Private Jet Etiquette

Flying privately is a wonderful way of traveling without the hassle of crowds, endless security checks, long lines and other flyers demanding you give up the seat you paid extra for, or you were assigned.

As they say, “You can’t take it with you.” If you’ve got the money, why not use it to make your flying experience a really special one?  Flying privately is a wonderful way of traveling without the hassle of crowds, endless security checks, long lines and other flyers demanding you give up the seat you paid extra for, or you were assigned. But whether you're going interstate or international, there are a common sense social and etiquette rules to follow to ensure you're remembered for the right reasons rather than being red-flagged.

Clientele Commands

Commercial airliners have well-established timelines and clear procedures that cabin crew must follow. Whereas executive jet operators have more flexibility, are situationally aware, and sign confidentiality agreements. The private jet company you book through will provide you an opportunity to articulate your needs and expectations for your journey.

Remember the viral photo of US President-elect Donald Trump, Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. eating together on Air Force One? Iconic moment, right? They could have been eating fresh Maine, Damariscotta River oysters paired with Louis Roederer or a private chef-prepared, North Carolinian grass-fed, pasture-raised lamb with organic vegetables from Oregon and a glass of wine from Sonoma County. Instead, they were eating fast food from McDonald's. But that’s the point. When you’re flying private, you can usually indulge in whatever you’re craving at the time.

Staff understand luxury meal service, which includes plating food and serving your food with white gloves. An extensive menu, which can include, like the President of the United States, ordering from your favorite takeouts and restaurants, is encouraged if it makes you happy. They will also understand the drinks to offer and provide sommelier service. 

Staff from butlers to nannies, and even pet care, can be arranged on private flights. If you need the cabin sterilized from top to bottom before you arrive, it can be done. If you need a themed cabin, it can be done. Please note that asking for a food or beverage item(s) or other services that were not previously noted by you on your preference sheet during your flight, may not be fulfilled.

Safety A Priority

Safety is paramount. Private jet flights are subject to the same safety rules as commercial flights. Individual flights may be more expensive, but that doesn’t mean you can control how safety works or tell the cabin host or pilots to fly off course, as each and every flight is logged with departure and arrival airports. Surprisingly, pilots will speak on the safety elements of flying, while the cabin crew prepare to make their clientele comfortable.

Keep in mind that poor and/or unsafe behaviour on flights will not be tolerated. Private jet flights will be grounded at the nearest airport, and no refund will be provided. The safety and well-being of the flight crew are of the utmost importance.

Well, it’s been wonderful hosting you. We have reached the Alphonse Island, Seychelles. On behalf of the crew, we thank you for your company and wish you a pleasant evening.

For many years, Etiquipedia contributor, Elizabeth Soos, has had a keen interest in cultural customs. With her European background and extensive travel, Soos developed an interest in the many forms of respect and cultural expectations in the countries she has visited. With her 20 years’ experience in customer service within private international companies based in Australia, and her lifetime interest in manners and research, she decided to branch out into the field of etiquette and deportment. Through her self-directed studies and by completing the Train-The-Trainer’s course offered by Emma Dupont’s School of Etiquette in London and by Guillaume Rue de Bernadac at Academie de Bernadac based in Paris and Shanghai, she founded Auersmont School of Etiquette. Elizabeth is currently traveling throughout India and brushing up on her Hindi.

www.auersmont.com

🍽️Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia

Guest “Jetiquette”

Whether chartering your own flight or guesting on someone else's plane, there are unwritten rules for the friendly skies.

Etiquette 101 For Guest Jetters

Arrive Early: People fly private so they don't have to wait. Get there before your host does.

Give A Gift, But Don’t Show Up With One: Sure, you want to show your appreciation with something special. But don't let your present be a drag on your host's luggage or — even in a G5 — relatively tight space. “If you are bringing a gift on a plane, you are just asking your host to carry it himself. It's lovely to send something like a case of wine the day before or the day after,” says etiquette expert Alex Hitz.

Hanky-Panky Is Hard to Hide: In particular, hookers need to use their real names on board, just as anyone else would have to be listed on the passenger manifest. Sorry, it's an FAA regulation, bud. “I've had guys ask me, ‘Do these names have to show up on the itinerary?’ The answer is yes,” says a broker. But another one claims a jet crew “that's flown with you a long time” will sometimes look the other way.

Avoid the "Master Seat": The power player who chartered the flight is known as the principal. He or she always gets first dibs on a preferred chair, which typically is the first on the right side upon entrance and has most of the lighting and AV controls. “Let whomever the jet is for sit down first,” advises Irena Medavoy, wife of producer Mike Medavoy.

Don't Smoke Anything: You theoretically could smuggle your stash onto the plane because bags don't go through security, but think of whom that secondhand smoke affects — the ones flying the plane. One charter broker recalls a prominent rapper lighting up: “The pilots couldn't have drugs in their system, so they put on their oxygen masks for the rest of the flight.”

Just Hold It: “Don't go No. 2 — ever,” says a veteran guest in good standing, noting the relatively cramped quarters on even midsize equipment.

Originally printed in The Hollywood Reporter

Submitted by Follower “Sophie.”  —Thank you, Sophie!

🛩Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia