be London Stansted and Van Nuys, near Los Angeles. All flights leaving New York will depart from Westchester County Airport.
Other pet-friendly operators
Photo: Sam Churchill | VistaJet
BARKAir will be the first dog-centric charter service. However, other operators are currently offering services to make your dog comfortable. Based on their website, VistaJet will likely become BARKAir’s competitor. To safeguard animal passengers while traveling, each VistaJet Cabin Host is trained in all segments of pet first aid. The operator claims their cabin attendants even passed an extensive training program that includes education on the latest health and safety standards for pet care and air travel, pet CPR procedures to understand behaviors better, and how to read canine body language. They operate as a charter service, so you could bring your dog anywhere you’d like, but the website has a list of properties they suggest as dog-friendly.
Here is an excellent video to explain the service.
Related How Has Flying With Pets Changed Over The Years? Flying with pets can be doggone fun. How has the process changed from the early days of flying with our furry friends?
Traveling commercially with dogs
Photo: Javier Brosch | Shutterstock
We understand most readers need help to afford to travel in private jets. Luckily, most airlines allow pets to travel with you on your trip. Depending on the policy, they will either be allowed in the cabin or go in the hold.
We know some of you may be worried about hearing your pets go in the hold, but do not worry; much like the cabin, it is pressurized and will be safe for your four-legged friend.
Air France, for example, has a dedicated webpage explaining that small dogs under 8kg may be allowed in the cabin with you, except business class for the pet’s safety. Larger pets will either go in the hold or be handled by an authorized transporter.
Bottom Line
The airline industry and their private counterparts are constantly looking into new ways to make journeys comfortable for pets and their owners. Different options are available, so please get in touch with your airline or operator before traveling to make your trip seamless.