Private jet travel offers a lot more convenience than commercial flights. That is why those who can afford it opt for it. Speaking of that, in the past, people thought Private Aviation was exclusive for the wealthy. They thought only the celebrities, chief executives, and heads of state could enjoy that luxury. But, because of the pandemic, it became the ideal form of air travel. Flights via private jets keep people safe from contracting the virus more than commercial flights do. So they had to save more to afford the rental fee. And then they realize, private travel can be affordable too.
Now that they have experienced what it feels like to travel in style, they may not go back to flying commercials.
This change in traveler’s behavior may have affected you too. You might want to switch to flying private as well. But, most probably, you are unfamiliar with this side of aviation. Do not panic. We are here to save the day.
Here are some tips concerning private jet travel that you should know.
What Should You Wear?
You can wear anything on a private flight. There is no strict dress code that you should adhere to. However, there is an unwritten rule. Your clothing must reflect the nature of your flight. If you are going on a vacation with your friends or family, casual attire will do. But, in the case that you are on a business trip, you should wear business attire. Likewise, if you are only invited as a guest, you should look presentable to show respect to the host.
When Should You Arrive At The Airport?
Unlike in commercial flights, private jet passengers do not have to arrive at the airport hours before their flights. But, you need to keep your provider updated to ensure speedy departure. Remember to do that, especially when you expect to arrive at the terminal more than 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
Why should you do that? Your crew will be coordinating with Air Traffic Control. So, keeping them updated is essential to ensure your flight will not be delayed.
Regarding waiting time, you may need to wait for only 5 to 30 minutes to board the aircraft., depending on the airport.
Again, there is a special condition when you are invited as a guest. It would be best if you arrived at the airport early. You would not want to keep your host waiting.
Can You Drive To Your Private Jet?
Again, in private jet travel, convenience is the name of the game. You would not need to drive around congested airport garages and struggle to find an empty spot. Instead, your provider will drive you directly to your jet.
How Much Baggage Can You Bring?
That depends on the aircraft since they have different capacities. But, generally speaking, there are no restrictions. However, remember that the more passengers on the jet, the more people would share the storage space. That means less space will be allocated for you. It is highly recommended that you bring a small roll-on bag.
Now, if you have special cargo, or if you have questions about baggage, contact your provider. They will clarify things for you.
Do You Need To Present Your ID At The Airport
Yes, you do. First, you would need to provide it when the provider arranges your chartered flight. For local flights, a Driver’s license will be enough. But for international flights, you would need a passport – just like in commercial airlines. Furthermore, your provider will tell you if obtaining a Visa is required.
Using the provided documents, your provider will create a passenger manifest. This is a “master list” of the passengers expected to board the aircraft. Upon your arrival at the terminal, the provider will check your credentials. Of course, if you forget your ID, there would be a problem. How can they check if you really are supposed to be there?
Also, keep in mind that aside from delaying the flight, your name could be removed from the manifest.
Where Should You Sit?
In commercial airplanes, they will assign a seat to you upon booking the flight. Here, there is no seating arrangement. You can sit wherever you want. But that is only when you are the one who paid for the trip.
If you are a guest, let the host pick his seat first. Also, you can ask them where to sit when you are on a business trip. Maybe he wants certain people to be somewhere to conduct business more efficiently.
Can You Bring Or Drink Alcohol?
Just like in commercial flights, there are things that you cannot bring on a private one. Good news! Alcoholic drinks are not one of them. Moreover, depending on the arrangements, there could be a complimentary bar.
However, as a private jet etiquette, you should not overindulge. You should also not arrive at the airport drunk already.
Are There Restrooms In The Private Jet?
The wealthy people would not like private jets as much if such an important facility is missing. So yes, there are lavatories in private jets.
The type of enclosure depends on the configuration of the private jet. Some are semi-inclosed, while others are fully enclosed. If this concerns you, you can request aircraft specifications when arranging your flight.
Can You Talk With The Pilot?
There are only a few passengers on a private jet. So, you might want to take that opportunity to talk to your pilot. Maybe you want to ask some things about the flight, or you have some requests to make. You can let him know. But, you can only do so when the jet has safely reached cruising altitude.
Should You Tip The Pilot And The Crew?
If you are pleased with the service, you can tip $50 to $300 per flight. But, it is not necessary. Furthermore, some companies forbid their employees from accepting gratuities. If that is the case, commend them to let them know that you were satisfied and they did great. They will appreciate that.
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