Everything You Need to Know About Flying on an International Private Jet
- Flying private internationally is similar to commercial, but with major perks:
- Avoid long lines, customs hassles, and crowded airports.
- Enjoy a private cabin, personalized service, and flexible scheduling.
- Choose the right jet:
- Range limitations: smaller jets can’t cross oceans non-stop.
- Consider heavy or ultra long-range jets for long distances.
- Costs vary widely:
- Hourly rates start from $1,500 to $15,000.
- Short trips are cheaper than long-haul flights.
- Documentation and clearances are still required.
Flying privately is one of the best ways to travel. It offers cozy seats, private cabin space, and effortless departures and arrivals. Once you charter a private jet, it’ll be almost impossible to return to the world of commercial aviation.
Before you start your private jet journey, let’s find out if private jets can fly internationally and everything else you need to know.
Can Private Jets Fly Internationally?
Of course! In fact, long-haul charters to international destinations are best flown privately. When you book an international private jet charter, you’ll enjoy:
- A private well-appointed cabin
- Personalized in-flight catering (if requested)
- Access to high-end electronics and amenities
- A full-service lavatory, including showers
- Separate bedroom (on some models)
- Plenty of space for moving around
Crossing the Pacific Ocean
At its widest section, the Pacific Ocean covers approximately 11,000 miles. Currently, there is only one jet that can cross the distance without stopping for fuel. That’s the BBJ 777X. It’s one of the most expensive jets to charter privately.
With that being said, a typical private jet charter wouldn’t be able to cross the Pacific Ocean in a single shot. However, by following a strategic flight path, you can cross this massive body of water on an international charter flight.
This is just one of the reasons why pilots typically hug the coastline of any flight. Besides being safer for everyone aboard, it makes refueling much more efficient.
If you were to look at flightradar24.com, you’d be able to see that at any given time, very few jets cross the Pacific. The ones that do, however, are large commercial airliners.
Flying on an international private jet charter to Hawaii is a much easier process than flying from Seattle to, say, Tokyo. There are many private jets that are capable of reaching Hawaii from the continental US.
For an in-depth look at booking a charter to Hawaii, we recommend reading our previous blog article.
Crossing the Atlantic Ocean
Private jet travel across the Atlantic is a much easier endeavor. When you book a transatlantic charter, you’ll have plenty of aircraft options available to you. If you take a look at the Atlantic Ocean on the flightradar24.com interactive map, you’ll see many aircraft somewhere between the two continents.
For a more insightful look at transatlantic flight, we encourage you to read our previous blog article that dives into which private jets can fly to Europe.
Tips for Flying a Private Jet Internationally
Though private plane travel is so much simpler than booking a seat on a commercial airliner, you’ll still need to make sure you follow the same requirements laid out by the arrival country. That means you’ll still need to provide the appropriate documents and security clearances. Simply put, the private jet rules and regulations are similar to commercial ones.
Here are a few tips to make your next international trip aboard a private jet seamless.
Provide the Necessary Documentation
Just like on a commercial flight, you’ll need to provide your passport and/or visa or proof of vaccination before boarding the jet. You won’t, however, be forced to wait in lengthy line-ups to do so, which will save you loads of time.
Customs
When you fly commercial, you’re asked to make declarations and potentially have your bags searched. Customs is mandatory for all travelers, both private and commercial. However, private jet passengers can skip the line-up entirely. So if you’re wondering, “Do private planes go through security,” the answer is yes, just scaled down.
Animal Companions
If you plan on bringing along your furry companion, it’s so much more comfortable for both of you when you fly privately. You’ll still need to pack your pup’s papers, as you would on a commercial flight, but instead of stowing your pet under the seat or in the cargo compartment, it can lounge around the cabin with you, either in your lap or on its own seat.
Arriving Early
One of the biggest gripes of those traveling with a commercial airliner is the requirement to arrive at least three hours before the international flight is scheduled to depart. When you book a charter, whether its domestic or international, you can arrive mere minutes before your flight if your paperwork is in order.
Enjoy More Convenient Arrivals
We often get asked, “Where do private jets land?” or “Can private planes land at major airports?” And the answer is simple. When you fly commercially, you’re limited to the airport they’ve scheduled to arrive at, but when you fly privately, you can choose to land at international airports, if it makes sense with your itinerary, or at smaller airports that are likely much closer to your final destination. These smaller airports are also much less congested with both pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
Returning Home
Unfortunately, you’ll still have to go through the immigration and customs process upon your return, regardless of which way you choose to return. However, if you’re returning via private jet, you can skip all the line-ups and get home much sooner. You’re also much more likely to avoid unexpected travel delays.
As you can see, flying a private jet internationally is similar to flying commercially, but it’s a much more pleasant experience. Instead of standing in endless line-ups with thousands of other travelers, you can simply arrive at the FBO, check in quickly, and board your waiting aircraft. Once you’re settled in, the aircraft departs, saving you hours of wait time and getting you to your destination as efficiently as possible.
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Top International Destinations
For trip-planning inspiration, here’s a look at some of our most popular international destinations.
Crete, Greece
Soaked in sun most of the year, Crete is a paradise for those that enjoy the warmer seasons. Crete is also home to some of the best beaches in Europe. Besides that, you’ll find rugged canyons, snow-covered mountain peaks, and world-class restaurants and spas.
Sint Maarten, Caribbean
Covering the island are 37 white-sand beaches, tranquil hidden bays, and coves, awe-inspiring picturesque lagoons, and some of the finest cuisine found in the Caribbean. If you’ve never been before, it’s absolutely worth a visit.
Sardinia, Italy
This stunning Italian island is filled with a rich history, sparkling beaches, ancient ruins, sacred sites, and so much more. Located on the Emerald Coast, it absolutely lives up to its name with plenty of aquamarine-colored water to enjoy.
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
If you’ve never been to Canada before, it’s time to plan a trip. Nestled among the Coast Mountains, Whistler is a snow bunny’s dream. Here you’ll find snow-capped mountain peaks, fresh-water lakes so clear you can see to the bottom, and all the luxury amenities you could ever need.
International Private Jet FAQs
We often get asked about international private jets, so in the spirit of transparency, we thought we’d answer your questions here.
Can you fly your own plane to another country?
Yes, of course, as long as your plane is capable of transatlantic flight. Smaller aircraft like light jets and turboprops wouldn’t be able to make the journey due to their range capabilities, but heavy and ultra long-range jets can make the trip.
Can private jets land at international airports?
Yes. Private jets are able to land at international airports; however, these airports are quite busy and not always the best option. Executive and regional airports are much less busy, making them a preferable departure or arrival airport.
How much is an international private jet?
The cost of chartering a private jet to an international destination varies based on the aircraft and how far you fly. Hourly rates begin at $1,500 all the way up to $15,000 an hour.
For example, if you were to fly from Seattle to Vancouver, Canada, that’s considered an international flight, but the distance is short and would only take about an hour in the sky. If you charter a turboprop, your trip will likely cost less than $5,000.
On the other hand, if you fly from Miami to London, UK, your trip would take closer to 9 hours and require a heavy or ultra long-range jet charter. The cost for that flight would be between $60,000 and $80,000.
Which private jet is best for international travel?
If you’re traveling a short distance, from say Texas to Cabo San Lucas, you could charter a turboprop, like the Beechcraft King Air 250. If you need to cross the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll need a heavy jet or ultra long-range jet, like the Global Express.
If you’re ready to Soar Higher with Stratos when flying a private jet internationally, reach out to begin a free quote. We’d love to help you plan your next adventure, wherever that may be.
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