People typically set off on vacations to make memories of a lifetime at their chosen destinations. But how incredible would it be if the journey became as satisfying as the end location? That’s what private jets do for their passengers—they create an unforgettable experience from which there is no turning back. And we have some tips for first-time private plane travelers, who are about to embark on a journey that can completely change their perspective on travel.
Keep your provider updated about any changes in arrival time
Unlike commercial flights, which have fixed schedules and take off at the pre-decided time, private jets await their passengers at the airport and do not depart without them. This flexibility accommodates HNIs’ busy schedules, ensuring that they do not have to arrive at the airport in a hurry to board their flight. Nevertheless, it’s always good to keep the private jet rental company informed about any changes in one’s arrival time, so that they know when to expect their client and can inform the pilot and crew members about the same. Also, since there’s a representative waiting at the airport to complete one’s check-in, immigration, and other processes quickly, it helps if this person is informed of when the passenger will be arriving.
Keep your provider updated about any changes in arrival time
Unlike commercial flights, which have fixed schedules and take off at the pre-decided time, private jets await their passengers at the airport and do not depart without them. This flexibility accommodates HNIs’ busy schedules, ensuring that they do not have to arrive at the airport in a hurry to board their flight. Nevertheless, it’s always good to keep the private jet rental company informed about any changes in one’s arrival time, so that they know when to expect their client and can inform the pilot and crew members about the same. Also, since there’s a representative waiting at the airport to complete one’s check-in, immigration, and other processes quickly, it helps if this person is informed of when the passenger will be arriving.
Have all the immigration documents ready
If one is flying to an international destination, the procedure for immigration is the same as usual—one would have to present their visa, boarding pass, vaccination certificate, etc. to be allowed to fly. The only major difference is that they are completed much quicker than when one boards a commercial flight. But if the right documents aren’t presented, delays are unavoidable even when flying private. So, one should ensure that these documents are kept ready well in advance.
Decide the in-flight menu and inform the crew beforehand
The amenities offered on-board private jets are highly customized, so you can not only decide what food and beverage you would like to be served on board but also the specific restaurant from which you would like it ordered. Although private jet rental companies may accommodate last-minute food and beverage requests or changes in menu, it can cause an inconvenience if one informs the crew last minute. Sometimes, if the restaurant of one’s choice is unable to deliver the food on time, it can cause unnecessary delays or further changes in the menu. To avoid such challenges, it is best to inform the crew beforehand what the in-flight menu should be—a simple Indian meal, an elaborate platter, some Mediterranean cuisine—whatever your pick may be, as well as where it needs to be ordered from. Similarly, one should let the crew know what beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) should be served for which passenger. If any of the passengers has any food restrictions, such as vegetarian, vegan, or Jain food only; a gluten-free meal, etc., such details should also be provided to the crew in advance, so that they can make the required arrangements.
Inquire about the aircraft’s cargo space
Although there aren’t any strict restrictions in terms of luggage on private jets, it’s still a risk to overburden the flight with more cargo volume than it can withstand. Every aircraft has a different cargo capacity based on the available space. But since each passenger may have a different cargo requirement, one should discuss with the provider about the cargo spaces and permissible cargo volumes in different aircraft models while booking a private plane. It’s always better for each passenger to inform the company about the number and weight of bags they would be carrying, so that the total luggage volume can be determined before the journey and any reductions to this total weight made if possible.
In general, before flying private for the first time, it’s a good idea to speak to the private jet rental company one has opted for and discuss airplane prices in India for private jet rentals, one’s food and beverage preferences, preferred mode of entertainment on board, any health conditions one may have, the total cargo volume one is carrying, etc., so that the crew can do its best to make passengers feel at home. Also, just before the flight takes off, the pilot usually addresses passengers personally regarding the route that the flight is about to take, the weather conditions, anything passengers should keep in mind during the journey, etc. At this time, one should actively ask questions and speak with the pilot and crew about any specific requirements they may have missed mentioning before.