Top 10 Safety Tips for Private Jet Charter Passengers 

While private jets are safe, it pays to be an informed and proactive passenger. That means knowing about key jet safety steps and how to choose the right partner for your flight. It also means knowing what to do in case of an emergency.

Preparing for your jet charter flight isn’t time-consuming, and the process is rarely stressful. But the time you spend on safety could pay off in a more relaxing and successful flight. Here’s what you need to know.

The Top Safety Tips for Private Jet Charter Guests

The following safety tips are provided to ensure a more relaxing and positive experience for your charter flight.

1. Pay Attention to Pre-Flight Briefing 

Before your jet takes off from the runway, your crew will orient you to the plane and its features. It’s easy to ignore this speech, especially if you fly often. However, the information you’re given in this speech is critical to your safety. 

Listen closely to the cabin crew’s safety briefing, particularly information regarding the following:

• The location of the emergency exits
• Instructions for using tools like oxygen masks 
• The number and location of fire extinguishers
• Steps to take if the plane lands in water, such as the spot where life vests are stored

2. Obtain the Operator’s Safety Credentials

Your jet charter company is responsible for your safety during your flight. It’s critical to ensure that you’re working with a company that always puts passengers first. 

Before you book your flight, ask your operator for information about their safety record. The company should be willing to answer your questions in detail. Be leery of anyone who does not. 

You can also use third-party review sites like Google and Facebook to find out about the trips that prior passengers have experienced. If they mention issues like bumpiness or dangerous moves on the runway, it might be time to find someone new. 

3. Avoid Pressuring the Pilot to Fly in Bad Weather

The Federal Aviation Administration says weather is responsible for more than 74% of air traffic delays. While no one likes to wait or experience travel disruptions, it’s not safe to fight Mother Nature. 

Your flight crew keeps a close eye on the weather that could impact your trip. Their monitoring might mean suggesting a delay or even canceling your trip. 

If they do so, do your best not to argue or fight them. They’re acting with your best interests in mind. 

4. Do Not Bring Prohibited Items 

The Transportation Security Administration has a long list of items that are prohibited on commercial flights. That list includes everything from alcohol to vehicle airbags. Private jets have slightly different rules, but you still can’t bring everything on your trip. 

Your operator may set restrictions on what you can bring on board. If you’re flying internationally, you must also comply with customs and border protections. And some items (like illegal drugs) are never allowed. 

Your operator will provide you with a detailed list of what to pack and what to leave at home. Read that list carefully and never break the rules. 

5. Know the Emergency Procedures 

The more you know about what to do in an emergency, the quicker you can react when the unthinkable happens. Once again, the pre-flight speech from your flight crew can help you stay safer. 

Ensure that you know what to do in situations like the following:

• Rapid cabin depressurization 
• Water landing
• Medical emergencies 
• Engine problems

Your crew should give you detailed information about all of these emergencies. If a topic isn’t covered, don’t be afraid to ask.

6. Avoid Distractions During Taxi, Takeoff, and Landing

Researchers say flight has become about twice as safe each decade, starting in the 1960s. However, there are moments during a trip that are riskier than others. As a passenger, it’s important to be alert and aware during these key times. 

Your crew may need to provide important safety information and instructions during these three times: 

• When your plane is moving on the tarmac from one destination to another
• During takeoff
• During landing

Don’t wear noise-cancelling headphones during these moments. Also, don’t hold loud conversations or talk on the phone while the crew is working. 

7. Dress Practically

Jet passengers want to look as great as they can while they’re in the air and when they land. However, some clothing choices can put your safety at risk. 

The Federal Aviation Administration says people who wear sensible clothing reduce their chance of injury in an emergency. 

That means wearing clothing that meets these characteristics: 

• It covers your skin. Your outfit shouldn’t leave large parts of your skin bare. 
• It’s made of natural fabrics. Synthetics can melt when they’re heated, but clothing made of cotton or wool does not. 
• It’s comfortable. Roomy clothing can allow you to move quickly in an emergency. 
• It’s completed with comfortable shoes. Low-heeled shoes made of canvas or leather are safer than sandals or high heels.

8. Know Who’s Flying With You 

Your pilot is a critical part of your safety team, and it’s important to ensure you’re working with someone who follows the rules. Your operator should be open and honest about their certificates and safety rating, answering all of your questions without hesitation. 

You can also use the Federal Aviation Administration airmen inquiry page for detailed information about your crew. You’ll need a last name to get started, but adding details like the person’s city or state could narrow your search. 

9. Always Wear Your Seatbelt

The Federal Aviation Administration requires passengers to wear safety belts with shoulder harnesses during takeoffs and landings. Bumps are common during these moments in the flight, and a seatbelt can keep you from falling or knocking into something (or someone) and hurting yourself. 

While you can take your seatbelt off during the trip, it’s not always safe. You could hit a pocket of turbulence at any moment in the flight, and that could mean more falls and trips. 

Because turbulence could hit at any moment, even when your pilot doesn’t expect it, you’re smart to keep your seatbelt securely fastened while the jet is in the air. 

10. Speak Up if Something Feels Off

As a passenger, you have the right to say something if you feel unsafe. That could mean saying something if you think the plane is moving too fast, is flying erratically, or is otherwise doing something that puts your safety at risk. 

Your operator should be willing to listen to your concerns and correct course as needed. That doesn’t mean your pilot will leave the cabin for long discussions, but you should be able to speak up and be heard when it’s needed. 

Contact Element Aviation to Get Started 

At Element Aviation, we’re revolutionizing the on-demand charter experience. Our travel specialists can match you with the right pilot, plane, and itinerary. No matter where you need to go and when the flight must happen, we can help. 

Our specialists are available around the clock to handle any requests. Just contact us to start the conversation and book a charter. We’ll learn about your situation and guide you to the best solution for your travel needs.