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Flying Private for the First Time: What to Expect and How to Prepare

man checking in before flying private for the first time

Congratulations. You have made the decision to fly private for the first time. You are in for a real treat. Yet, as exciting as this new mode of travel may be, you undoubtedly have questions and concerns about what to expect – and what the proper etiquette is. 

To help you get the most out of your first private flight, you will want to know what to expect and how to prepare.

Here is everything you need to know. 

Arrive On Time

If you have been used to flying on commercial airliners all your life, then you may consider arriving on time to be two to three hours in advance of your flight. Erase that mindset. Get rid of it. There is no need to waste these precious hours of your time when you fly on a private jet. 

For your first time flying private, you will want to arrive about 15 to 20 minutes before your flight is set to depart. This will allow everything to run smoothly for an on-time departure

If you are running late, be sure to phone ahead and let your flight crew know as a courtesy. Though keep in mind that they may very well have additional flights so try to be respectful of your flight time as much as possible. 

Pay Attention to Luggage Restrictions

When flying private, you won’t have to worry about paying a fee for your luggage or making sure that it weighs less than 50 lbs so that you do not get penalized. But that does not mean you should go overboard, loading up anything and everything you want to bring. 

Private jets do have limits due to safety concerns – especially on smaller jets. To avoid any issues, it is always a good idea to ask when booking if there are any restrictions on the weight or number of bags. 

Pro tip: Use soft luggage as it makes it easier to stack multiple items within the baggage compartment. 

Dress For Your Flight

Traveling via a private jet will also likely have you questioning what it is you should be wearing. There is no set dress code and you aren’t required to dress in formal attire. You are going on a flight so you will want to be comfortable – keep that in mind. 

If you are traveling for business, business attire or business casual is always a great idea. This will allow you to arrive at your destination looking ready to handle any business that comes your way. But if you are traveling with family or on vacation, then you will want to dress for comfort. 

Don’t feel as though your dress needs to match the luxuriousness of the private jet. Instead, be comfortable. Just not too comfortable that you stand out. Wear clothes and shoes – it is as simple as that. 

Be Respectful and Use Your Manners

When you travel on a private jet, you will want to behave appropriately and use your manners. 

Flying on a private jet for the first time is exciting – and you may even find yourself wanting to celebrate. But overindulging in adult beverages or having a lack of care when it comes to the jet itself is not the way to go. 

You will want to be respectful and courteous to your flight crew and everyone else you come in contact with. This is even more necessary if you are someone’s guest on the flight. 

When speaking to your pilot or flight attendant, speak kindly and use your manners. Not only is this just the polite thing to do, but it is a great way to ensure you have a nice flight, too. 

Plan Ahead for Special Requests

One thing private travel is known for is its personalized treatment – and that often comes with special requests. If there is anything that you would like to have onboard when you arrive, just mention it when you book your flight, or at least in advance of your flight that way it can be taken care of and ready to go for you come time for your flight. 

Again, any particular beverage or snack requests you may have, dietary restrictions, or any special entertainment/connectivity needs should all be addressed ahead of time – not on the day of your flight.   

Bring Your ID for Security Purposes

When you fly private, you will not have to go through hefty TSA checkpoints – including the long lines that come with it. But you will need to bring identification so that you can prove you are who you say you are. And, of course, if you are traveling internationally, you will need to bring your passport with you, as well. 

Traveling as a Guest

Believe it or not, when traveling as someone’s guest, there are a couple of unspoken rules you will want to follow. One of the most important is seat choices. You always want to allow the one who is paying for the flight (or the one who owns the jet) to get onboard first – and choose their seat first. No, there are no assigned seats on a private jet, but it is customary to allow this individual to have first dibs. 

Don’t Expect to Turn Off Devices

On commercial aircraft, you will be asked to turn off your electronic devices before the plane takes off. But with private travel, there is no need to do so. 

Inflight connectivity is quite common and you should be able to access WiFi on your devices for the duration of the trip.

Flying Private with Sun Air Jets

Ready to book your first private flight? To make the most of your experience, you want to charter your flight from a company that offers world-class service and a flight crew with the utmost training and experience. 

That’s precisely what you will find at Sun Air Jets. 

We will go the extra mile to ensure you have everything you need to make your private travel experience one you will never forget. 

Book now

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