It’s no secret San Franciscans love their dogs (there are more dogs than children in SF), and now it looks like Bay Area dog owners won’t have to leave their pets behind when they fly.
A new airline, BARK Air, has expanded its routes to 7 new airports, including one in the San Francisco Bay area. The airline will fly into the San Francisco/ San Jose (SJC) airport in the South Bay, which has routes to Chicago and New York.
The airline recently added more airports to it’s routes, including Paris, Chicago, Phoenix, and Miami/ Fort Lauderdale. The airline just had it’s first flight in May, flying on a Gulfstream G5s.
The luxury airline states they do not fill the jets to their full capacity to ensure enough space for passengers. The planes come stocked with plenty of luxury amenities, including soothing music, warm lavender-scented towels, calming treats, and more.
BARK Air states that travelers won’t have to experience typical airport lines and that their furry companions won’t need any crates. However, passengers are required to get to the airport one hour early to allow time for socialization with the dogs and the check-in process.
Unsurprisingly, the flights are costly. Tickets start at $6,000, although that includes yourself and your dog. Considering the airline is a luxury option for flying, offering advantages beyond just flying with your pup, like skipping typical security lines, the high price tag isn’t shocking.
The luxury airline comes as an alternative to putting dogs in the cargo area with checked baggage on a flight. While pets often make it safely to their destinations flying in cargo, temperatures can vary, and it is known to be dark and loud, which can be very stressful for four-legged friends. Because of this, many pet owners are anxious to let their dogs fly in the cargo area, and while airlines will allow small dogs in the main cabin, larger dogs are often only allowed if they are service animals.
BARK AIR states that after booking your ticket a concierge will contact you for necessary information regarding the trip. The airline also plans to add more routes soon, although they’ve yet to reveal which airports. The airline also does not allow children on the flight, and you must be 18 to fly.