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Frequently Asked Questions as answered by Amelia our CFO (Canine Flying Officer)

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions as answered by Amelia our CFO (Canine Flying Officer)

Is there any documentation required for my human and I to fly?

Your human needs to have valid identification, so please make sure not to chew their state-issued ID or passports…no matter how delicious they look. Dogs are required to have up-to-date vaccination records. If you don’t know what a vaccination is, it’s best not to ask. Our crew will reach out to your human after they book the flight to gather additional information about your size, any allergies, and your socialization preferences.

For your human: International flights will require customs documents certifying your pup meets all criteria set forth by regulating entities. Typically, this will require rabies vaccination records, microchip compliance, recent vet physical and tapeworm treatment. Our BARK Air Concierge will reach out to you to guide you through the process to do our best to make this as stress-free and effortless as possible.

What can we bring on board? And are there limitations on luggage?

Isn’t bringing you enough?! Geesh, humans are needy. Please have your human limit themselves to a small personal carry on just for in-flight essentials. Under no circumstances should they bring squirrels or mailmen.

We have plenty of blankets, treats and "to-go" toys on board. If there’s something else special you want, like, I don’t know, that one blanket that smells like cheese, feel free to have your human bring it.

For your human: In travel talk, each person is allowed one 50lb wheeled luggage and a duffle bag that will be both stowed during travel. Due to limited cabin and cargo space, we kindly ask that you bring only essential in-flight items in small personal bag that you'll have by your seat.

Are you planning on adding more routes?

Yes! It’s a big world and we know you want to sniff it all! Current routes we serve are the metro areas of New York City (TEB), Los Angeles (VNY), London (STN), and Paris (LBG). We’ll be adding more domestic and international routes soon. Please let us know if there’s a particular part of the world you want to pee on.

Can my human arrange where we sit or boarding order in advance?

As much as we would love to accommodate your human's request, we are unable to commit to specific seating arrangements ahead of flight day. We will take into account the social preferences of every pup and overall dog dynamics of the group during the lounge pup meet and greet to influence our boarding order and in-flight travel arrangements. This care and focus will ensure that we keep both pups and human passengers safe and stress-free during our "Dogs Fly First" BARK Air flights.

What documentation is required for travel between the U.S and U.K.?

Our BARK Air Concierge will reach out to guide your human through the customs process.

For N.Y. to U.K. bound flights: An endorsed Great Britain Health Certificate is required for "travel clearance" and U.K. pup entry. The document requirements include USDA certification that confirms rabies vaccine, microchip date and completed tapeworm treatment all meet the U.K.'s standards.

For U.K. to N.Y. bound flights: A C.D.C Import document and up-to-date rabies vaccines.

Am I allowed to bring a human with me?

While BARK Air is an airline for dogs, we recognize that you might want to bring your human with you. After all, you need scratches. So, each dog ticket comes with a pass for one human. Additional passes are available for purchase.

Are human children allowed to fly?

According to a recent national poll, 87% of table scraps are dropped by children. Unfortunately, the same poll shows that children are responsible for 100% of tail pulling. Therefore, we do not allow humans under the age of 70 (10 human years) on BARK Air. Don’t worry though, we have plenty of snacks on board that are even better than table scraps.

What airports do you serve?

Our launch routes will serve the metro areas of New York City (TEB), Los Angeles (VNY), London (STN), and Paris (LBG). All of these airports are easily accessible to the metro areas around them and are comparatively easy to get to/from vs. the major airports in those metros.

Are there size or breed restrictions for dogs that can fly?

We welcome dogs of all sizes and breeds. In fact, oversized dogs, snub nose dogs, and all the other dogs out there who have never had an opportunity to fly – you are our VIPs (Very Important Pups).

If you are traveling internationally, we do highly encourage you research any potential breed restrictions presented by the U.K.or France to ensure your travel plans are not affected by local governing bodies.

Are there any requirements for dogs to fly?

Wings! Just kidding! That would be cool though, right?  For real, we believe that all dogs are good dogs and we welcome having them aboard. However, the safety, comfort, and happiness of every dog we serve is our top priority. If you’re uncomfortable around other dogs, anxious on planes, or easily triggered by humans (I get it, believe me), this may not be the best service for you. For your human: Your BARK Air Concierge will talk with you about your dog's temperament and sensitivities. Safety. Comfort. Happiness.

Are there any minimum requirements for humans to book a flight?

Personally, I prefer humans who know how to belly rub, but all dog-loving humans are welcome. Your human must be at least 126 years old (18 in human) to book and travel with you. Please remind them to have their proper travel documents such as government issued ID, visa and customs paperwork if you are flying on an international route. They must be well-trained and are limited to asking “who’s a good dog?” once per flight.

How do you ensure the safety of your passengers?

Our charter partner's operating procedures meet or exceed all safety and quality standards set forth by the D.O.T. They are IS-BAO Stall II certified and hold the highest safety rating of ARG/US Platinum.


In addition, our BARK Air crew is fully trained and dedicated to provide pups and human passengers a safe and comfortable flight experience. To ensure this, we reserve the right to refuse the boarding of any passenger (human or dog) that demonstrates behaviors that pose a potential safety risk to staff or fellow passengers.

Will BARK Air require any training for dogs prior to flying?

What sort of question is this?! Humans aren’t required to train to board a plane (though they probably should be). Flying BARK Air is similar to hanging in a dog park, a dog-friendly cafe, or a friend’s house. You should stick together with your human, and socialize however much you like. We use our dog intake form to get to know your preferences and create the boarding order and seating arrangement that is optimal for all dogs and humans.

For your human: We know that not all dogs are social and may be a bit nervous about this new situation. Be assured that your dog does not need to socialize with others and is welcome to just settle in with you, should that be their preference.

In addition, our BARK Air crew is fully trained and dedicated to provide pups and human passengers a safe and comfortable flight experience. To ensure this, we reserve the right to refuse the boarding of any passenger (human or dog) that demonstrates behaviors that pose a potential safety risk to staff or fellow passengers.

Will there be separate areas for large and small dogs?

Thankfully, no. I love sniffing me a big dog. You know what I mean? For your human: We want to make sure everyone is comfortable! If your pup is triggered by one size or another, be sure to mention it in your dog's intake form with your BARK Air Concierge, so they can manage the best cabin seating plan.

Are carriers or crates required?

For humans, maybe. For dogs, definitely not. If you’re more comfortable in a carrier, you do you and bring one with. We designed this entire experience for dogs first. If it's alright with your human, you’ll be able to sit on laps, seats, or wherever you’re comfortable. If you think you can fly the plane, we’ll talk to the pilot and see what we can do. For Humans: Unfortunately, we do not allow crates in cabin. This will allow us to ensure everyone's comfort mid-flight.

What about leashes?

Ugh, the L-Word. Much like seat belt rules on any standard flight, dogs must remain on leash while on the tarmac, the plane is taxiing, taking off, landing or if any turbulence is expected. Otherwise, leashes are up to you and your human as long as you’re under voice control. For your human: You might need a leash if your pup is just dying to socialize with another pup who prefers being in the company of humans. We want to ensure the happiness of all dogs getting their BARK Air wings!

Do my human and I have to go through security gate like a normal flight?

You do not! Our process is very quick and convenient. Travelers should arrive at the terminal 45 minutes prior to the flight. The check-in and security screening process is done in minutes, and we’ll have a private waiting area for you and other dogs on your flight. The early arrival gives you time to socialize and make friends with the other dogs to avoid any unnecessary first-meet tension on the flight.

Is there a place to relieve myself on the plane?

There are designated relief areas outside of each plane for you to mark one last time before your soar through the clouds. If you just gotta go when we are up in the air, we'll have some emergency pads in a designated areas ready for you.

How many dogs and people will be on my flight?

Our planes are designed to fit 14 dogs and their humans, but we will fly on average of 8-9 humans and pups.

What if I want to bring more than one human?

Each ticket purchased is for a dog and comes with a complimentary pass for 1 human. We will offer a limited amount of additional human tickets for an additional cost.

Why are these tickets so expensive?

First, money is a construct developed by humans as a means of alienating the worker from the fruits of their labor. Second, yeah, these tickets are pricey! Our goal over time is to bring the ticket cost down significantly as we scale. That way your human will have more money to buy you Christmas sweaters.

How is BARK Air different from other dog-friendly airlines?

 I’m sorry, what other dog-friendly airlines? Seriously, I hope you’ve never been on a regular airline, but let me just say, they put you in a duffle bag and shove you under a seat. We’re members of the family and that’s how they treat us? You don’t see them shoving humans under seats, even though there are a few who I think deserve it. Yes, I’m talking to you, doorbell inventor.

Yes, there are a couple of “dog-tolerant” airlines, which is a good first step, but even those are definitely not dog-friendly. BARK Air was designed from the ground up for us! No other airline lets dogs be dogs. Now, back to thinking about which humans to shove under seats…oh, maybe the firework guy.

Will humans clap when the pilot lands the plane?

I hope not. Clapping scares me.

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