Travel Etiquette: Do’s & Don’ts When Flying on a Private Jet

If you’ve been invited to fly the friendly skies as a guest on a private jet, I’m sharing a few of my “jetiquette” tips below.  For most of us, flying on a private jet isn’t an everyday opportunity and it’s always best to be prepared.  These quick reminders will make everyone’s trip more enjoyable.

• Do be respectful of arrival and flight time.  You never want to be the cause of a late start, especially if you are the guest.  It would be considered incredibly rude and inconsiderate of you to arrive late and unprepared.
• Do arrive with a lovely gift for the host.  The exception to this rule would apply if your flight is a business trip shared with your colleagues and supervisor…in that case, skip the gift. Otherwise, rather than an inexpensive bottle of wine or box of chocolates, opt for a more thoughtful gift such as monogrammed linen napkins or a lovely set of leather coasters.  By adding extra detail with a monogram, you show the host that you planned ahead and put thought into the gesture.
• Don’t over pack.  Be mindful of space when packing your bags and keep in mind that there are weight restrictions and other passengers on the flight. Showing up with more bags than the host looks unsophisticated.
• Do dress to impress.  Who says you can’t travel in style and still be comfortable too?  Choose an outfit that doesn’t wrinkle or bind. A simple black dress can be updated with a great pair of earrings and a scarf. Remember, you are not only representing yourself, but also your host when you step on and off the jet.
• Do behave with decorum.  Even if you have never stepped foot onto a private jet, don’t let it show!  Keep your cool and your enthusiasm to yourself. While it’s nice to compliment your host on the amenities, it’s not “cool” to ooh and aah over the details –“Holy cow, that tiny soap in the bathroom smells great!”
• Don’t tip.  As a guest on the flight, it is not your place or responsibility to offer a tip to the pilot.  This would be looked  upon as offensive to the host.
• Don’t hoard snacks in your carry-on bag.  A few mints or a mini snickers bar is one thing, but schlepping on a tuna sandwich and chips in a small lunch bag for mid-flight is not the way to travel first class, not to mention by private jet!
• Do make sure to have proper identification and documents.  If you are flying out of the country, or across the state, you must still have your ID and documents ready for review.
• Do mind your booze.  When in flight, take caution when consuming alcohol.  A glass of wine is fine, but you want to be sure that you do not over-consume.  Being able to hold a conversation and carry it with style and manners holds greater importance than boastful blabbering. If you are taking medication for anxiety or air sickness, be careful when consuming alcohol.  You don’t want either to have an adverse effect on the other.
• Don’t wear strong scents.  Be thoughtful of others  sitting around you, confined to the same area for a prolonged period of time.  You do not want to plaster your body with strong perfumes, lotions, or hand sanitizers even, that may carry a lingering and (though sweet smelling to some) irritating fragrance.

Safe travels,