Chartering a Private Jet With Your Pets: Everything You Need to Know About Flying With Animals

Private Jet Charter with Your Furry Companions: Everything You Need to Know

Travelling with pets can often seem like a headache due to restrictions on commercial flights. However, private jet charters provide a stress-free solution for flying with your furry friends. As someone who has used private aviation to bring my dog on multiple trips, I want to share the ins and outs of chartering a private flight with pets.

Are Pets Allowed on Private Jets?

The short answer is yes – most private charter operators allow pets onboard, as long as you follow their policies. From my experience working in the industry, 99% of charter companies will accommodate traveling with cats or dogs as long as certain guidelines are met. Larger exotic pets may require special approval.

What Are the Pet Travel Policies?

Private jet companies have fairly standard pet travel rules:

1. Pets must remain in an FAA-approved travel kennel or carrier that fits under the seat in front of you.
2. Soft-sided carriers are usually preferable to hard-sided for safety and comfort.
3. Carriers must be labeled with your contact info in case of separation from you.
4. Current vaccination records and health certificate from your vet will be required.
5. There is often a nominal fee per pet to cover potential cleaning needs.

At the same time, most operators are flexible if your pet is calm and well-behaved outside its carrier. As with any rule, exceptions can be made as long as safety is not compromised. Communication is key to work out a solution.

What About In-Cabin Behavior?

On most charter flights, you’ll have significantly more space than a commercial option. Pets are generally allowed to roam freely in-cabin as long as they do not show anxious behavior around the pilots. Kindly owners know to keep their pets near them and under control. From experience, I can say calming treats are an excellent idea for nervous flyers.

Even friendly dogs may be asked to stay in their carrier during take-off and landing due to cabin pressure changes. But the whole experience is way less stressful than observing all the “no pets” protocols for a regular flight. Overall, the vibe is much more laidback.

How Far in Advance Should I Book?

While booking private flights takes more lead time than commercial, try to coordinate your itinerary with pets at least 2-4 weeks before your travel dates. In peak seasons or for multi-leg trips, 6 weeks notice may be required. This allows operators to best accommodate your specific needs within their schedule.

The good news is you can typically modify or cancel charter reservations with reasonable notice (usually 1-2 weeks) ifNeeded, pet plans included. Just be proactive about any changes. The flexibility is a major advantage versus commercial carriers that charge hefty pet-related fees.

What Kinds of Journeys Are Best with Pets?

Private aviation really shines for multi-destination trips that are a challenge with traditional carriers. You have way more routing options versus being reliant on installed pet-travel routes. Want to bring your fluffy friend on a European tour hitting 5 countries? No problem.

Short hops work great too for avoiding long rides stuck in a carrier. Need to get your pup out of a boarding situation ASAP? Charter flights solve that. Weekend trips to visit family who love pets are a breeze. You’re in control of the whole experience.

While coast-to-coast flights totally work, mid-range trips of 2-5 hours arekinda the sweet spot. You still hit worthwhile destinations without tiring out pets or owners. Big transcontinental treks may call for resting stops. But hey, with a charter, any option is on the table!

What Kinds of Costs Can I Expect?

Chartering private jets is indeed a pricier proposition than commercial. However, factoring in premium fees that airlines charge per pet actually makes charters competitive for 2+ passengers with an animal. Most importantly, the value is in the stress-free and flexible travel.

For a ballpark, expect $5-10k to charter light jets that carry 4-6 passengers short to medium distances. Larger cabin aircraft for 6-10+ passengers start around $10-15k. Of course, high demand periods like holidays command premium pricing. But costs are predictable versus commercial pet fees adding up per leg.

As with any charter, look for empty legs, multi-stop itineraries, and weekend rates that could save 30-50%. Non-profits also offer discounted air travel options occasionally. Just exploring all the choices makes chartering worthwhile and affordable even for one-off pet trips.

In conclusion, while often worth the investment, private jets are not in everyone’s budget continuously, especially with pets usually being a one-time travel situation. But if you can swing it for that special vacation, relocation, or family trip – you’ll find chartering delivers an unbeatable experience for flying with furry companions free of stress. Don’t be afraid to consider it as an option!

Factors to Consider When Chartering a Private Jet with Pets

Factor	Details
Notice Requirement	Most operators require at least 48 hours notice if travelling with pets.
Pet Size Limitations	Very small or extra large pets may have restricted access based on aircraft size.
Pet Kennel/Crate	Pets must remain in an approved kennel or travel crate during takeoff, landing, and taxiing.
Vaccination Records	Operators require proof of current vaccinations for rabies and other illnesses.
Pet Fees	Most operators charge a fee per pet that is additional to the charter rate.

FAQ

1. Can I bring my pet on a private jet?

   Generally, yes you can bring your pet on a private jet as long as it follows the rules. Most charter companies allow small animals like cats and dogs as long as they stay in a carrier during takeoff and landing. Larger pets may need special approval.

2. Do I need any documents for my pet?

   You’ll need to show proof that your pet has got their shots. Basically, you need a health certificate from your vet stating your pet is healthy and has had all required vaccinations. The certificate can’t be older than 10 days. Having paperwork avoids any hassle at your destination.

3. Is there an extra fee for bringing a pet?

   There is usually a small additional cost for bringing Fluffy along. Fees can range from $50 to $150 each way depending on the charter company. At the same time, some operators might waive pet fees for frequent flyers. It’s always important to check policies and potential charges ahead of time.

   

4. What size carrier is allowed?

   Most carriers restrict the carrier size to be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. Specifically, the carrier ought to be no more than 14 inches high by 16 inches long. Larger pets traveling in bulkier crates may have an additional surcharge. As such, it’s wise to verify any restrictions with your charter provider.

5. Can I bring more than one pet?

   Charter companies sometimes let you bring along multiple pets if you have them. Nevertheless, there may be a higher total fee involved especially if your pets require a lot of space. It’s advised to contact the operator in advance to see what their policy is on multiple animals. Having too many pets could also be an issue if there are other passengers aboard.

6. Do I need to supervise my pet?

   For the comfort and safety of all, you’ll want to keep an eye on Fido during the flight. Pets must remain in their carriers unless it’s during retractable leash walks in non-cabin areas. It’s important to properly restrain your pet so they don’t cause any disruptions. Basically, you’ll need to be responsible for supervising and controlling your pet for the whole trip.

7. What if my pet acts up?

   If perhaps your nervous pet starts crying or barking excessively, the crew may ask you to give them a calming aid. You don’t want to distract pilots or upset other travelers. Despite trying to soothe them, if they are too loud the flight could possibly be diverted so you and your pet may need to take another plane. So it’s best to consider your pet’s temperament before traveling privately with them.

8. Are there any restricted dog breeds?

   Some charter companies do not allow potent breeds like pit bulls or Rottweilers for liability reasons. Operators are cautious of dogs with a greater risk of being aggressive. At the same time, mixed breed dogs or those from reputable programs have a higher chance of approval. No matter the type, all pets must have updated vaccinations and be well-behaved. It’s strongly advised to verify policies on specific dog breeds upfront.

In summary, private jet charters are basically a pet-friendly way to travel but you’ll want to check individual company rules. Getting paperwork in order and controlling your pet are top priorities. Despite knowing what to expect, every animal is different so there’s a little risk involved flying any pet privately. Perhaps the thrilling experience is worth it for eager owners and their furry friends though! Let me know if you have any other questions.