The New Airline for Traveling with Dogs of Any Size, RetrievAir

Traveling with your dog is often a hassle, especially when your pup is on the larger side. Traditional plane travel comes with a host of restrictions, and other options aren't always possible. But now, there's a new solution: RetrievAir, a newly launched air service designed with dogs in mind, offering a comfortable and stress-free travel experience for pups of all sizes.

The inspiration behind RetrievAir comes from Benton Miller, the company’s founder. He and his wife, Whitney, struggled to travel with their two Labradors, Maple and Willow. “Every time we looked into flying, we spent hours navigating complicated rules and restrictions — only to realize our options were limited,” says Miller. “Cargo was never an option for us, flying private wasn’t realistic, and driving was exhausting. We had to make tough choices, like missing family events or skipping holidays.”

Determined to change this, Miller created RetrievAir to provide a better travel experience for dogs and their owners, especially large dogs that are often overlooked. “We can accommodate many different-sized pups onboard,” Miller shares. “And we don’t charge extra for larger dogs compared to medium-sized ones.”

How RetrievAir Works

RetrievAir operates out of smaller airports, eliminating the stress of TSA lines and long waits. Pets and their owners travel together in a 30-seat regional jet, with pups sitting by the window and their humans seated next to them. Flights are run by RVR Aviation, a licensed U.S. air carrier.

Flight attendants on RetrievAir flights are specially trained in canine behavior and ensure that dogs are comfortable, safe, and well-hydrated, with plenty of treats along the way. And for the humans? Snacks, coffee, and even alcoholic beverages are available during the flight.

On their inaugural flight, RetrievAir successfully transported a variety of large dogs, including Golden Retrievers, Great Danes, and a Labrador Retriever — all of whom would have been placed in uncomfortable cargo on a traditional plane. The spacious cabin features extra legroom, ensuring that even larger pups have enough room to relax. "On our brand launch flight, all the pups, ranging from 35 to 150 lbs, slept most of the flight and loved the experience,” says Miller. “You wouldn’t have known the plane was full of pups.”

Booking a Flight on RetrievAir

RetrievAir will offer flights to several major U.S. cities known for their dog-loving populations. Official destination announcements will be made this spring, with the first flights taking off in May.

While a ticket costs around $750 — which might seem steep — Miller notes that it’s comparable to the cost of boarding a large dog at a high-end kennel for a week, while private flights cost thousands. On a typical commercial flight, pet fees range from $100 to $200, and that’s for small dogs in cramped spaces or large dogs traveling in cargo.

To stay updated on new flight options, you can join the waitlist at RetrievAir.com or follow @FlyRetrievAir on social media.