A company called BARK Air is about to take flight, and it made us think that perhaps it could even operate to Hawaii, opening a new travel era for Hawaii visitors and pets. This caught us off-guard, coming as both funny and serious at the same time.
We stumbled on the press release from BARK a few days ago, and then just kept thinking about it. BARK, a NYSE traded company, says it is all about dog happiness. They have just announced a partnership that will result in them introducing jet charter flights starting next month from New York. Their first flights will be to Van Nuys and to London.
BARK will be the world’s first air travel service designed primarily for dogs with human companions. Following initial flights departing from New York in May, BARK Air will with any success, undoubtedly consider expanding its routes that could perhaps include Hawaii, a beloved travel destination for pet owners.
Traveling to Hawaii with pets has long presented unique challenges.
That is due to the strict quarantine laws designed to keep the state rabies-free. However, BARK Air could streamline this process by adhering to Hawaii’s Direct Airport Release program. That allows dogs to bypass quarantine if certain conditions are met before arrival. This program is part of Hawaii’s ongoing efforts to facilitate safe and easy travel for pets and their owners.
Not long ago, Beat of Hawaii editors were on a flight from California to Kauai. There was a small dog in a carrier under a seat nearby. When the plane arrived at Lihue, the passenger and pet were met by a specialist, who handled the paperwork for the dog’s immediate release. The dog got out of the airport even faster than we did! But you have to do the prep work to make that happen, and we don’t want to make light of that.
Matt Meeker, Co-Founder and CEO of BARK, expressed enthusiasm about current and future expansion. This new service, in partnership with a premium jet charter company, is the first in the world to be designed mainly for dogs, allowing them, together with their human companions, to travel together in an unprecedented way.
Challenges faced by pets and pet owners on long flights.
BARK Air seeks to meet the challenges pet owners face traveling with dogs, especially those unable too large to fit under a seat and subjected to the stressful conditions of cargo travel. The problem is exacerbated on longer flights like those to Hawaii. BARK is helping to ease that with their first flights between New York, Los Angeles, and London.
BARK passengers are offered a seamless process for humans and pets.
Starting with what sounds like premium lounge quality service, dogs are introduced to socialize with one another before even boarding the flight. The jet cabin is equipped with dog-friendly features such as calming pheromones and specially curated pet-centric music. Onboard, flight attendants provide custom treats and toys, together with other amenities aimed at reducing anxiety and ensuring a pleasant journey for all.
The reservation process starts when humans are contacted by a BARK Air concierge to collect information about their dogs. Then, on the day of travel, dogs and their humans arrive at the airport 45-60 minutes early for check-in. At that point dogs can meet other furry friends going on their flight. All of this happens outside regular security since this is a charter flight.
Human guests will be treated well, too, with curated meals by “onsite chefs.”
Upon boarding, a BARK Air concierge welcomes dogs and gets them settled in. Any additional human or pet needs are said to be addressed too at that time.
Pets are also offered noise-canceling ear muffs and calming jackets for a stress-free environment. Dogs are served a choice of beverages after departure and prior to landing to help avoid ear discomfort. Treats are offered throughout the flight.
Restroom accommodations for dogs were not mentioned.
So that is, at this point, left to our imagination. Perhaps a grassy area has even been created. What do you think?
To bring your 4 legged Babies to Hawaii is a Very Long process. Because Hawaii is rabies free certain requirements need to be met. A Fur Baby(Babies) needs a special blood test that a Veterinarian needs to submit; in my case it was sent to Kansas State University. The test is to check for rabies antigen. The results take anywhere from 2 weeks – 1 month. A Negative result & associated paperwork is sent back to the Vet & is good for 5 years. Prior to bringing your Babies, Hawaii, like most places require updated vaccines & cleared by your Vet 14 days prior to travel. If that’s not enough Hawaii requires a payment of around $250 per pet. Active Duty Military go through the same process. You can verify by contacting Humane Society.
I would like to travel with my Havanese to Hawaii but I’d be concerned that she may be hurt or frightened by larger aggressive dogs.
I can’t think of a worse flying experience than sitting next to someone’s dog. Yuck!
My first reaction is to keep dogs out of the passenger cabin period! Not a bad idea to have a dedicated flight as an option so I know what Not to book.
The problem with the current model where the dog supposedly fits under the seat in front is you don’t know if you may end up sitting next to the mongrel, and have no recourse other than to suffer through a horrible flight sitting next to an animal.
Dog owners would not like their dog sitting next to you either.
This is the most amazing news and I am so happy to finally hear someone has a sensitivity to pet parents…It is excruciating for most of us who loves to travel and have no other option for the four legged familly members but to leave them with family or worse — strangers to house them. I have been struggling with this issues since 2019 when I rescued a large size dog (Weimaraner)..Thank You and see you very soon (Heart)
Thanks for bringing up this topic. The misuse of “therapy animals” excuse for allowing animals into airline cabins has gotten “above and beyond” out of control, for years. This should absolutely be restricted to people with legitimate physical disabilities, due to animal smell, behavioral, & restroom issues, and the affects on other passengers who choose to not fly along with their pets in the cabin.
Great idea how about interisland service
I would be interested. We have not moved permanently to Hawaii because we own two Golden Retrievers. One is two years old, but the other is 15 years old. We do not think our 15-year-old, still healthy, could endure cargo travel to Hawaii, and we have concerns about putting any dog in cargo. We couldn’t do that to a valued member of our family, perhaps to a not-so-valued type ;>) but that would not be a canine.
We moved with an 8 year old lab and 9 year old boxer. Both had to travel in the cargo hold, which was no doubt stressful, for the period during which they were waiting in the noisy cargo shed and even noisier ramp. Once they’re loaded on board and the cargo door is closed, it is relatively dark and quiet, and most dogs sleep during the long flight. But upon arrival, they one again have to endure an extremely noisy ramp and cargo facility. Both our dogs made it ok, but looked very defeated when we picked them up.
Luckily dogs are extremely resilient, and were back to their happy-go-lucky selves within 48 hours.
Follow the Money .. Money Talks. They say that Money can’t make you happy but if you have Money then the world is your oyster.