There are lots of good reasons to prefer a private jet to a mainstream commercial flight. You’ll avoid the stress and hassle of a protracted process at the airport, you’ll enjoy a more comfortable experience in the cabin, and you’ll have access to smaller runways that can’t otherwise be reached.
If you’ve yet to fly in this way, then you might be concerned about what the rules are. There are, to be sure, a few basic principles of ‘jetiquette’ to adhere to. Let’s examine a few of the more important ones.
Be punctual
If you rent a private jet and you don’t turn up in time to board it, then you risk losing your money. Even if you don’t suffer to quite that extent, you’ll irritate all of the people whose job it is to get you to your destination. If you’re late for unavoidable reasons that go beyond your control, then make sure that you’re ready to apologise profusely as you board.
Respect the crew
On a similar note, it’s a good idea to treat the crew with respect, as you would in any other establishment. This applies especially if you’re flying as a guest of someone else, upon whom your behaviour (or misbehaviour) will reflect. In most cases, this means cutting back on the alcohol.
Keep documents ready
You’ll often be called upon to present a few documents when you board. Make sure that they’re ready, so that you can be seated quickly and avoid delays.
Dress code
You’re not attending a black tie event, and so you shouldn’t dress as though you are. At the same time, it’s often a good idea to go just a little bit more formal than you would on any other flight.
Food and drink
If you have any particular dietary requirements, then you should make these known before you board. If you’re going to have a severe allergic reaction, there are few worse places than aboard even a very lavish aeroplane.
If you’d like to make specific orders, then most companies will happily fulfil them. So, you can toast your success in the air with a bottle of your favourite vintage Champagne.
Tipping
The crew will probably expect to be tipped. This is a way of demonstrating that you appreciate the level of service you’ve been provided with. On the other hand, tipping is by no means mandatory. If you feel that you can’t afford it, or that the service wasn’t up to standard, then you can always withhold the tip.
In Conclusion
Flying private offers a slightly different experience to the commercial flights you might be used to. However, provided that your behaviour isn’t completely outlandish, the chances are good that you won’t run into problems!
