Owning a large dog brings endless joy, but also comes with logistical challenges, especially when it comes to travel. A few years ago, after multiple attempts to crowdsource a pet-friendly flight from New York to California through a very popular and active Facebook group, we gave up and drove — from Montauk to LA and back — just so Scout could join us.
So when I first heard about Bark Air, I didn’t hesitate. The idea of making it to LA in just five hours on a plane specifically designed to accommodate big dogs was obviously appealing. Flying out of Teterboro (TEB), Bark serves destinations including LA, London, Paris, Fort Lauderdale, and Milwaukee, operating each route several times a month. (To add another layer of convenience, Bark can arrange pet-friendly transport to and from the airport.) Our one-way fare to LA, for both dog and human: $6000.
Upon check-in, each of the eight or so pups on the flight gets a “pup passport,” complete with photo and stamps, followed by a meet-and-greet session to burn off any pre-flight zoomies. I found the attention to detail impressive — there were plenty of dog treats and cozy beds for lounging, plus drinks and snacks for the humans. The flight attendants were very experienced with dogs and kept them (and their humans) calm, happy, and informed.
Once on board, the pampering continued with a new experience for the pups every hour: a pupachino, “chompagne,” old socks and shoes. Scout even got wrapped up in a robe for a “spaw” treatment where his ears were cleaned, paws detailed, and head massaged until he fell asleep.
One may think that a plane full of dogs would be chaotic, but my Bark Air experience proved the opposite. Our flights were filled with the sweetest, most well-behaved dogs and their equally respectful owners — there was a shared sense of excitement and gratitude for such an incredible experience, to say nothing of the ability to travel with our pups. –Sarah Jackson
→ Bark Air • NY to LA, Ft Lauderdale, Milwaukee, London, Paris • Rates from $950-$8500 per dog & person • NB February getaway special.