Flying via private plane is much different from boarding your standard commercial aircraft. From boarding to exit, you'll experience an entirely new way of flying. Most people won't want to go back to the days of flying commercial!
While private jet travel isn't an everyday thing for most people, it can be a fun experience that many people are lucky enough to enjoy a few times in life.
Are you preparing for your first private jet flight? Don't be nervous; there's so much to look forward to! While it might be intimidating at first, it's actually much less stressful than most commercial flying experiences! Without the long lines and extra-early arrivals, you can enjoy a much more laid-back day of flying.
To feel more confident going into your flight, here are the basic dos and don'ts to keep in mind when flying private:
Dos
As far as jet-iquette goes, here are the things you should always do when flying private:
Arrive promptly.
Please don't make them wait on you. You already get to skip the extended security and check-in lines that you usually face at the airport, so be sure to arrive a bit early to avoid any delay. This is especially important if you are someone else's guest.
Have documents ready to go.
Bring your ID, passport, and any other documents you would typically bring when flying commercial. You may or may not need to show them to the crew before boarding, but you'd rather be safe than sorry!
Dress the part.
Keep in mind that you are traveling in luxury. If you're taking a business trip, business attire is appropriate. If you're flying for pleasure, you can dress more relaxed, but avoid looking sloppy as a sign of respect.
Allow the host priority boarding.
Whoever is bringing you onto their plane should always have the chance to board first and pick their seat. Once they've gotten comfortable, you can head in. Trust us; there's not a bad seat in the house!
Stay off social media.
One quick post to document your trip is fine, but don't go overboard with the social media videos and photos. You don't want to be obnoxious to those on the plane, so keep it discrete.
Prepare your pets.
If you're bringing any pets on board, be sure to groom and clean them promptly to prepare them for the flight.
Don'ts
Just as there are things you should always do when flying private, there are also things you should never do if someone offers you a ride on their private jet plane. These are the five most important things to avoid at all costs:
Overpack your luggage.
Don't over pack and bring on several bags unless its necessary. You'll be on a much smaller plane, and proper weight is critical to a safe flight. One or two bags will be more than enough, and you won't look like you're a hoarder.
Wear strong scents.
Even if you love your perfume or cologne, it doesn't mean everyone else that will be on the plane with you loves it too. You'll be in close, confined quarters once on board, so be considerate of those you're flying with. Less is more, especially when it comes to private jets.
Hoard snacks.
As delicious as the on-board snacks may look, don't hoard them. They are meant to be shared with everyone on board, not just you! Chances are your host made arrangements for the snacks, so as a sign of respect, ensure you leave enough for everyone to enjoy.
Carry your own luggage on board.
As much as you might like to help out the crew by carrying on your own luggage, you're really not supposed to. That's part of the crew's job, plus they will typically store it separately from the passenger cabin.
Worry too much.
Don't stress yourself out about this exciting flying experience. It's meant to be enjoyable and relaxing, so soak up every minute of your private flight! The comfort you'll enjoy onboard is the best part of this sort of travel.
Conclusion
Flying by private jet is a luxury not everyone gets to experience in their lifetime. If your opportunity arrives, it's important to keep basic etiquette in mind before boarding. Flying private is just about the most convenient and comfortable way to travel, especially when you're not worried about what's appropriate to wear or do when the time comes.
Follow our list of dos and don'ts above, and you'll be sure to look like a pro when it's your time to board the plane!
