Flying with your dog may never be the same again—thanks to BARK Air, the world’s first airline designed with dogs, not humans, as the primary passengers.
Yes, you read that correctly.
What is BARK Air?
Launched by the pet-centric company behind BarkBox, BARK Air (and its catchy tagline “a new breed of travel”) promises more than just pet-friendly travel. The boutique airline delivers what it calls the “white paw experience”—a first-class, dog-first journey complete with puppuccinos, gourmet treats, plush napping spaces, and personalized attention at every step.
Onboard, it’s not the humans sipping champagne and reclining in luxury—it’s the dogs living their best lives at 30,000 feet.
BARK Air officially took off in 2024 with its inaugural flight from New York to Los Angeles, carrying six dogs and 11 humans, including crew. Among the Very Important Pups were a playful dachshund named Brooklyn, a golden retriever named Eddy, and a cast of smaller breeds who napped peacefully midair.
There were no barks of protest, no stolen snacks, and no in-flight accidents—just well-fed, well-loved dogs enjoying a curated journey from nose to tail.
Why is there an airline for dogs?
The airline is the brainchild of Matt Meeker, BARK’s co-founder and CEO, who was inspired by his late Great Dane Hugo. Too large for a standard cabin seat and too precious to stow in cargo, Hugo became a symbol of the systemic travel barriers faced by non-lap dogs. Meeker even went so far as to experience a flight inside a cargo crate himself—a disorienting stunt that underscored the need for a better way to travel with pets.
“We’re not just selling dog toys or seats on an airline,” Meeker said. “We’re selling unforgettable emotional experiences with your dog.”
What is the BARK Air flight like?
Every aspect of the BARK Air journey is designed with canine comfort in mind—from dog-centric booking processes and private pre-flight transportation to the airport to in-flight snack service featuring chicken-flavored drinks and cupcake treats. One dog was even served a shoe on a silver platter. It’s indulgent, a little whimsical, and entirely in step with the growing market of pet-first lifestyles.
How much does a BARK Air flight cost?
But luxury comes at a cost. A one-way flight from New York to Los Angeles will set you back over $6,500 for one dog and one human (or two small dogs), and a transatlantic trip to London runs nearly $9,000. I recently searched for flights between New York and Lisbon, Portugal, and found the price was $11,250 for one dog and one human. Wow.
BARK Air flights can cost over $11,000
That sticker shock has sparked plenty of social media snark—one user joked her pup would have to start selling “paw pics” to afford the ticket.
Meeker understands the pushback and doesn’t shy away from it. “The price is high, and it’s too high,” he admitted in an interview with NPR. But, like many innovations in travel, he hopes the model will become more affordable with time and demand. “We have pretty clear ways of bringing those prices down. We want to make this accessible for as many dogs as possible.”
In fact, flight prices have only increased since the airline’s launch last year, but it’s still a relatively new company so travelers with dogs can hope that the prices come down as the business grows.
What cities does BARK Air fly to?
BARK Air currently flies to ten cities, including:
For now, BARK Air remains a niche offering—a sky-high splurge for the canine companion who’s already got everything. But beneath the playful branding and pampered pups lies a sincere mission: to make pet travel less stressful, more humane, and maybe even joyful.
Because when the skies are friendly for your dog, chances are they’ll be a little friendlier for you, too.