In previous years, private jets were exclusive to royals, celebrities, and successful professionals. The same does not hold true today. Flying private is becoming a popular means of transportation for families, especially those traveling with young children and pets.
With reduced travel time, convenient boarding, and enhanced comfort, the benefits of private aviation for families and small groups are extensive. Our guide will provide a view of the advantages and best practices for the ultimate private jet travel experience.
5 Benefits of Private Aviation for Families and Groups
Industry leaders predict that the private aviation sector is worth billions  — one factor behind the industry’s significant growth is an increasing number of families or friend groups opting to fly private. Discover why family private jet travel is becoming the optimal way to reach your destination.
1. Enhanced Safety and Security
Safety is a primary concern for parents traveling with their children. Private jets account for this by hand-selecting pilots based on their qualifications and extensive experience. In addition, trained personnel conduct strict maintenance checks to ensure each jet surpasses all safety standards.
Another benefit of a private charter for families or friend groups is enhanced security. The ability to drive up alongside the jet and board immediately eliminates exposure to risks in crowded airports. Flying private also helps ensure your luggage remains safe.
2. Customized Travel Experience
When you fly private, you have the ability to customize your travel itinerary to suit your group’s needs. This can include arranging a later departure time to accommodate your child’s routine or people’s work schedules. You can also request that your jet make several city stops. Because it is common for friends and family members to live in different states, multiple stopovers make it a more convenient experience for everyone.
If you plan to travel with older adults or people with physical disabilities, you can customize your allocated seating to accommodate their needs. Having more flexibility helps with your itinerary and ensures a smoother flight.
3. Reduced Time in the Air
Standard aviation experiences require you to arrive at the airport hours before your departure, undergo lengthy security screening, and wait in long queues to board. All these processes add significant time to your journey. A private charter for families eliminates all these steps — you can simply drive onto the runway and board your jet.
For families traveling with young kids or pets, a shorter travel time is particularly appealing. Similarly, groups of friends or colleagues can arrive at the destination quickly and get the most out of their trip.
4. Improved Sanitation
Sanitation efforts across aviation carriers may have improved in recent years — yet private jets still take first prize when it comes to cabin hygiene. From insisting on aviation-grade cleaning products to deep-cleaning floors, private charter crews ensure a more luxurious and safer experience with stringent sanitation protocols. It is also easier to sanitize high-touch areas in private jets than in larger passenger planes.
As many young children learn about the world through touch, they are prone to touching surfaces around them. Families traveling in a private jet can rest easier knowing the crew has sanitized seatbelts, armrests, and other high-traffic areas.
5. Increased Relaxation and Comfort
Traveling is a great way to bond with your family or social group — with a private aircraft, you can enjoy quality time from the moment your jet takes off. Charters offer ample space for children to play or for new parents to tend to their little ones. Additionally, adults have more room to relax, catch up with work, or enjoy their beverage of choice.
If you’re traveling with the furry members of your family, you can also ensure they have a more comfortable experience. Pets in the cabin can leave their carriers and stretch their legs. Having their owners close by will add further comfort on a long journey.
Best Practices for Planning Family Trips With Private Aviation
While it is clear that friend or family private jet travel offers a bespoke experience, there are some things you can do to make it even more convenient. Here are some best practices to consider:
Select the best jet for your needs: From light private jets to ultra-long-range vessels, there are various private jet sizes available to accommodate your group. Consider the number of passengers when choosing a jet.
Prepare your children:Â New experiences can be unsettling for children. If this is the first time your child will be flying, explain the process and highlight safety measures to ensure a smooth journey.
Consider the amenities: Private jets often feature state-of-the-art technology, conference facilities, and private suites. Be sure to specify your needs when arranging a charter.
Pack personal items: Young children often gravitate toward a specific toy or blanket — ensure you pack these items for extra comfort in the cabin. Similarly, pets may require certain toys or chewing aids to keep calm.
Partner with reputable charter operators: When you work with a private jet charter operator like Latitude 33 Aviation, you can look forward to a seamless travel experience. A more comfortable journey makes traveling with children and pets stress-free.
Factors to Consider in Your Decision
After reviewing the benefits of flying private for family travel, you may be ready to book your charter. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind:
Cost of private jet travel: Charters offer a more luxurious experience and, as such, typically have higher costs. In addition, certain countries require a fee to fly through their airspace, which increases your travel taxes.
Legal requirements: The usual passport and visa requirements will still apply when flying private, so be sure to prepare your documentation in advance.
Proximity to final destination: While it is likely that a private jet will get you much closer to your final destination than a conventional plane, environmental conditions may restrict where you land. Consider if you will need to charter a boat or shuttle in addition to your jet.
Charter a Flight With Your Family and Friends Today
Whether you are vacationing with your family or heading on holiday with your friends, a private jet makes the travel experience that much more comfortable. In addition, the ability to customize your itinerary reduces time in the air — a great advantage when you’re traveling with little ones or pets.
Latitude 33 Aviation streamlines the private charter booking process, making it easy for you to board your jet and arrive at your destination safely. Request a quote today and enhance your travel experiences with children, pets, and friends.