Nobody ever forgets their first time, and not for the reasons you are probably thinking about. There are many misconceptions about flying on a jet plane that if you are not careful, you could end up missing out on the best parts or missing out on the flight entirely.
Below are some things you need to know before your first flight in order to make the right impression with the owner of the jet (or business associates you are flying with), get the best out of the charter company, and ensure you are not red-faced when it is time to board.
First Trip On A Private Jet? Here’s What You Need To Know
- Private jets are no longer ultra-exclusive
Private jets used to be a billionaire’s club. If you weren’t earning seven figures a week, you had no business flying in one. Now, college graduates and mid-level staff can afford the luxury of chartering their own private jets.
When you book in advance and have a few guests with you, the cost of the flight could end up being cheaper than a business-class ticket on certain commercial routes. The implication, therefore, is that your first flight on a private jet does not have to be your last flight. By keeping in touch with the charter company, you can get the best deals for your first and subsequent flights.
It is also important to bear this in mind when preparing for the flight. You no longer have to feel under pressure to act a certain way or look a particular way either. Speaking of looks…
- You can wear anything you want…sort of
The benefit of flying on a jet plane is that you do not have to bother so much with airport regulations or prying eyes, so you can wear whatever you are comfortable with.
There is a caveat, however: only wear what you want if you are the one chartering the flight, it is your plane and/or there won’t be other guests. If you are going on a business trip or going as a guest, you need to dress smartly.
How to dress on a private jet is a very important topic that should never be ignored. Some people have been prevented from flying because they thought they could show up shirtless. There are still rules in place, even for private jet plane travel.
- There are strict luggage restrictions
The most stringent rules you would have to deal with as a passenger concern luggage.
Weight restrictions in air travel are an unbreakable law. They must be adhered to, irrespective of who is flying. Each plane has luggage restrictions in terms of suitcase weight, quantity and size.
You could, therefore, fly on a jet that would only allow you one piece of checked-in luggage and one carry-on. This, of course, depends on the number of people flying and the size of the jet plane. Don’t expect to show up with five suitcases with the intention of persuading the pilot to carry them all.
To get most of the luggage space, you have to book the right jet to suit the occasion. When booking the flight, make sure you tell the company exactly what your luggage requirements are.
- Order your meals in advance
What would you like to eat 30,000 feet in the sky: fresh oysters, beluga caviar, smoked salmon en croute, sushi from Nobu or a Happy Meal? Whatever you want, you can have. As long as there is a restaurant in your departure city that serves it, you can order it for your flight.
But there is one thing to bear in mind: you have to order it in advance. Although this may seem obvious, many people get on the flight and want to order and eat things not on the menu. The jet plane would not be able to stock everything you might have a craving for, but they certainly will make an effort to get it with enough of a heads up.
The drinks menu on board is also limited and they probably won’t give you an endless amount of high-end liquor.
- Always bring your ID
Finally, always bring a means of identification with you for your flight. As much as private jets tend to have their own strips or terminals, you still have to go through travel authorities. The security searches and queues may not be as laborious, but you will not be allowed to fly without some form of ID.
The type of identification you need will depend on where you are flying. If your destination is within the country of your departure, then a driver’s license or some other form of Photo ID will suffice. For international flights, however, you should always bring your passport. If for some reason you are able to leave the country without it, you may have to turn back once you get to your destination.
By remembering these five things, you will have a memorable first trip on a private jet for all the right reasons.
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