The Ultimate Checklist for Flying Private
If you have only ever flown in commercial planes before, you might have a lot of questions about what flying private is like. One of the best parts about flying in a private plane is being able to skip a lot of the major inconveniences of flying commercial. However, there are still some things you need to keep in mind before your flight to make sure that everything goes smoothly and without any delays.
Here at ELEVATE, we want your private charter to be the best flying experience possible, but you play a large part in making that a reality. Use this handy guide as your ultimate checklist for flying private. We’re here to help as well, so please do not hesitate to reach out and ask.
Arrival Time
Everyone understands the hassle of having to arrive early at the airport to catch a commercial flight. Thankfully, you won’t face the same hurdles before you step onboard a private flight.
Ideally, you’ll still want to avoid arriving at the last minute. While you don’t have to arrive hours earlier than your departure time, as you would for a commercial flight, takeoff can go much smoother if your pilots can meet and greet you, check your baggage, and perform important last-minute preparations ahead of your scheduled departure time. Allow yourself 20-30 minutes.
Flight Itinerary
Your flight’s itinerary will contain all the important information about your flight. It’s good to become familiar with your itinerary ahead of time. Since you won’t be checking in at a terminal building, but rather a private facility, your itinerary will contain directions for you to follow. It will also help you identify yourself to your pilots when you get there.
Information about the aircraft you’ll be flying on will form part of your itinerary. This will include your aircraft’s “tail number,” which you will need to provide when you arrive at the airport.
Specific Requests
When you fly with ELEVATE, we want you and your fellow passengers to be as comfortable as possible. No request is too small. Planning a special surprise for a special someone? A favorite meal? Let us know in advance of your flight, and we can tailor the entire experience to your needs. Please remember that meal catering requests should be submitted 48 hours prior to departure in order to give the kitchen time to source ingredients.
If you are the primary contact for your group, check in with everyone who will be joining you on board ahead of time to make sure they have everything they need before the departure date and know where to go.
Passenger Information
All travelers will need to make sure that they have the relevant passenger information before they arrive at the airport. This includes things such as photo identification and passports and visas for international trips. While you won’t have to stand in line to clear security and customs formalities, your pilots will ask to see your identification before you board, so make sure your travel documents are handy.
If you aren’t sure what kind of documentation you will need to provide, don’t hesitate to reach out to us and ask.
Baggage
One of the greatest benefits of flying private is being able to lighten the load. Ground staff will typically meet you at your vehicle and place your bags directly on board. Keep in mind that many private aircraft are smaller than commercial passenger jets. This means that the size and weight of your baggage may be more restricted if each passenger is planning on bringing several bags.
Your aircraft will have different size limits for baggage, depending on the size of the cargo space. Be sure to familiarize yourself with any baggage limitations before you start packing.
Keep Us Posted
Once you leave home, weather and traffic can affect your departure. While you may not have to worry about your plane leaving without you, be sure to keep our number handy and keep us posted on any delays. We will, in turn, relay this information to your pilots.
In Summary
Arrival Time: Allow yourself sufficient time
Flight Itinerary: Know where you’re going at the airport
Specific Requests: Let us meet your every need, giving us some time to ensure that you won’t be disappointed
Passenger Information: Know what documents you need to bring with you
Baggage: Know what you can bring. It may be a little different than what you are accustomed to when flying with the airlines
Keep us posted: Running late? Let us know so your pilots can plan accordingly
Now that you have the ultimate checklist for flying private, you can relax a little more and enjoy your private flight. Here at ELEVATE, we make private jet reservations simple and hassle-free. Remember to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your flight, and we’ll be glad to address it!
