Flying Private With Family

Chartering private flights has become a decent and more affordable option for families traveling by plane. That might explain why the private jet charter market is expected to grow from $28.01 billion in 2024 to $29.38 billion in 2025. 

Why Fly Private With Your Family?

Families are growing larger. In fact, a recent Gallup poll found that about half of respondents think families should have two children or more. For people with children, a private jet can be an ideal travel choice. 

There are several exceptional benefits to choose a private flight for your next family trip.

Set Your Own Schedule

Private flights can take off and land from smaller airports. That means less time driving to the airport and your post-flight destination. You can control these details to ensure your kids don’t spend too long in the car. 

You also aren’t tied to a commercial airline’s timetable. Instead of waking your children at 4 a.m. for an early flight, you can set takeoff times around your child’s normal sleep/wake times. 

Reduce Long Waits

Commercial travelers are encouraged to arrive at airports at least 2 hours before their scheduled departure time. Most airports have layers of lines for security, boarding, luggage claims, and more. 

No one (including adults) likes to wait in line. But it’s especially difficult for tired and cranky children. 

A chartered flight comes with few, if any, lines. You’ll have a private and customized boarding and departure process that your children might even enjoy. 

Gain Space

Commercial flights are structured in rows. Parents must decide who can sit next to the child and who sits in front or behind the family. These negotiations can be stressful, and neither parent may be comfortable with the arrangement. 

Chartered flights are different. You’ll enjoy a spacious cabin with seating arrangements that suit your family’s needs. 

Enjoy Your Privacy 

Children can often be messy, noisy, and upset. Parents understand what their kids need, but strangers may not. For example, more than half of participants in a Newsweek survey said they wanted child-free areas on airplanes. 

Flying private means not worrying about how others rate your children’s behavior (or your parenting skills). You’ll have complete privacy when you fly as a family. 

Reduce Your Stress

It’s not easy to juggle the demands of a child and a trip. In surveys, parents cite problems like keeping kids entertained, dealing with temper problems, and trying to find bathrooms as common trip stress triggers. 

A private jet allows you to mitigate or completely eliminate some of these stressors. Your trip will be shorter with bathrooms on board, you can handle a child’s emotions in private, and entertainment options are abundant. It’s a much easier way to fly. 

Eliminate Common Restrictions 

Commercial airlines can block your child’s favorite snacks from coming aboard. You may also have limits on the gear and entertainment you can bring with you. 

Depending on your aircraft, flying on a jet can mean bringing everything your child needs for a safe and pleasant trip. You can also request amenities like bassinets, reclining seats, or extra cargo space. 

Bring the Pets Along 

Researchers say children prefer to spend time with their pets over their siblings. Charter a jet, and the pet can come on the trip to keep the child company during the flight. 

Most chartered jets allow pets to ride in the cabin with the family (not in a crate in cargo). No weight and breed restrictions apply. 

Reduce Health Risks 

Shorter lines, reduced wait times, and private cabins all lead to fewer germ and disease exposures. Charter a jet, and you choose who comes with you on the trip. For families with immune system issues, this is a safer way to fly. 

Customize the Trip 

Chartered trips can be customized to fit your family’s needs. You can access onboard entertainment, use free Wi-Fi, and select from other in-flight amenities that keep your children both entertained and comfortable. 

Enjoy a Smooth & Quiet Flight

Jets fly at higher altitudes than their commercial counterparts. Often, that leads to smoother flights with less turbulence. Jet engines are also quieter than commercial versions, and there’s a lesser need for overhead announcements. 

The result is a smoother, more peaceful flight. Your children might sleep through the whole thing. 

Make Changes as Needed 

Chartered jets are nimble, and they can tap into quick rerouting options when they encounter bad weather or emergencies. These jets can also lead you to medical resources when needed.

How to Plan a Private Jet Flight for Your Family 

Planning a trip via a chartered jet is a little different than signing up for a commercial flight. We’ll guide you through the steps typically involved with how to charter a private jet, so you know just what to expect. 

Step 1: Define Your Travel Needs 

Since chartered jets are so flexible, you can customize your trip based on what you and your family want and need.

Good things to consider include the following:

• Destination and route: Do you need to get to one place directly, or will there be multiple stops? Do you have any special airport requirements?
• Passengers: How many adults, children, infants, and pets are coming with you?
• Luggage: Will you have oversized items like car seats, strollers, or golf bags?
• Dates: When do you need to leave and return? Can you be flexible for better pricing?

Step 2: Choose the Right Jet 

Several different types of aircraft can get you to your destination. However, light versions can take fewer passengers, heavy jets cost more, and midsize jets can be spacious.

This chart can help you compare their differences: 

aircraft type	passengers	trip length	comfort
Light Jets	4-6	Regional, short	Average
Midsize Jets	6-9	Long	More space
Heavy Jets	10+	International	Maximum
VIP Jets	Customized	Any	Best

Step 3: Select a Booking Method 

Several different types of bookings are available, and the one that’s right for you can vary.

Typical options include the following:

• On-demand charters for one-time trips
• Membership programs with subscription-based access and fixed rates
• Cards with prepaid flight hours 
• Fractional ownership that allows you to share the aircraft with others 
• Empty leg flights with cost-effective options

Step 4: Get Quotes & Compare Options 

With basic parameters set, you can contact a few companies and begin to compare their prices and services.

Good things to examine include the following:

• The overall pricing structure, including the amenities your family needs
• The availability of the aircraft you want 
• The features your family can access while onboard 
• The operator’s reputation and safety standards, including ARGUS or Wyvern certifications

Step 5: Confirm Your Booking & Preferences 

Once you’ve selected a provider, it’s time to discuss your customization preferences. That can include kid-friendly meals, pet accommodations, in-flight entertainment, and ground transportation. 

With the requests settled, provide the names, ages, and passport details (for international flights) of all passengers. 

Step 6: Prepare for the Flight 

Your jet charter company should provide a list of details for your trip. Ensure that you understand details like the following:

• When to arrive at the private terminal 
• What identification documents to bring 
• How much luggage you can bring

Child Safety Regulations on Private Jets 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has rules and guidelines that cover child safety during flights. Understanding what they are can help you determine what to bring on board the aircraft and what to do when you arrive. 

Infants 

Children younger than 2 years old can ride on a parent’s lap without a separate seat. However, the FAA strongly encourages parents to use an approved child restraint system (CRS) throughout the entire flight. You can’t hold a child as securely as these devices can. 

Your jet charter provider may offer an approved seat for your flight. You can also ask if the car seat your baby uses is approved for the seat configurations on your plane. 

Toddlers & Young Children 

Children between the ages of 2 and 5 can’t ride on a parent’s lap. The FAA recommends that these children use an age-appropriate CRS throughout the entire flight. These seats allow the child to face forward and remain buckled. 

Once again, your child’s car seat might be appropriate for the aircraft. However, ask your provider to be sure. 

Older Children 

Children older than 5 can ride in a standard jet with seat belts used by adults. These children can follow the flight crew’s instructions regarding when to buckle up and when to roam more freely. 

Tips for Flying With a Newborn Baby on a Private Jet

You can bring very small babies with you via a private jet. Your trip will likely be less stressful for both you and your baby if you follow a few basic tips:

• Use an approved seat. Keep your baby safe and secure in a CRS throughout the flight. Don’t try to hold or carry your baby instead. 
• Bring what you need. Stock up on diapers, wipes, and other items your child might need for a comfortable flight. 
• Ask for help. Remind your crew that you’ll bring a small baby along. Ask for amenities like extra seating and room for your gear. 
• Reduce the noise. Jets are quieter than commercial aircraft, but onboard entertainment and loud conversations could wake up sleeping babies. 
• Choose wisely. Look for jets that are spacious and quiet with good cabin pressurization.

We flew with an 11-month-old lap infant. Never again. She was miserable, couldn’t get comfortable; we were all hot and sweaty from struggling with her.” Real quote from a mom who flew a commercial flight with her baby on her lap.

Charter Your Next Family Flight With Element Aviation 

At Element Aviation, we specialize in helping families like yours plan safe, comfortable, calm trips by private jet. We would love to hear about your upcoming trip and help your family travel with comfort and style.