So, you just booked your first-ever private jet charter. You’re probably wondering if you should behave any differently on your private flight than on a commercial flight.
The answer is yes; flying private does come with certain expectations when it comes to decorum. Observing proper private jet etiquette shows your respect for your host as well as the cabin crew and pilots.
As such, we’ve prepared the following guide on private jet etiquette for first-time private flyers to make sure that you make the most out of the experience.
Private Jet Dress Code
Private flights don’t have a specific dress code requirement. However, passengers should dress appropriately for the purpose of their travel. If you chartered a private jet to New York for a business trip, for instance, then it only makes sense to fly in business attire. You can opt for a more relaxed outfit if you’re flying to a vacation destination with friends and family.
Private Jet Seating
Unlike in a commercial flight, you don’t get an assigned row and seat number on a private jet. But this doesn’t mean you can sit anywhere you want.
In a private flight, the owner of the aircraft or the lead passenger often selects their seat first. The other passengers then occupy the remaining seats. Sometimes, the host chooses everyone’s seats for them, especially if the group’s talking shop on the flight.
Luggage
Private flights don’t usually have maximum weight limits for your luggage, but there are still limitations on how much you can bring. Luggage limitations on private flights vary depending on the size of the aircraft, the number of passengers, and fuel requirements.
Upon booking your flight, they’ll tell you how many suitcases you can bring. Usually, private jet rentals allow one large suitcase and one small bag on board. Make sure to pack only what you need because most private jets are designed for lightweight flights.
Tipping On A Private Jet
If you’re a first-time private flyer, tipping your cabin crew may seem ridiculous since you already paid for the charter. However, cabin attendants on private jets work extra hard to ensure your comfort throughout the flight.
Other than safety checks and briefings, they also act as your personal assistant, server, cocktail mixologist, and even dog sitter during the flight. As such, we encourage private flyers to tip their cabin crew, especially if you’re happy with the service you received.
You should also consider tipping your pilot. Private jet pilots don’t earn as much as you expect. Plus, they do tasks behind the scenes other than just flying the plane. They plan the flight, oversee the cleaning and maintenance of the aircraft, and even load your bags onto the aircraft.
If you’re not sure how much to tip, you can start at $50 for modest rentals or smaller aircraft and $500 for more expensive flights.
Special Requests
Finally, if you have special requests like if you have dietary restrictions or are planning to fly with a pet, make sure to communicate those ahead of time. It’s best to inquire about your requests upon booking your flight so you’d know right away if the company can grant them. This way, you can avoid unexpected problems on the day of your flight and just focus on enjoying the experience.
Charter a Private Jet on Your Next Trip
Planning to fly private for the first time ever? Talk to Vault Aviation to discuss the details of your flight. As private jet charter experts, we’ll help you decide which aircraft and cabin class best suit your preference, flight requirements, and budget, so you can enjoy a luxurious flight at the lowest price possible.