30 Jul What happens when you hire a private jet?
If you’re thinking of hiring a private jet for the first time, here’s how it works. With an influx of new customers looking to fly private due to the pandemic, we’re finding more are coming to us for flights.
We’re answering many more questions about how the private jet booking and travel process works. And many clients are asking what happens in the lead up to the flight, during and after the flight.
Private jet charter during the global pandemic
Currently due to the pandemic, there are more forms to fill in prior to travel. There are also strict protocols and entry requirements, which differ from country to country, making the booking process slightly longer than normal.
The authorities in the country or territory you’re travelling to are responsible for setting and enforcing the rules for entry. If you’re unclear about any aspect of the entry requirements, or you need further reassurance, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
You should also consider checking with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements. Quarantine requirements. On arrival, you will be subject to health screening.
How it works
Booking your private jet
Tell us about your trip – where you’re going, when you’re going, and who’s going with you. Your preferred departure time. Any large luggage items , such as golf clubs, prams, etc. The more you tell us the easier it is to source the best aircraft for your journey.
You can get in touch with us via email, phone or text making it easier for you to contact us with your preferred method.
One of our new clients got in touch with us and had a few questions, regarding their proposed trip.
They wanted to check how much luggage they could take and what time they would need to arrive at the airport.
We let them know that they would need to check in at the handling agents 30 – 45 minutes prior to departure.
As the aircraft is larger it needs to be screened (same as main terminal) – all luggage and passengers. The only difference is just that it’s only the 6 of you, so it’s quicker and there are no queues. It’s also up to you what time you would prefer to fly, whether it’s the morning or afternoon.
Travel entry restrictions
Currently the authorities in the country or territory you’re travelling too are responsible for setting and enforcing the rules for entry. Some countries require you to have a test, some fill out a locator form of where you’re staying and some countries and aircraft operators require a pre-flight health form.
When you arrive in certain countries from the UK, you must show evidence that you tested negative for COVID within the 72 hours before your travel. Do not use the NHS testing service for a test to travel. You should arrange to take a private test.
Alternatively, you can get a free test on arrival at some airports, or at a testing facility shortly after you arrive. If you test positive, you will be required to quarantine. Your quarantine may last from 10 days to 3 weeks, so you should be prepared in case you test positive.
On your return to the UK
All UK travellers must provide your journey and contact details before you travel back to the UK.
You must complete the passenger locator form online before you arrive in the UK from any country. This includes if you’re travelling from a country or territory where you do not have to self-isolate when you arrive in the UK.
You must complete this form even if you’ve already completed a different form to enter another country. If you do not complete the form before you arrive in the UK, it’s likely to take you longer to enter the UK.
You cannot submit the form until 48 hours before you’re due to arrive in the UK.
Choosing your aircraft
If you’re not familiar with the type of aircraft available, we’ll use our knowledge to recommend the most suitable private jet for your trip.
Small light jets, such as the Beechjet 400A or Hondajet are not ideal for travellers with lots of luggage.
Super light jets such as the Citation XLS+ or Phenom 300 are ideal for short hops around Europe, from Manchester to Spain or France.
Super mid-size aircraft such as the Challenger 350 or Legacy 500 are great for longer flights, Manchester to Greece. These types of jets have a more spacious stand up cabin.
For longer flights from Manchester to USA or China aircraft such as Ultra-long range aircraft, Gulfstream G650 or the Bombardier Global 6000 which are perfect for flights up to 12 hours. These jets have stand up cabins, seats that convert to beds, full hot galley and flight attendant onboard.
So we always check with you your requirements before booking the aircraft.
Travel Documents
Once you have decided on the aircraft that you would like to book, we can can then confirm the flight with the aircraft operator on your behalf.
Once it’s been confirmed, your flight booking with Falcon we will then send you confirmation and the invoice.
We will collect all your travel documents such as passport details, health forms and passenger locator forms prior to departure and send them to the relevant authorities.
If not yet provided, we will announce all missing details such as tail number and crew contacts as part of our flight brief at least 24 hours before departure.
In the meantime, kindly provide us with passenger and passport details (wherever these are required) and mention any specific catering and service requirements to us.
Catering
As each flight is unique, the catering can be tailored to fit the passengers’ needs. We work closely with the catering team especially in Manchester, to ensure you get what you like.
We always take into account the size of the aircraft and its ability to prepare food and serve drinks.
Smaller jets such as the Citation CJ2, Phenom 300 or Citation Mustang, don’t have the capacity to heat up and prepare food onboard.
Catering – Standard VIP catering for small jets is as follows – and advise of any restrictions such as religious or allergies.
Option 1 – Butter croissant, mini Danish, mini pain au Chocolat, Greek yogurt with honey, sliced fruit
Option 2 – Continental meats and cheeses, bread rolls and butter, fruit yogurt, sliced fresh fruit
Option 3 – Smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels, fruit yogurt, sliced fresh fruit
Option 4 – Selection of sandwiches with garnish, Sliced fresh fruit and mini cakes
Option 5 – Chicken Caesar or Greek Salad (please specify), fresh bread rolls and sliced fresh fruit.
On larger aircraft such as a Bombardier Global 6000, you will have a flight attendant onboard, who will be able to serve you hot food.
Menu – Fruit slices served with Greek yoghurt – smoked salmon with creme fraiche & capers – mini bagels gusto
Chefs selection of regional delicacies, served with local breads, pastries and fresh fruit plant Granola, grilled bread topped with smashed avocado, heritage tomato and a sprinkling of fresh chilli, fruit skewer
Little people – yoghurt, mini cheese bagel, melon & apple slices.
However with Covid19, there are some restrictions and some operators have decided to not offer catering for safety reasons.
Chauffeur transfers
We can also arrange ground transportation for your departure or on your arrival? To make your trip a seamless travel experience.
A few factors we’ll consider ; number of passengers and amount of luggage; and if there are any other larger pieces of equipment such as special sports equipment, like golf bags, or prams. Covid 19 procedures are now standard as part of your chauffeur journey.
We also have full COVID-19 protection plan in place for the car. The car will be extensively deep cleaned and sanitised prior to every journey. Your driver will also be wearing PPE and practice social distancing at all times.
The sanitiser is an approved product called SurfaceSan. SurfaceSan is a ready to use hand surface cleaner and sanitiser for use on any hard surfaces including steel, wood, linoleum and plastic.
They will load and unload your bags into the car too and notify you of your arrival time, for a stress-free experience.
Flight Day
When all the pre-flight arrangements have been taken care of and the day of your flight arrives, we will keep in contact with the operators and yourself in order for a smooth travel experience.
We always monitor your flight from when it’s repositioning to the airport you’re departing from, and take-off to landing to ensure that your flight is seamless
Finally, we will ensure that the aircraft, crew and catering are all in position ready for your flight.
We keep you up to date regularly with all the details you need in the run up to departure and when you arrive, you’re guaranteed a seamless, smooth experience.
On your arrival we will make sure any transport you have booked is ready to take you to your chosen destination.
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Please note: Prices shown are estimated prices for charter of whole aircraft – alternative routes, aircraft and airports are also available upon request. This estimated price is subject to availability, slots, traffic rights and schedule.
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