Inside the Over-the-Top Luxury Airline Where Dogs Get Champagne and Massages
If you have ever flown with a dog on commercial airlines, you probably know what it means: strict size limits, cramped carriers under seats, or the stress of cargo holds. People with large breeds often find it particularly difficult in such situations. However, here is some good news: Bark Air set out to change that by designing flights around dogs rather than squeezing them into rules meant for luggage.
Since its launch in 2024 by the team behind BarkBox, Bark Air has offered something closer to a private jet experience than standard pet travel. Canines stretch out on leather seats, receive massages mid-flight, and even sip bone broth champagne. For their owners, it’s a relief to finally board a plane where pets are considered the primary flyers.
A Flight Plan Built for Dogs
Every Bark Air journey starts with a call from the concierge team, whether the trip is across the country to Los Angeles or overseas to London. They ask about a pup’s personality, favorite treats, and comfort needs, then use those details to decide seating, choose calming aids, and adjust the cabin environment to reduce stress during the flight.
Bark runs its flights on business jets operated by Talon Air. Current routes include New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, Paris, Madrid, and Lisbon, with charters available to destinations like Honolulu or Tokyo. The number of passengers always changes depending on the size and mix of dogs on board.
Lounges and Pup Passports
Once you have booked a flight for yourself and your furry friend, the experience begins at a private terminal such as Teterboro in New Jersey or Van Nuys in Los Angeles. Security takes place inside the lounge, where dogs receive custom “pup passports” and socialize before boarding. A certified trainer watches interactions and finalizes seating to keep the cabin harmonious.
Boarding unfolds in small groups across the tarmac. Owners walk with their furry pals, stop for photos by the jet stairs, and present handwritten boarding passes listing each pet by name. The structured process ensures every dog boards calmly and settles in without unnecessary stress.
Dining for Dogs and Humans
Image via Canva/Digital Vision
After takeoff, the crew begins food service designed almost entirely around the dogs. They have a wide selection of treats, practically anything a pup could hope for. Barkaccinos topped with whipped cream, pork-and-apple biscuits, yogurt-and-berry bites, and freeze-dried liver are served throughout the cabin. The signature touch is “Doggie Chompagne,” bone broth poured into glasses to resemble Champagne service.
There is plenty for humans, too, so no one steps off the flight hungry. Meals include roast beef sandwiches, chicken pesto pasta, and desserts such as cheesecake. Champagne and cocktails are available as well, though the focus of the treatment stays firmly on the four-legged passengers.
Price and Practicalities
If you’re wondering how much it will cost to pamper yourself and your canine best friend, the fares are steep. One-way tickets start at $6,000 for a dog and one human on U.S. routes. Transatlantic flights such as New York to London or Paris range between $8,000 and $9,500. Adding another human or dog requires purchasing additional space, which increases the price.
While the expense is high, many passengers see it as worth it. After all, people spend heavily on their own comfort when flying, and a lot of them believe animals deserve the same consideration.