How to Charter a Private Jet: Luxury in the Air

What are the key benefits of traveling by private jet compared to commercial airlines?

Key benefits of a private jet charter center around convenience, privacy and comfort. Private jet charters provide access to smaller airports not used by commercial airlines and allow clients to choose a departure date/time that suits them. Passengers can skip any queues with access to FBOs (Fixed Base Operators), these are private terminals that offer a more discreet and comfortable experience than main terminals at commercial airports.

Chartering a private jet also offers the highest level of comfort and service, allowing passengers to control many aspects of their flight, such as catering, entertainment and seating arrangements. Passengers have complete privacy with their own aircraft, completed with luxurious interiors and furnishings.

What are the steps involved in chartering a private jet?

Once your enquiry is received by our charter specialists, you may be asked a few questions to ensure we have all the information we need to provide suitable aircraft options for your flight. We will then work to find the most suitable aircraft on the market, and will present these in a charter quote- which includes all relevant information, such as aircraft make and model, number of seats and years of manufacture and refurbishment.

We will remain on hand to answer any questions you may have about the options presented, and to offer our recommendation based on your unique requirements. Once you have decided to proceed with an aircraft, we will require a signed contract and payment in order to book the aircraft for the flight. Once booked you will be sent a preliminary flight brief and our flight management team will be in touch to arrange the finer details of the flight, such as catering.

24 hours prior to departure you will be sent a final charter brief, and on the day of the trip will be expected to the private terminal at least 20 minutes prior to departure. 

How does Swords Travel simplify the booking process for private jet travel?

Our exclusive ‘booking a flight’ management platform offers you a clear and concise way to book your private jet charter flight. You’ll find photos of all available aircraft, with floor plans included, so you can make an informed decision about which how you want to travel. Drawing on our years of expertise, we’ll even recommend the best flight for you based on your needs and requirements. 

What types of private jets are available for charter, and what are the differences?

We have access to thousands of private aircraft all over the world, ranging from turboprop aircraft to Very-Light Jets to VIP airliners. Unlike aircraft operators we are not restricted to a fleet, ensuring we can find the most suitable aircraft for your requirements and route. Aircraft in the Mid-Size category and larger offer a stand-up cabin, meaning a cabin height of at least 5ft8, and some of the more spacious Ultra-Long-Range Jets or VIP Airliners offer a bedroom with en-suite at the rear of the cabin. We will always aim to provide a range of options depending on the client’s requirements, and can of course look for specific aircraft if requested. 

Which destinations are most popular for private jet travel from the UK?

Examples of popular destinations in the summer are Ibiza, Nice, Mykonos, Naples and Faro. Popular winter destinations would include airports locate near ski resorts, such as Geneva, Sion or Chambery. US destinations remain popular all year around, Teterboro is NYC’s most popular private airport, and Van Nuys in LA is their primary private airport. Dubai also remains a popular destination for private flights.

What are the safety and security benefits of traveling by private jet?

Instead of travelling through crowded main terminals at airports, passengers have access to private terminals, called an FBO (Fixed Base operator) where they avoid queues and congestion. Passengers may need to head through security screening, depending on the route of their flight and aircraft size, but this is all done within the privacy of the FBO. 

How does private jet travel offer more flexibility in terms of scheduling?

At the point of booking passengers can choose a departure date/ time that suits them, and then after booking we will endeavour to accommodate any changes, dependent on the aircraft operator’s schedule. Private jets have access to a vast network of airports, including smaller airports that aren’t serviced by commercial airlines, which can save valuable time for the passengers in travelling to their end destination. 

What bespoke services or additional luxuries can be arranged on a private jet?

Catering can be arranged prior to departure, according to passenger preferences, and of course if there are any special requests our flight management team can look into these. If there is a special occasion we can arrange cabin decorations to elevate the passengers flight. 

Are there any misconceptions about private jet travel that you’d like to clarify?

Our industry is on a journey with new electric and hydrogen Aircraft initiatives and sustainable fuel. We are at the cutting edge of aeronautical advancement. As a whole Aviation counts for 2% of all global man-made carbon emissions – and business aviation accounts for just 2% of that. Please also note with our carbon offset program, we can offset individual flights as required by our flyers.

What should clients consider when choosing between different private jet options?

Key factors that will dictate aircraft options include number of passengers, volume of luggage, flight distance and additional requirements such as Wi-Fi, numbers of flat lay seats and if there are any pets travelling. Our charter specialist are of course on hand to assist with any questions and advise clients before we go to market to get aircraft quotes. 

Contact us today to plan your next flight and discover the freedom of private jet travel!

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