What First-Time Private Jet Charter Passengers Should Know

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Flying by private jet charter is a comfortable and luxurious way to travel. For those who have never flown private before, the first time is an exciting prospect. However, there are some things you should know ahead of time to maximize your private jet charter experience.

Arrive a Half Hour Early

One of the advantages of flying private is that you don’t have to arrive at the airport two hours or more ahead of time to wait at the gate for your commercial flight. In fact, the plane doesn’t leave without you, so theoretically you could arrive late and still make your flight. However, as a courtesy to everyone else involved in your flight (the crew, any other passengers, and your host if there is one), you should arrive about a half hour before your flight. Arriving a half hour early is a sign of respect and helps to ensure that everything is properly prepared for your flight.

Don’t Pack Too Much

A private jet charter doesn’t have the same baggage limitations as a commercial flight. Commercial flights typically limit you to a certain number of checked bags and carry-on items and charge money for any additional suitcases. A private jet charter doesn’t offer the freedom to bring however much you want, however. There’s only so much space in the cargo compartment, so it’s important to make sure that you don’t overpack, especially if there are other passengers who need to use that space, too.

Make Special Requests Ahead of Time

If you have any special requests for catering or entertainment on board your private jet charter, it’s essential that you ask for them ahead of time. That way, the crew can be sure to have everything prepared to fulfill your request. For example, if you are a vegetarian or have a food allergy or prefer a specific type of drink, the crew will need some time to accommodate your request. If you wait to ask until the time of your flight, it’s unlikely the crew will be able to fulfill your request.

Have Your ID Ready

When you fly on a private jet charter, you get to skip going through the TSA checkpoint. However, that doesn’t mean there is no security at all. You’ll still need to have your ID ready to be checked to prove who you are. If you’re flying internationally, you’ll need to make sure that you have your passport handy. It’ll be required when you go through customs at your destination.

Choose the Best Aircraft for Your Needs

On a commercial flight, you have many fewer options. You can’t choose your own aircraft and you have limited choices for airports to fly into. On a private jet charter, you can choose from amongst a multitude of airports that are much closer to your destination than the larger airports that can accommodate commercial flights. Plus, you can choose your own aircraft.

If you’ve never flown private before, speak to your private jet charter operator. They can help you to choose the right aircraft for your needs. You’ll need a plane big enough to accommodate all of the passengers with you and one that can travel the distance from your origin to your destination. For example, you would need a larger private jet to travel from coast to coast than you would to fly to the next state over.