The use of private jets for those who can afford one is not only convenient but also time-effective. Celebrities, business owners, and executives of multi-million dollar companies often travel via private jets. Private jet travel is very different from commercial air travel. This article highlights six ways in which private jet operations differ from commercial airline operations.

1 On-demand travel

Commercial airlines offer scheduled services to specific destinations, whereas private jet travel is almost always on-demand. Private jet travel is similar to a charter flight, which is also not part of a scheduled service. Canada's flag carrier, Air Canada, runs a Jetz fleet of three Airbus A319 aircraft solely used for private charter. Configured in 58 all-business seats, the fleet caters to on-demand customers, including sports teams and business officials.

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Photo: Aero Icarus via Wikimedia Commons

Private jet operations also mean that there are no time limitations for cabin crew scheduling. It is possible to have work shifts extended for the cabin crew during flight schedules. Cabin crew rosters also vary based on the operator's policies, which are established based on the demand of the customer. Some crew members may be on standby for longer periods of time and can be called at any time to attend to a flight.

2 Use of private jets and terminals

For private jet travel, entire jets are booked for customers. Unlike commercial airliners, private jets generally fly from and to smaller airports or airfields. While private operations may also operate at a major airport, private terminals are used for travelers. Customers choose the date and time of travel and communicate it to the operator well in advance. Other information, including the passengers and documentation (if required), is also provided beforehand. The operator ensures that the aircraft and flight crew are ready for the flight.

Private jet passengers do not have to go through long security lines and waiting periods before getting on the flight. The level of scrutiny is usually less than at commercial airports. The purpose is to not circumvent the necessary security but to provide a hassle-free process for private jet customers. Private jet passengers can be driven to the aircraft for boarding and driven from upon arrival at the destination. Customers also choose their own destination in whichever part of the world they desire.

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Unlike most business or commercial flights, private jet flights can be changed last minute, completely canceled, or sometimes extended. Private jet costs are usually charged per hour and involve renting the whole aircraft, not just a seat.

3 Variable Flight Crew training

The flight crew training depends on the type of aircraft and the country the aircraft is registered in. Commercial airlines provide structured training to all cabin crew. Safety, food services, human factors, first aid, and firefighting are essential aspects of cabin crew training. Private jet cabin crew may not receive any training at all or variable training based on the customer's needs.

Some countries do not require cabin crew training for aircraft under 19 seats. In such cases, cabin crew members learn as they work and also bring other skills to the work For example, it is common to expect a private jet cabin crew to have butler, sommelier, floral arrangement, and nanny training.

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Qualifications in wines and spirits with the ability to pair wines with foods can be a plus for a private jet cabin crew. Private operators that cater to high-profile figures, including celebrities and business officials, have cocktails and custom beverages higher up on their agenda.

Customized floral arrangements also become an essential part of cabin presentation on private jets. Cabin arrangements must exhibit the cultures and traditions of the people on board. Having a floral arrangement or interior decoration experience can never go amiss for a private jet cabin crew. Some private jet operators have their cabin crew trained as nannies, too, to look after any children and babies onboard.

4 Passenger experience

Private jets are generally designed to be extremely comfortable with high-end decoration, upholstery, and amenities. While much smaller in size, the jets are designed to be spacious with dining areas, sleeping quarters, and showers. Most private jets have wireless internet and the availability to make calls to the ground, providing an uninterrupted business service to the customers. Cutlery, silverware, and other food service items are luxurious.

Photo: Trans-Exec Private Jets

Many top-end private jet operators use brand-name toiletries and amenities for their customers. Customized amenities and gifts are also offered to customers during their travel. Private jets also keep very high standards of maintenance and cleanliness of the aircraft.

5 Food services

Food on commercial flights is pre-plated and loaded on the aircraft prior to the flight. The food is heated at a specific time before the service. Passengers have a limited choice of meals available on commercial flights. On private jets, the cabin crew devises the menu according to the passenger profile and any special requests.

Based on the customer's request, the food is catered by a specialized VIP caterer. Some meals are cooked onboard and plated to a five-star restaurant quality, based on the customer demand. The food is prepared and served when the customer wants it, rather than at set times on commercial airlines.

Photo: Lunajets

The meals are usually individually plated but can be served as buffet or family-style, or however it is wished. Passengers can have as much food and drink as they like or as little. Customers can also choose to have a small birthday party or a special occasion at cruising altitude if they please.

6 Baggage allowance

Commercial airlines have baggage restrictions in terms of size, weight, and allowable content. Moreover, restrictions are generally in place regarding what items can go in the cabin and what items should be checked into the cargo compartment. There are no baggage allowances on private jets -given that there is space available on the plane.

Photo: LunaJets

Customers can bring their larger bags onboard, given that those can be carried and stored in place. Private jets also allow some items that commercial airlines may not. Pets can also travel in the cabin with their owners instead of in a specialized cargo hold in commercial airlines.

Have you traveled in a private jet? What are your thoughts on the differences between private and commercial air travel? Tell us in the comments section.