FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions—answered by Amelia, our CFO (Canine Flying Officer)
How is BARK Air different from other airlines?
BARK Air is different because we are an airline that was specifically created for dogs first, and humans second.
It's officially time to swap the commercial crates, cargo and compromises for cozy, calming cabins and first-class service. We know travel isn’t just about the destination—it’s about how you’re treated (and the treats) along the way. Here's some more of what you can expect on a BARK Air journey:
- A dog-first flight experience, including treats, toys and calming aids like pheromones, music, and warm lavender-scented towels
- Private airport experience—think dedicated lounge with pup passports (and no security lines)
- A dedicated BARK Air concierge to manage your travel experience, from booking to departure, including navigating customs and documentation processes for international travel
- Access to BARK Air's preferred partners, including luxury car rentals and dog-friendly hotels
What documentation is required for me and my human 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.
International flights will require customs documents certifying we pups meet all criteria set forth by regulating entities. Typically, they requires rabies vaccination records, microchip compliance, recent vet physical and tapeworm treatment.
Our BARK Air Concierge will reach out to guide your human through the process.
Which vaccinations and other records are required?
Our BARK Air Concierge team will reach out to guide your human through the customs process for your BARK Air flights. Here are some specifics:
From NY to The UK:
1. An ISO compliant microchip (or a non-ISO compliant chip with an accompanying chip reader)
2. An up-to-date rabies vaccine with proof it was done after or on the same day the microchip procedure took place.
3. A visit to a USDA accredited veterinarian. Please schedule as soon as possible to ensure your pup’s paperwork can be submitted in time for a 10 day window before you travel to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection review and endorsement.
4. A tapeworm treatment 24-120 hours prior to arrival.
5. USDA Endorsed “Great Britain Pet Health Certificate
From NY to Europe:
1. An ISO compliant microchip (or a non-ISO compliant chip with an accompanying chip reader)
2. An up-to-date rabies vaccine with proof it was done after or on the same day the microchip procedure took place.
3. A visit to a USDA accredited veterinarian. Please schedule as soon as possible to ensure your pup’s paperwork can be submitted in time for a 10 day window before you travel to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection review and endorsement.
4. USDA endorsed EU Health Certificate OR valid EU Pet Passport.
From The UK/Europe to NY:
CDC Dog Import Form. While rabies vaccinations are not a requirement for customs, we do request proof of a current rabies vaccine at BARK as part of our commitment to ensure the safety and well-being of all pups on board.
For Domestic Flights:
Current vaccinations and health records from the vet.
Are there size or breed restrictions?
We welcome dogs of all sizes and breeds.
If you are traveling internationally, particularly to the UK or France, we highly encourage your human to research any potential breed restrictions to ensure your travel plans are not affected by local governing bodies.
What do your concierge services entail?
We are happy to support your pup’s travel plans via our dedicated concierge service.
Our team of dog experts will work closely with your human to understand your unique needs, preferences, and routines to ensure a stress-free and dog-centric flight experience.
From pre-flight preparations to in-flight care and arrival assistance, we’ll do everything possible to make sure you feel safe, comfortable, and well cared for throughout your journey.
Please reach out to our team to discuss availability and coordination detail.
What can we bring on board? Are there luggage limitations?
Isn’t bringing you enough? Humans are so needy. Please have your human limit themselves to a small personal carry-on for in-flight essentials.
We have plenty of blankets, treats and toys on board. If there’s something special you want, like that one blanket that smells like cheese, feel free to have your human bring it.
In human speak, each person is allowed one 50lb wheeled luggage and a small duffle bag, which will both be 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?
Absolutely. We are continuously looking for opportunities to add more domestic and international routes. Please visit our How it Works page to suggest route if you have something specific in mind.
Can my human pick where we sit or our 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 your time in the lounge to influence our boarding order, seating and service. This care and focus will ensure that we keep both pups and human passengers safe and stress-free at all times.
My human flies with me, right?
Yes, we recognize that you are most comfortable with your human (and you need scratches). Each BARK Air ticket covers one dog and one human. Additional passes are available for purchase.
If your human cannot travel with you, we are happy to support your travel plans with our dedicated chaperone services.
In human speak:
We created BARK Air to help honor the bond between you and your pup so you can fly with your pup by your side.
If for any reason you cannot travel, our experienced team will work closely with you to understand your pup’s unique needs, preferences, and routines to ensure a stress-free and dog-centric flight experience. From pre-flight preparations to in-flight care and arrival assistance, we’ll do everything possible to make sure your pup feels safe, comfortable, and well cared for throughout their journey.
If you’re interested in our chaperone services, please reach out to our team to discuss availability and coordination details.
Are children allowed to fly BARK Air?
Humans under the age of 10 are not permitted to fly on BARK Air.
What airports do you serve?
Our current routes serve the metro areas of New York City, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Lisbon, Seattle, San Francisco, and Madrid. Each of these airports is chosen for its accessibility, making travel smoother and more convenient for pups and their humans compared to larger, busier hubs.
Who can fly BARK Air?
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, this may not be the best service for you.
In human speak: Your BARK Air Concierge will talk with you about your dog's temperament and sensitivities. Safety. Comfort. Happiness.
Are there any minimum age requirements for humans to book a flight?
Your human must be at least 18 years old 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?
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 pup intake process to get to know your preferences and create the boarding order and seating arrangement that is optimal for everyone's experience.
In human speak: 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?
We want to make sure everyone is comfortable. If you are triggered by one size or another, be sure to have your mention it during your intake process with your BARK Air Concierge, so they can manage the best cabin seating plan.
What if our travel plans change?
We understand that life can bring unexpected changes, and we are here to make sure your travel experience remains as stress-free as possible for both you and your human.
Our promise of seamless, stress-free travel means that our dedicated BARK Air Concierge team is ready to assist with any changes that might affect your itinerary.
Simply reach out to us, and we’ll work with you to find a solution. Whether it’s adjusting dates, destinations, or services, we are committed to being flexible and supportive for the pups and dog parents we serve.
Are carriers or crates required?
For humans, maybe. For dogs, definitely not. If you’re more comfortable in a carrier, you are welcome to bring one. 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.
In human speak: Unfortunately, we do not allow crates in cabin. This will allow us to ensure everyone's comfort during the flight.
What about leashes?
Ugh, the L-word. Much like seat belt rules on any standard flight, we must remain on leash while on the tarmac, during taxiing, take off, and landing (or if any turbulence is expected). Otherwise, leashes are up to you and your human as long as you’re under voice control.
In human speak: 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 like on a commercial flight?
Thankfully, no. That is one of the perks when flying BARK Air. Our security process is quick and convenient. Travelers should arrive to the terminal 45 minutes prior to their flight. The check-in and security screening process is done in minutes, and we’ll have a private waiting area for you on the other side. 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 pads in a designated areas ready for you.
How many dogs and people will be on my flight?
On average, our planes accommodate 7-9 humans and 7-9 pups.
What if I want to bring more than one human?
Each ticket purchased is for one dog and one human. Please have your human reach out to us to discuss adding another human, which we can sometimes accommodate for an additional cost based on availability.
Why are the tickets so expensive?
We hear you, and want you to know that we’re working toward making BARK Air as accessible as possible. We appreciate your support as we work toward our goal of flying all pups who could benefit from a dog-first flight experience.
Will humans clap when the plane lands?
We hope not.