Private Jet Etiquette: The Insider's Guide for First-Time Flyers

Before the flight — what to confirm

A well-prepared passenger makes a private flight effortless for both themselves and the crew. The 24 hours before departure are when small confirmations prevent friction at the FBO.

• —Confirm passport details for every passenger 24 hours ahead
• —Send catering preferences and any allergies the day before
• —Confirm ground transport drop-off at the FBO (not the main terminal)
• —Declare any oversized luggage, pets or children's seats in advance
• —Confirm departure time with the broker — not the operator directly

How to dress for a private flight

There is no formal dress code, but private flying has a distinct visual register. The cabin is small, the crew is close, and the FBO often doubles as a meeting space. Most regular flyers dress in elevated casual — the same outfit you would wear to a private members' club, not the gym.

• —Smart casual is the default — jeans and a blazer, dress and flats, well-fitting knitwear
• —Avoid loud athleisure, slogan tees and beach attire on European routes
• —Layers help — cabin temperature varies and the FBO can be cooler than the aircraft
• —Slip-on shoes are practical — most cabins are designed for stocking feet in flight
• —Sunglasses, watches and accessories are normal — flashy logos are not the look

Arrival at the FBO

The FBO experience is one of the genuine pleasures of flying private. There are no queues, no security lines and no general public. Arrive 10–15 minutes before your departure time — earlier feels eager, later feels rude to the crew on duty time.

• —Drop-off is kerbside directly outside the FBO entrance
• —Greet the FBO staff by name when possible — many recognise repeat clients
• —Customs and immigration are processed inside the lounge in under 10 minutes
• —Luggage is loaded directly onto the aircraft by ground staff — do not insist on doing it yourself
• —Phones on silent in the lounge — other clients are working or travelling discreetly

Meeting the crew

The flight crew typically introduces themselves at the aircraft steps. A brief, warm greeting is appropriate — first names are fine. The captain will outline the route, weather and any expected turbulence, and the cabin attendant will discuss catering and service preferences for the flight.

• —Use first names — Captain John, not Captain Smith
• —Listen to the safety briefing even if you have flown the same aircraft before
• —Tell the crew your service preferences upfront — sleep, work or full service
• —If you want privacy, say so politely — the cabin attendant will respect it absolutely

In-flight behaviour

The cabin is your space for the duration of the flight, but a small set of social conventions keeps things polished. Most regular flyers think of the cabin as a private sitting room — comfortable, but not a place to be careless.

• —Use the headphones for any audio — speakerphone calls and loud video are poor form
• —Wine and spirits are normal — visible intoxication is not
• —Keep voices to a conversational level when the cabin attendant is resting on long-haul
• —Children should be supervised — the crew will assist, but parenting remains parents' job
• —Smoking is prohibited on all modern private aircraft, including vapes and e-cigarettes

Tipping the crew

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory on private flights. Cultural norms vary: in the US, tipping is more common; in Europe, it is rarer and often built into the operator's pricing. There is no penalty for not tipping — what matters more is how you treat the crew during the flight. If you do tip, hand it to the captain at the end of the flight in a sealed envelope, to be shared with the crew.

• —US norms — $50–$100 per crew member for short flights, $100–$200 for long-haul
• —European norms — tipping less common; a thank-you and a kind review carry equal weight
• —Pre-stocked premium wine or a written thank-you to the operator is always welcome
• —Never tip in cash on the aircraft mid-flight — wait until disembarkation

What to bring and what to leave at home

• —Bring — passport, charger, headphones, light layer, anything you need within reach
• —Bring — pre-loaded reading or work; on-board Wi-Fi is excellent but not always free
• —Avoid — bulky carry-on; the cabin is small and the hold takes everything else
• —Avoid — strongly scented food or perfumes; the cabin is enclosed and small
• —Avoid — outside guests on the aircraft without prior operator approval

Travelling with children and pets

Private aviation is exceptionally well-suited to families and pet owners. The cabin is private, the schedule is yours, and the crew is trained to handle young children and animals far more attentively than any commercial flight. A few small courtesies go a long way.

• —Bring children's car seats — most operators install them at no extra cost
• —Pets travel in the cabin with you — declare species, breed and weight at booking
• —Bring snacks and entertainment for children — catering is excellent but timing varies
• —Confirm pet documentation for international trips at least 48 hours ahead

Photography and privacy

Discretion is one of the core reasons many clients fly private. Most regulars treat the cabin and the FBO as off-limits for social media — a quiet courtesy to other clients who may share the lounge. If you do photograph the cabin, avoid capturing other passengers, crew or registration numbers without permission.

Disembarkation and farewell

On arrival, the aircraft taxis directly to the FBO apron. Your ground transport meets you at the aircraft steps if requested. A brief thank-you to the captain and cabin attendant on disembarkation is standard. If you have used the operator before and intend to fly with them again, telling them so makes future requests notably smoother.

Key takeaways

• —Smart casual is the right dress register — elevated, not flashy
• —Arrive 10–15 minutes before departure — earlier is eager, later is rude
• —Treat the crew with the same warmth you would treat a private host
• —Tipping is appreciated but optional; courtesy in flight matters more
• —Discretion in the FBO and on social media is the unwritten rule that defines regular flyers

Written by the Limitless Sky Charter Team

This guide was written by the Limitless Sky charter team — a 24/7 desk of private aviation advisors who arrange on-demand and empty leg flights worldwide. We work only with independently audited operators and partner with the Blue Ocean Club for integrated lifestyle access. For first-time flyers, our advisors brief you personally before your first trip so the experience feels familiar from the moment you step into the FBO. Contact our desk to request a quote on any route.