Private Jet Catering 

Private jet catering is different. Meals are made to your specifications, served hot, and available when you want them.

Benefits of Private Jet Catering 

A trip on a private jet is designed with your comfort in mind. Meals are a big part of the overall experience. These are just some of the benefits associated with catering:

Custom Menus 

You and your party are the only passengers on a private jet. You can decide what the crew serves you while you’re onboard the aircraft. You can select from a menu of options or take control over every item at the ingredient level.

Convenience 

On a typical airline, meals are made on the ground and delivered to aircraft frozen. Meals can sit for hours before they’re served. While private jets also use some premade ingredients, the preparation process is different. 

You can decide when your meal is served, and you have some control over how it’s delivered. For example, you can split a large meal into several courses or ask for sauces on the side. 

Your ingredients are often fresh, not frozen, so they’re more palatable than traditional airline fare. 

Enhanced Luxury 

While commercial airlines sometimes offer gourmet meals to first-class passengers, others get nothing more than prepackaged snacks. A private jet, on the other hand, delivers delicious meals to everyone on board. 

The dining experience involves larger seats, a table, high-end dishware, and exceptional presentation. The meals are prepared to your specifications by a talented crew, just as you might expect in a high-end restaurant. 

Allergy-Friendly & Health-Conscious Options 

The advocacy agency Food Allergy Research and Education says people with food allergies shouldn’t eat food on an airline unless they can read the ingredient label. That’s possible with a private flight. Meals are made to your specifications. 

People with specific dietary requirements, such as a keto-friendly meal plan, can also get what they need on a private jet. You can ensure that all dishes meet your needs. 

Global Cuisine Choices 

Commercial airlines often choose from a small subset of menu items. Frequent flyers may eat the same things repeatedly—and it all may be influenced by American tastebuds. 

Customers in Korea and Japan are driving the demand for continental cuisine on private flights. However, anyone might appreciate trying a gourmet meal that’s both new and influenced by a different culture. 

Greater Attention to Detail 

Commercial airlines are improving efficiencies by reducing personal touchpoints. Automated meal delivery services and contactless ordering mechanize eating. Private jets are different. 

A dedicated team of chefs and an onboard flight crew attend to your every need, both before and during your meal. No automation stands between you and your food. 

How Private Jet Catering Works 

Every meal you eat on a private jet is the result of planning and preparation. Several steps are involved in the process, including the following:

• Plan your trip. You’ll select your flight details and determine how long you’ll be in the air. Those details can help you understand how many meals you might need to stay fed and comfortable. 
• Select your meals. Talk with the crew about what you like to eat, what ingredients you’d like in your foods, and how you’d like it prepared. 
• Chefs prepare and package your meals. A gourmet chef follows your instructions and cooks to your specifications. At some stage in the cooking, the chef packages the food to prepare it for the aircraft. 
• Food is delivered to the aircraft. The meals are delivered to your onboard crew. They store each item carefully to ensure it stays fresh until it’s time to eat.
• Meals are prepared. Your onboard crew cooks and plates your meals per your specifications. 
• Food is served. Crews use real plates and cutlery (not plastic) to present each meal. 
• Crews clean up. When you’re finished eating, the team picks up your utensils and plates to wash them.

Private Jet Catering Cost Structure 

Several factors influence the cost of private jet catering. In general, meals range in price from about $50 to more than $500 per person. Just as in a restaurant, meals cost more when they’re made with high-quality ingredients and prepared by gourmet chefs. 

This table provides rough costs for gourmet meals on a private jet. Your actual price can vary.

cost component	price range	details
Standard Meals	$50 to $150 per person	Includes casual, high-quality options like salads, sandwiches, pasta, grilled proteins, etc.
Gourmet Meals	$150 to $500 per person	High-end dishes such as wagyu steak, lobster, caviar, and truffle-infused meals.
Bespoke Dining	$500+ per person	Custom menus created by Michelin-starred chefs or with rare, bespoke ingredients.
Premium Ingredients	+10% to 30% surcharge	Ingredients like organic, gluten-free, or kosher options, imported ingredients like saffron, or specialty fish.
Soft Drinks & Juices	$5 to $20 per bottle	Includes premium juices, sparkling waters, and artisanal sodas. Prices vary based on exclusivity, brand, and product rarity.
Fine Wines & Champagne	$50 to $5,000+ per bottle	Covers luxury wines and champagnes like Dom Pérignon, Château Margaux, or rare aged wines
Spirits & Cocktails	$100 to $2,500+ per bottle	Premium liquors such as aged whiskey, rare vodka, and high-end tequilas.
Catering Delivery Fees	$50 to $500+ per order	Depending on the distance, urgency, and any special regulations (such as airport deliveries), fees may vary.
Last-Minute Orders	+20% to 50% surcharge	Orders placed within 12-24 hours of departure or event may incur a premium.

Private Jet Catering vs. Commercial Airline Food 

A meal on a private jet is often entirely different than one you might consume on a commercial flight. This chart compares some of the typical similarities and differences:

category	jet catering	economy class	first class
Customization	Fully customizable	Set meal options	Customizable
Meal Quality	Gourmet quality	Basic	Fine dining quality
Serving Style	Plated with fine china, silverware, and elegance	Plastic trays, disposable utensils	White tablecloth service, luxury presentation
Ingredient Quality	Organic, farm-to-table, Michelin-star	Processed and frozen foods	Premium ingredients, often locally sourced
Dining Experience	Private, unrushed and personalized	Crowded, rushed service	Exclusive dining experience
Beverage Selection	High-end wines, champagne, top-shelf spirits	Basic soda, coffee, and water; alcohol may be extra	Wine pairings, high-end liquors and champagne
Availability & Timing	Anytime upon request	Scheduled service with limited availability	Dine on-demand service in some airlines
Dietary Restrictions	Full flexibility for dietary restrictions	Limited options, must request in advance	Personalized meal planning with dietary customization
Cost	$50 – $500+ per meal	Included in the ticket, but basic quality	Included in fare, luxury quality

Private Jet Catering Trends 

All airlines, including commercial providers, are focused on providing personalized meal options. However, the private industry is changing in new and innovative ways. 

For example, private jets are increasingly focused on health and wellness. That means they’re stocking meals that are low in fat, plant-based, and organic. Their customers can stay healthy while in the air. 

Private jet operators are also collaborating with star chefs to wow their guests with exceptional meals. They’re asking these chefs to focus on global cuisine and regional specialties to extend the luxury within the flight. 

Explore Private Jet Chartering Options With Element Aviation 

Gourmet meals are one of the benefits associated with a chartered jet flight with Element Aviation. We offer plenty of in-flight food service options with customization that fits any palate.

Contact us to learn how we can help tailor the menu to suit your desires. We can start planning your trip today.