Tips and Tricks for Flying Private with Children
If you travel with kids, you know how difficult it can be to manage the chaotic airport security and wait times while keeping the little ones happy and entertained. Luckily, flying private is an experience that can be enjoyable for both children and parents.
A major appeal of flying private is the ability to customize your trip. Your children will be treated and respected as privileged guests and have their needs accommodated in an effort to make parents’ jobs easier. And the greatest perk of all, you are guaranteed to avoid the embarrassment of your children kicking a stranger’s seat in front of them for the entire flight. Here are some tips and tricks Fly Louie recommends to make sure your private charter experience goes off without a hitch.
Book in advance
Booking your private jet in advance is important, especially with the high demand that currently exists in the industry. Booking ahead will give you a wider selection of flight times and if your children are young, you will most likely have a smaller window of preferred flight time to accommodate their nap time or bed time. Booking in advance also allows you to make detailed requests to your operator for special accommodations to improve your children’s flight experience.
Plan ahead if your children require oversized baggage
Not all planes can accommodate a large amount of cargo. It is typical of smaller jets only to allow two suitcases and one personal item per passenger. It is important to confirm that there will be adequate cabin space to store all of the extra baggage that may be required when traveling with children such as cribs, strollers, and diaper bags. It is smart to bring an organized carry-on with anything you will need to keep your children comfortable during the actual flight because you may not be able to access your larger luggage if it is stored in the plane’s cargo space. Informing your travel planner during the quoting process of any planned excess luggage will avoid the hassle of last minute alternate shipping arrangements.
Plan ahead if pets are joining you
We didn’t forget about your fur babies! If you take your furry friends wherever you go, it is important to know that some aircraft might have rules and restrictions regarding pets. Most planes are very pet-friendly and do not even require animals to remain in their carriers or crates during flight. Before booking, make sure the aircraft you choose is accessible to both you and your four-legged companions. It is important to ask about an additional pet cleaning fee that may be applied post-flight as this may not be included in your original quote.
Request a sliding departure window
One of the benefits of private air travel is departure time flexibility to fit you and your children’s unpredictable schedules. your plane takes off on your schedule, not the other way around. Just like with commercial flights, departure time for private jets is usually set in stone in an effort to not disrupt the pilot and operator’s daily schedule. However, if you find an option to schedule a sliding departure window, you are guaranteed to make it on your flight within a three or four hour window of your choice. Keep in mine that this accommodation almost always incurs an upcharge.
Pack your own snacks or submit special food requests
Keeping your kids fed is key to keeping them happy throughout the duration of your flight. If you do not choose to pack their favorite snacks, many private charters will accept special requests to have snacks stocked on board that they will enjoy. Many private charter catering services also have kids menus to make sure your child passengers are well fed.
Make sure to book a private jet with a bathroom
Access to a bathroom is essential to keeping your children calm and comfortable during the duration of the flight. Although most private planes come with bathrooms on board, it is important to confirm with your operator before booking.
Take advantage of in flight entertainment and wifi amenities
Most parents can agree that an iPad or their favorite cartoon is a great way to calm down a child, especially in an unfamiliar environment for them such as a plane. Many aircraft feature amenities such as Wi-Fi, power outlets, and entertainment. It is important to inquire about additional charges for these services. Some planes offer free WiFi while others charge by the megabyte. If you bring physical toys to keep your children busy, try to avoid messy products such as play dough, as there is a risk of facing detailing fees following your trip.
Make sure your kids are aware of airplane rules and etiquette
Although you may be the only family on the plane and do not have to worry about your children’s behavior accommodating strangers, there are still proper etiquette and rules they must follow on a private charters. It is important to not let your children run around or rough play in a way that could disturb the aircrew and negatively affect the plane's air safety.
Don’t forget identification
Although most adults do not go anywhere without a driver’s license or a form of identification, it can slip your mind that children also require identification to board a private aircraft. In addition to your identification, be sure to arrange to have your children’s birth certificates in flying domestically, or passports if you are flying internationally.
Do not hesitate to request special services and arrangements ahead of time that you believe will benefit the success of the trip for all members of your family.
If you’d like to learn more about on-demand charter with Fly Louie, the Fly Louie team is standing by and ready to help! You can create an instant quote for any itinerary online, or learn more about our charter safety and amenities, and the aircraft we can secure for your trips.
