Most travelers considering booking a private jet consider it to be an expensive, complex process. In the first years of the private jet charter industry, the processes were longer and more complex. But nowadays chartering a private plane is a very simple task.
Now, anyone can book a private plane without paying astronomical figures or complex procedures. Following COVID-19, private flights became even more popular and easily accessible to the public. According to research, the post-pandemic private aviation industry will likely be around 10 percent larger than it was before the pandemic. It is estimated that passengers who enjoy private flights with the pandemic will want to continue their comfort after the pandemic.
After the pandemic, following the discovery of the vaccine and the increase in flights, private flights recovered much faster than commercial airlines.
Whether you’re feeling more secure in a private jet or booking a private flight out of necessity, we’ve got you covered with five tips to make the booking process as smooth and easy as possible.
Research the airline as much as possible before booking
First, seek advice from friends, colleagues and acquaintances who have traveled by private jet before. Research the companies recommended on social media in line with the recommendations given.
Once you have a list of potential airlines you can book with, it’s time to start researching. Start with the obvious places like official websites and social media accounts. Directly eliminate the companies that do not have an official website or have a very simple website that does not offer you anything.
It is usually best to choose brokers that are closely related to the operators. Some brokers are also authorized operators which is always a good sign.
Be sure to verify the credibility of any company you’re considering booking a flight with, and don’t hesitate to ask as many questions as necessary to feel confident in your choice. There are a lot of scam and unrealistic websites out there, so when searching for flights you should always make sure you get a reliable, real quotation.
Pay close attention to how the communication process goes
There will always be strong communication between you and the private jet charter company. For example, if the charter manager doesn’t ask for details about your flight or isn’t sure you’re happy with the booking process, that person is likely inexperienced. The customer representative you contacted should also ask you the right questions as much as the questions you will ask.
This should not always be the deciding factor, but it is a cause for concern. After all, if the manager doesn’t have enough experience, it’s possible that the company is too new to handle your flight professionally.
Note that there are many processes involved in booking a private jet. All these processes take time, so an experienced charter company will immediately know the purpose of your trip and will be able to tell you approximately how long it will take to obtain the necessary permits for the flight.
For example, it can take from 24 hours to five business days to receive an arrival permit, depending on the country. In more extreme cases, like flying to China or India, the process can take much longer. Experienced charter companies know this and better organize how to take the necessary steps to speed up the process. Newer companies often do not know these details and may over-promise. Asking additional questions and getting further clarification can tell you a lot about the professionalism and preparedness of the company.
Do not forget to clarify your personal preferences in advance
Passengers who will fly with a private jet for the first time may be inexperienced in this regard and may not know exactly what to demand.
To make the flight smooth and enjoyable, be sure to communicate your personal preferences to the flight manager in advance. They will gladly comply with your requests. However, remember that these will take time to complete. It’s best to tell any request (like fresh breakfast or late dinner) at least 8-12 hours before the departure. Even if the company does not have its own catering service, they will be able to make alternative arrangements if given sufficient time.
Do not forget to specify your needs during flight, such as Wi-Fi. Not all private jets automatically have a Wi-Fi available, so be sure to ask for it if you need it.
Check all your flight details over and over again
It can be overwhelming to realize that you have to think about things like extra documents and arrival permits. However, an experienced manager will be able to guide you through the process so that you are comfortable for future flights. Take care to fill out all the necessary documents regarding the country you will arrive at, and contact the company you rented a jet for anything you do not understand.
It is important that you clarify all the nuances of your flight with the charter director before accepting the booking. Things like flying with changes, bringing a pet, or landing in a new country all have their own potential complications, so it’s necessary to be as thorough as possible. For example, some airports in the UK will not accept flights with animals even if you have all the documents! Small details like these can make or break your journey.
It’s also worth noting that private jets have access to many more airports than commercial airlines, so you should be as specific as possible about your start and end points during the booking process. You may not realize that you can be much closer to your destination with a private jet!
Private jet bookings are not more complicated than commercial airline bookings. There are just more details to consider. The point that should not be forgotten is that these details are the things that will increase your flight pleasure. Approaching with this mindset can help take some of the stress out of confirming all your flight details.
Book as early as possible
There are several reasons to book a flight as early as possible. First, waiting until the last minute makes it difficult to find a suitable flight. Especially during peak season, it may be impossible to find a flight that can arrive on the day and time you want.
Flexibility is another reason why booking early is beneficial. Just like with commercial airlines and hotel reservations, the more flexible your schedule, the better your chances of saving a significant amount. If you can give the broker a flexible range of dates and times, they will have more opportunities to look for cost-saving alternatives. Flights called empty leg flights can be found easily in wide time intervals.
Finally, booking in advance gives you more peace of mind. You’ll have more time to discuss flight details with your broker and plenty of time to make sure all necessary paperwork and permits are in place. This also gives you a longer time frame to get to know your broker, which is useful for anyone planning to fly privately on a regular basis. Developing a good relationship with your broker is ideal for getting the best possible experience on a private jet.
You can always experience the luxury of private flights
Booking a private jet can be a little daunting the first time you book it. However, when an experienced broker guides you through this process, it will become as easy as booking an Uber.
There are many potential benefits to flying privately and the experience is much more personal and useful. As long as you follow the tips outlined above, you can be assured of a comfortable, relaxing and luxurious flight.
