Special kibble, ergonomic beds, a massage – there’s really no limit to what pet owners can splash out on for their furry companions. And now, four-legged friends traveling for the holiday season can even be treated to flying first-class.
BARK Air launched in 2024 as a first-of-its-kind hospitality service and semi-private aviation brand built for dogs. It has since flown more than 2,000 pets on more than 200 flights and over nearly 4,000 miles.
What may seem like a niche in the travel market is incredibly lucrative. Holiday travel is stressful enough, but for the 78% of American pet owners who bring their dogs along, the logistics can be especially challenging, from navigating airports to finding pet-friendly accommodations.
This is where BARK Air steps in. With its newly launched Companion Concierge, the airline now curates every step of the journey, from pre-trip vaccinations to travel chaperones (for pets, not owners). Here’s a look inside the most exclusive aviation experience for dogs.
Rabies vaccinations and reggae music
Stories abound of traumatic travel with pets, from Amalka the dog who took nine days to find after she slipped out of her carrier on the runway of Paris Charles de Gaulle airport to a medical emergency causing a flight to be diverted. With BARK Air, instead, customers “swap cargo and chaos for spacious cabins and concierge-level care.”
The process begins with a pre-trip consultation. From here, the Companion Concierge takes charge, starting with all documentation and regulations for travel across borders, including the U.S. and the EU. This includes vaccinations, as some immunizations like rabies need to be up to date for travel.
Then it’s time to plan for the journey. Hernan Giraldo, who leads BARK Air’s Companion Concierge program, has dozens of tips to make it more comfortable for four-legged friends.
He might recommend a Thundershirt or anxiety vest to help dogs feel more secure during travel, or adding reggae music to your playlist because it is reportedly proven to calm dogs.
Giraldo also often advises bringing a lick mat or snuffle mat to keep pets engaged and occupied during downtime, and adding small amounts of bone broth or pumpkin puree to help soothe an upset stomach during travel.
At the airport, there are dedicated BARK Air terminals and lounges. In the lounge, pups are treated to pre-boarding snacks and calming treats, with refreshments for human guests as well. The BARK Air Happy Team evaluates each dog to ensure they are enjoying their experience and adapting to the new environment, and whether additional attention and care are needed prior to boarding.
Most recently, the airline has partnered with at-home wellness tech pioneer HigherDOSE, to offer dogs use of their newly launched PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) Pet Bed, which is now available in BARK Air’s New York and Los Angeles lounges. The bed is designed to help pets rest, recover and recharge before their flight.
Pup spa days and a pet birthday party
Once on board, seating is determined by the Happy Team, based on how the dogs interact in the lounge, to ensure a safe and comfortable flight for all passengers. Dogs are treated to BARK Air wings for their collars, access to calming aids such as noise-canceling earmuffs, jackets, treats, the choice between water and bone broth for canines, and wellness amenities like an optional brush, refreshing wipe, paw and nose balm and dental chew.
The team preps the cabin for each flight with calming pheromones and snack and beverage service is also offered when cabin pressure changes to ease any ear discomfort for the pups.
BARK Air can arrange chaperone services to fly with dogs and ensure a smooth and stress-free journey, when their human can’t make the trip. They can also handle pretty much any request owners throw at them – the sky’s the limit after all.
“A few of the most quirky requests from dog parents include a pup spa day before departure, with paw balm and blowout, a mid-flight pup birthday party complete with decorations and treats, and a request for a seat upgrade for a stuffed animal companion to ‘sit’ beside the pup so the pup would feel like it has company,” says Giraldo.
Dog-welcoming hotels and trusted groomers
Once pet and owner have arrived in style, there’s still more assistance awaiting. Giraldo can arrange dog-first ground transport, from chauffeured rides to luxury rentals. He can prepare tailored city guides and exclusive access to dog-welcoming hotels, villas, restaurants, and experiences. Think: best places to take my dog for a hike in this new city and grab lunch after.
“We have a robust list of recommended hotels that go above and beyond for their dog guests, from Walker Hotels in New York to Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort, and The Windsor Court in New Orleans,” says Giraldo.
“For those heading to New York to soak up the city’s holiday magic, restaurants like Lou Lou Petit Bistro and Bar Primi, as well as the Museum of the Dog, are all great spots our team frequently shares.” He’ll also recommend trusted local vendors, from veterinarians to groomers, in unfamiliar cities.
Companion Concierge services start at $500, and those who book it and choose to fly BARK Air receive $500 back as credit for their flight. A flight from New York City to Los Angeles, one of the most popular routes, starts at $6,725 for a shared charter. Other popular routes include New York City to San Francisco, which starts at $7,100, and internationally, New York City to London, starting at $9,150. BARK Air also offers guests the opportunity to book fully private charters.