Building Your Onboard Experience
If you are new to the world of private aircraft charter, you may not know what to expect when it comes to onboard amenities. You may have questions about seating arrangements or whether there will be food on board, or washroom facilities. There are several differences between the commercial airline experience and travelling on a private jet.
At ELEVATE, we have access to thousands of safe, certified aircraft. While the right aircraft for you is always the one that is best suited to your mission, it’s also true that the larger the aircraft, the more creature comforts it will typically offer.
Here, we’ve rounded up a handy list of ELEVATE’s most-requested airborne amenities. Keep them in mind when booking your next aircraft charter!
Cabin Height: How much headroom will we have? Typically, this is the private jet traveller’s main concern. Depending on the size of the aircraft, passengers may need to stoop in order to get to their seats. Larger aircraft, including mid-size and super-midsize jets, may offer flat floors with ceilings of six feet or greater, allowing for easier access. Mobility-challenged travellers may feel less comfortable in a light jet, for example, where cabin heights are closer to five feet.
Washroom: Also know as a lavatory, these range from a simple partitioned toilet on many turboprops to fully enclosed private restrooms with a vanity, mirror and sink on larger jets. The smaller the aircraft, the smaller the lav. Turboprops and light jets, which typically fly for shorter durations, often feature more basic equipment for answering nature’s call. On the other hand, an ultra-long range luxury business jet, such as Bombardier’s Global 7500, offers a full washroom, complete with a shower.
Seating: Although the number of seats on board an aircraft is important, the type of seating can be equally crucial. From leather club seating, where seats are arranged in groupings that face one another, to practical divans (couches) and luxury lie-flat recliners, there are many options. Some smaller aircraft even feature a belted lav seat over the toilet—which offers additional seating, albeit without the same comfort level!
Food and Drink: Referred to as the galley, this is where snacks, meals and drinks are stored during flight. Once again, the size of your aircraft will determine the extent of its galley facilities. On a turboprop, there might be a small, self-serve galley refreshment cabinet just aft of the cockpit—or a cooler stocked with refreshments. Larger aircraft may offer hot meals from an oven, served by a flight attendant on real china.
Entertainment: Whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, we all want to stay connected. Many aircraft offer superior Wi-Fi service for business purposes or personal entertainment. Unlike the first four items on this list, connectivity capability isn’t necessarily determined by the size of your aircraft. Typically, it is the owner/operator who equips the aircraft as required, and even the smallest jets increasingly offer Wi-Fi. When booking your flight, don’t forget to inquire about connectivity.
Baggage Access: Some aircraft carry passengers’ bags in a separate compartment that can only be reached from the outside. Others offer an accessible baggage area at the rear of the cabin, so passengers can retrieve their belongings at any time during flight. Are you bringing golf clubs, skis or other sports equipment? Not all private aircraft are created equal. An eight-seat super-light jet probably won’t fit eight sets of golf clubs—but certain turboprops, like the Pilatus PC-12, feature extra-large cargo areas that will hold four to six sets. Ask ELEVATE about baggage capacity when booking your trip. We will recommend the aircraft best suited to your needs.
With so many aircraft available for private charters, it’s natural to have questions about the amenities available on each type. With more than 25 years of aviation experience, the experts at ELEVATE are here to help!
Contact us today to begin building your personal onboard experience.