Animals are an important part of our lives. Whether it’s a beloved household pet, a registered therapy animal or a trained guide dog, we value their companionship. However, no matter how much we appreciate them, not all animals are appropriate for jet travel. We’ll give you some tips on flying with animals on planes.
But first, let’s take a light-hearted look at some of the unusual creatures that have tried commercial air travel.
In 2014, a pig became disruptive on a United Airlines flight. The 50-pound pig and its human owner were asked to leave the aircraft before it would depart. (ABC News reported it as proof that “pigs do fly… almost”.)
Ducks usually fly south for the winter, but one chose an unusual method. In 2016, an emotional support duck named Daniel Stinkerbutt took his first commercial airline flight, much to the amusement of the other passengers. Unlike the disruptive pig (above), Mr. Stinkerbutt the Duck enjoyed posing for photos, and became a social media sensation.
Turkey isn’t just found on the in-flight menu. It’s actually been on the passenger list too. In January 2016, a passenger brought a live turkey on a Delta Air Lines flight as an emotional support animal. Delta allows customers to travel with emotional support animals on planes as long as they’re ‘trained to behave properly in public settings’. The turkey did not comment on the behavior of the other passengers.
These unusual examples were gleaned from a variety of commercial airline flights. But what are the rules for traveling with animals on a Stratos private jet charter?
Here are four tips:
1. Some larger dog breeds require prior approval and may need to remain in a crate for the flight.
2. Cats will need to remain in a travel crate. Many cats actually prefer the familiar comfort of a safe crate.
3. You may need to bring specialized equipment, like a muzzle or a seat restraint harness.
4. Pet details must be provided at the time of booking. Breed, gender, weight and age are crucial pet details when booking animals on planes.
With a little planning, you and your animal companions will have a comfortable, stress-free private jet flight. You can also check out our previous blog article: 5 Tips for Four-legged Travelers. Talk to our professional agents to find out more about bringing your animals on your next trip.
If you’re looking for a private jet rental company that can arrange luxury charter flights to anywhere in the world and accommodate pets in any size, shape or color, call Stratos Jets—888-593-9066.
Luxury Jet Charter Travel Trends for 2019
See what’s trending in luxury jet charter travel
The beginning of a new year is the perfect opportunity to look at the trends that will influence private jet travel in 2019. We touched on this in a previous blog (Top Travel Trends) but now is a great time to explore the trends further. As a Stratos luxury jet charter traveler, you can benefit from knowing what to expect in 2019.
Sustainability
Once travel buzzword or an afterthought, sustainability has emerged as a priority. Some analysts say it is partly because of a demographic shift in luxury travelers, but more importantly, a growing awareness across all age groups. Travelers still want to explore the world, but they also understand the need to preserve it for future generations. Hotels, resorts and other destinations are making eco-friendly efforts to attract sustainability-conscious travelers.
Cultural Connection
More travelers are seeking a meaningful cultural interaction. Lounging by the hotel pool is still popular, but only after a full day of exploring. Luxury jet charter travelers want to hike through natural wonders, explore new neighborhoods, and sample local cuisine. As one travel expert put it, “it’s the small moments with a memorable impact that are often the most important part of the trip.”
Hiring a Guide
This is very much related to the desire for genuine experiences. Exploring your destination at your own pace is one of the delights of travel. But tight schedules, foreign languages and challenging terrain can all hamper your enjoyment. Hiring a reputable guide lets you savor each moment, instead of worrying about what’s next. As off-the-beaten-path cultural and outdoor adventures grow in popularity, so will guide services.
Diverse Destinations
Domestic luxury jet travel is up, especially for weekend jaunts to Las Vegas, New York and Aspen. But travelers are also yearning for novelty. According to the Affluent Traveler Collection, the top 2019 foreign destinations are an intriguing mix of new routes and perennial favorites. The rugged beauty of Iceland tops the list, followed by South Africa, Japan, Croatia and Italy.
So, now that you know the trends, where will you go this year? Somewhere exotic, or somewhere familiar? Or both – as you discover a familiar place in a new way? Now is the golden era of luxury jet charter travel. The world is getting a little smaller every day; get out and experience while you can.
If you’re looking for a private jet rental company that can arrange luxury charter flights to anywhere in the world, call Stratos Jets—888-593-9066.
2018 Private Jets for Charter: A Year in Review
Marijuana on flights, brokers that break the rules and stunning new private jets for charter were just some of the highlights of 2018.
From coming up with an amazing way to support aspiring pilots and profiling incredible new aircraft to sharing the unbelievable stories of smugglers and debunking popular myths about private jets for charter—2018 was indeed a notable year for Stratos and our industry.
With just a few days left in 2018, we wanted to take a moment to highlight five of the most notable events of the last 12 months.
1. And the scholarship goes to….
With a looming pilot shortage and a lack of women entering the field as pilots of private jets for charter, we wanted to do something to both raise awareness of this issue, and give a hard-working pilot a headstart.
In 2018, we were incredibly proud to launch its inaugural pilot scholarship. The $2,000 bursary will help emerging private jet pilots cover the cost of training (approximately $80,000).
And guess what? Our first-ever pilot training scholarship winner was 26-year-old Kimberly Novak, currently attending ATP Flight School at Daytona Beach International Airport.
Kimberly Novak, 26, received Stratos’s first-ever scholarship for pilots in training to fly private jets for charter.
Learn more about her journey as a female pilot in training!
2. Interviews with Sky-high Smugglers
Have you ever been tempted to sneak an oversized aerosol hairspray onto a commercial flight? What about lighters, marijuana or a weapon?
Well, we wanted to find out what people were thinking and what happened to those sneaking banned substances aboard. So, here it is, the results of the survey that answers:
*What are the most popular contraband items brought on planes?
*What was the reason they shirked they rules to bring banned goods aboard?
· *Were you on a trip for business or pleasure?
*How and why passengers wanted to get even ‘higher’
Curious yet? Find out what sky-high mugglers were willing to risk, and what they were thinking!
3. Breathtaking New Private Jets for Charter Released in 2018
Announced in 2018, the Pilatus PC 24 is set to become one of the more popular private jets for charter for those who want the versatility of a turbo-prop and the comfort of a medium-light jet.
They’ve been called the mansions and supercars of the sky, and we got our first glimpse of a few this year. Check out this year’s most stunning new private jet aircraft, and try not to drool!
Heavy jets
Super mid-size jets
Mid-size private jets
Medium-light
Turbo props
Visit us on Facebook and Twitter, and tell us which is your favorite!
4. What Happens in the Air Doesn’t Always Stay in the Air
Births, deaths, drugs—flight attendants see a lot at ‘the office.’ We were curious about the most surprising things they’ve done and seen, so we asked!
In our survey article Flight Attendant Confessions, we asked these airplane pros questions such as
·< *Which of these things have you done on duty?
·< *Which of these things have you seen on duty?
·< *What are the most annoying passenger behaviours?
·< *What in-flight fears do attendants have?
·< *What emergencies are they really prepared for?
If you’ll ever be on a commercial flight again, you have to read this article!
5. The Aircraft Operator that Hired Students to Pilot Unauthorized Private Jets
This was an event that made the news for several tragic reasons, and made many of us in the private jets for charter industry feel something beyond frustration.
In January 2018, the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) issued a press release announcing it had handed out an emergency order of revocation against TapJets for committing a number of alleged infractions, including that it had “used unqualified pilot” and “endangered lives.”
Read more about how this operator put people’s lives at risk, and how we go above and beyond to prove how we maximize clients’ margin of safety on every single flight.
Whether you’re an avgeek, addicted to luxury travel or just want to see how the other half travels, we’ve enjoyed sharing our world and expertise with you in 2018. To another year of safe and exciting travels, from everyone at Stratos Jet Charters!
Charter a Private Jet and See the Four Corners of the US
Enjoy the nation’s diversity by traveling to all four corners
If you’re looking to charter a private jet, consider traveling to one, or all four of the nation’s continental corners! (Sorry Alaska and Hawaii – we’ll feature you in a subsequent blog.) Why travel to the corners? First, the best way to see the nation’s stunning landscapes is from the comfort of a private jet. Second, although many of us travel across the continent for business, when was the last time we allowed ourselves the luxury of traveling somewhere just out of curiosity? Each corner has unique attractions for travellers from all over the world.
Seattle, Washington
Northwest
Seattle is a great place to start your northwest exploration when you charter a private jet. Aircraft enthusiasts will marvel at the scale of the Boeing Factory Tour. Across from the Boeing Field is Paul Allen’s Flying Heritage Museum, featuring a unique collection of rare vintage aircraft. Once you’ve enjoyed your fill of aircraft, sushi, Chihuly glass, Starbucks coffee, seafood and local breweries, head out to Washington’s great outdoors. Spectacular hiking, biking and kayaking await you in the Evergreen State.
Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Northeast
This corner boasts a rich history and breath-taking rugged landscapes. The lighthouse at West Quoddy Head, Maine is officially the easternmost point in the USA. The lighthouse is fun to photograph, but we suggest Maine has many other charms. Horror fans will enjoy touring Bangor, the inspiration for Stephen King’s fictional town of Derry. Lobster feasts, history, ocean views, roadside markets and boutique shopping will delight you in Maine.
Key West, Florida
Southeast
Key West, Florida is as far south as you can go in the continental USA. Ponce de Leone was the first European to see it in 1521. In the centuries since, it changed hands many times, creating a mosaic of languages and cultures. You can still tour the homes of many public figures who lived there, including Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams and Harry Truman. Gulf breezes, Cuban/Caribbean cuisine, mojitos, ocean sports and sunshine are just some of the reasons to visit Key West when you charter a private jet.
Imperial Beach, California
Southwest
Imperial Beach, California, is the south-western-most point in the lower 48 states. Just 14 miles south of San Diego, Imperial Beach is sunny 323 days a year, and it encompasses nearly four miles of beach. A surfer’s paradise, the area also boasts a number of military museums, top golf courses, and the best authentic Mexican/California cuisine around. This popular destination is highly regarded as one of the best surf spots in the area, and the pier even showcases plaques highlighting the city’s surfing history.
When you want to charter a private jet, call Stratos Jet Charters. We can have you in the air on top quality aircraft with as little as four hours’ notice.
