If you have never flown privately, the day can feel like a mystery. It is simpler than most people expect: a message the day before, a short arrival, a crew who meet you at the aircraft and a flight that leaves when you are ready. Here is how it runs.
The day before
We confirm the details with you: the departure time, the airport and the place to go once you get there, the aircraft and the contact for the day. We check the flight plan, the airport’s operating hours and the forecast, and if anything affects the plan we tell you straight away rather than on the morning. If you have asked for catering, ground transport or a special request, we confirm that too.
Arriving at the airport
Many private flights use business aviation facilities rather than the main terminal, and a few use the main terminal; we tell you exactly where to go. Often it is a quieter experience than a commercial terminal, with your vehicle taken close to the aircraft. Bring photo identification for a domestic flight, or passports for an international one. See our how it works page for the four steps from enquiry to take-off.
Meeting the crew and boarding
The crew meet you at the aircraft, brief you on the flight and show you the safety equipment. Your luggage is loaded and travels with you; we will have told you in advance what the aircraft can carry. For the aircraft types and their cabins, see the aircraft guide. Passengers board together, and the aircraft leaves when everyone is ready.
On board
- Seating and space depend on the aircraft: a turboprop for six to eight, a light jet for four to nine, a heavy jet with separate cabin zones for larger parties.
- Catering is arranged in advance to your order. Tell us about dietary needs when you book.
- Working on board. A private cabin keeps calls and discussions confidential; connectivity depends on the aircraft, so ask us.
- Timing. The flight times in our guides are indicative; the crew will tell you the expected arrival.
Landing and moving on
On a domestic flight you step off the aircraft and into your car. On an international flight you clear customs and immigration at an airport that has them; we plan this for you and tell you what each passenger needs to carry. Our guide to international private flights from Australia explains it.
Luggage
Your bags travel on the aircraft with you, loaded by the crew, and you collect them at the other end beside the aircraft. The baggage hold is smaller than an airliner’s, so tell us what you are bringing in advance: golf clubs, skis and other bulky items can usually be carried, but they need to be planned. For an international flight we will tell you what each passenger can carry through customs.
Accessibility and special requirements
If anyone in your party needs help boarding or has a medical or dietary requirement, tell us when you book. We plan it with the crew and the ground team in advance, rather than on the day.
If a flight is delayed
If something changes on the day, such as a late arrival of the aircraft, an airport restriction or the weather, we tell you as soon as we know and explain the options. Safety decisions rest with the crew. If the flight is cancelled because of the weather, you pay nothing.
If plans change
Private charter is flexible, but changes depend on aircraft availability, crew hours and airport slots. Tell us as early as you can and we will do everything possible to accommodate you; any cost implications are explained before you decide. For the cost side of a trip, seven ways to reduce the cost of a private jet charter sets out what moves the price.
A short checklist
- Photo identification, or passports and visas for international flights
- The time and the place to go, from your confirmation
- Dietary needs and catering requests, told to us in advance
- Details of any bulky luggage, sports gear or special items
- The contact number for the day, saved in your phone
First time booking? Everything you need to know before booking private aircraft hire covers the questions that come before the day, and the FAQs answer the common ones.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if the flight is cancelled because of the weather?
If the flight is cancelled because of the weather, you pay nothing.
What do I need to bring?
Photo identification for domestic flights and passports for international flights, plus any visas the destination requires. We tell you exactly what applies once we know who is travelling.
How early should I arrive?
We tell you the time for your flight and the exact place to go when we confirm it. It depends on the airport and whether the flight is domestic or international, so follow the time in your confirmation.
Ready to plan your flight?
Tell us the route, the date and how many are travelling, and we will come back with the right aircraft and one clear price. Request a quote or call +61 423 347 998.
Keep reading
Seven Ways to Reduce the Cost of a Private Jet Charter
Flexible dates, the right-sized aircraft and a smarter airport: seven things that move the price of a charter.
Read the articleInternationalInternational Private Flights from Australia: Planning
Permits, customs, passports and time zones: what has to be arranged before a private jet leaves Australia.
Read the articlePrivate Aircraft HireEverything to Know Before Booking Private Aircraft Hire
Booking a private aircraft is more accessible than most people expect. Here is how it works, step by step.
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