Everyone knows the do’s and don’ts on a regular scheduled flight. We hear them shouted at us over and over as we wait in never ending lines. Slowly shuffling toward the scanners in our socks, clutching our belongings. “Liquids must be out of your bag, in a 3 oz container, in 1 ten-gallon zip lock bag.” “All electronics must go in screening bins, shoes off, jackets off, belts off, change and jewelry in the bucket, car seats on the belt, tablets in its own bin.” The list goes on, we all know the drill by now… but what about a private air charter? Do the same rules apply?
Thankfully the answer is a resounding NO! When you fly private you are free… free to keep your shoes on for starters.
What about my hair products?
Keep them! With a private air charter, you can bring bottles of liquids on board in any amount. That includes your shampoo, conditioner, lotions, cologne, perfume, water bottles, medications, even your favorite beverages (no alcohol though, let the airline serve you that).
Where do I sit?
Wherever you want! On a private plane you can choose where you want to sit. No more uncomfortable middle seat or that dreaded seat right next to back lavatory. You can even take a whole row to yourself if you wish. Private jets often come with divans for stretching out. You can even upgrade to a private aircraft with a full lay flat bed. The possibilities are endless with air charter.
Is my bag too heavy?
Doesn’t matter! You can check as much or as little as you’d like without worrying about extra bag fees on a private flight. You don’t have to worry if your bag is too long, too wide, or too tall. There are no individual restrictions on luggage at all, but your group will need to ensure you are under the maximum payload of the particular private plane you are chartering.
What about Fido and Fluffy?
They can come too! Often pets are welcome on private flights without any extra cost. Many even allow them in the cabin with you. Often our pet loving clients charter flights that allow their pet to sit comfortably on the seat with them or on the floor near their feet. This is a great perk if you are afraid to fly and want your fur friend by your side the entire trip. This does vary by airline so please check with your account manager.
What time do I have to be at the airport?
Much closer to departure time then the 2-3 hours commercial airports require! If you are chartering a small private jet typically you can drive right up to the airplane, arriving just 30 minutes before take-off. Even if you have a larger group air charter with 150 people you can still pull up planeside just an hour before departure and be on your way in no time.
The Don’ts
Of course, nothing is perfect and there is some don’ts to be aware of. No Samsung Galaxy Note 7 cell phones, no smoking or vaping of any kind, no weapons or pocket knives, no hoverboards and no dangerous goods like dry ice. You will still have to stow everything for take-off and landing, you will still need to buckle up when the light comes on, but on a private plane you will have so much more personalization to your travel that you won’t notice the few don’ts. So keep the hoverboards at home and charter a private jet.