The Unwritten Rules of Flying Private

Posted by: Prince Jets Jun 18, 2014 01:06 PM

There’s a certain excitement that comes from flying in a private jet or plane but it shouldn’t replace good manners and being courteous to both flight crew and other passengers alike. Here are some things to keep in mind when flying on a private plane.

Arrive Early

Showing up early and ready for wheels up will help keep everything on schedule. Arriving late adds cost to the flight and the pilots are paid to fly, not sit on the tarmac waiting for you. You’re still saving tons of time bypassing security and boarding lines.

Light Bags

Keep the number of bags to the recommended amount for your flight. There are tight weight restrictions, especially on smaller jets that cannot be broken. Less is more in this case.

What to Wear

Since its a private flight you can wear that shirt that disses on the TSA if you wish, and you’ll have no reprisals from actual TSA agents. But that said business or country casual is the best dress advise for both sexes. Cabin’s in jets keep getting bigger but its still going to be small inside; if you’re traveling with others please leave your perfume packed and be courteous to other passengers.

Nervousness, Leave it at Home

Commenting that you never feel safe in small planes or making jokes about the pilot is not cool, ever. If you’re really that nervous get off and fly commercial.

Private Jet Vocabulary

Some terms to know so this doesn’t look like your first private flight, even if it is. The correct term is pilot, not captain. Just like on a boat – the bathroom is called the lavatory and the kitchen is the galley. The flight crew, which is the pilot and co-pilot, fly in the flight deck and the passengers sit in the cabin.

Drinking

Its fabulous to be flying on a private jet but its not an excuse to overindulge onboard and get tipsy, especially if you are a guest. Drink in moderation.

Gifts for the Host

If you’re a guest on a private charter flight, bring a gift for your host. Its just good form. Something everyone can enjoy on board may be just the thing, like that fun game you just found out about.

Entertainment

While there are often large screen TV’s on board modern jets its still up to you to bring reading material or other things to do to stay busy and entertained.