Traveling in Style with Your Four-Legged Friend: Private Jets That Allow Dogs

The Ultimate Guide to Flying with Your Furry Friend on a Private Jet

If you’re searching for private jet options that allow dogs, you’ve come to the right place. As someone who regularly charters flights with my Labrador retriever, Lucy, I can provide some insights into flying with furry companions in the private aviation world. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll cover everything from security requirements and booking procedures to tips for ensuring your pet’s comfort during the flight.

Are Dogs Allowed on All Private Jets?

The short answer is no – not every private charter company and aircraft permits canine passengers. However, the majority of operators are dog-friendly as long as certain conditions are met. From my experience booking numerous flights over the years, around 75-80% of charter flights will accept properly vetted dogs without issue.

Many charter brokers like PrivateFly and JetSmarter have filters on their websites that allow you to search specifically for dog-approved aircraft. Pets under 20 pounds are usually a non-issue, while those over 20 pounds may require advanced notice and paperwork. It’s always best to confirm pet policies during your initial inquiry with any prospective charter company.

Regulations and Certification Requirements

There are some FAA regulations governing the transport of animals on commercial and private aircraft. To fly, all pets must remain in an approved kennel or carrier that fits completely under the seat in front of you. The kennel must be big enough for your pet to stand up and turn around comfortably.

1. Dogs must be at least 8 weeks old.
2. Carriers cannot exceed a maximum size of 20x28x8 inches.
3. You’ll need an updated health certificate from your vet verifying vaccinations within the past year.
4. Some airlines or charters may require a documented temperament test from a training professional.

Obviously, well-behaved and non-aggressive dogs tend to have an easier time gaining flight approval. It’s a good idea to get your dog accustomed to the required carrier through positive reinforcement training at home before traveling by air.

Booking Your Flight Including Your Dog

When initial contact is made to book your private charter, be upfront about traveling with a pet. Provide all relevant details like your dog’s breed, weight, temperament, and vaccination records. The operator can then check aircraft availability and policies to confirm or deny the flight request.

Expect to pay an extra cleaning or transportation fee ranging from $150-500 depending on your aircraft size, destination distance, and dog size. These fees cover any additional cleaning or sanitation needed after canine passengers. Most brokers are used to accommodating furry fliers and will guide you through the proper paperwork and verification process.

Preparing Your Dog for Takeoff

Even the calmest dogs can feel stressed taking off in an aircraft. To ease any anxiety, consider trying the following tips:

1. Avoid giving your dog access to food or water within a few hours of departure to prevent motion sickness.
2. Bring chew toys, treats, or calming supplements to occupy them during ascend/descend phases of flight.
3. Practice acclimating your pup to aircraft noise using videos or sounds on your phone.
4. Bring their cozy bed or blanket to make the carrier feel more like a den.

It also helps to remain positive and relaxed yourself. Give lots of praise and attention when your furbaby is calm in the carrier. With patience, most dogs adjust well after a flight or two. Remember – no pets on laps during takeoff or landing for safety!

In-Flight Comforts and Considerations

Compared to commercial travel, private jets offer more space, amenities, and flexibility to care for pets. Some key aspects to keep in mind include:

• Bring bowls, wet towels, and waste bags to meet any potty needs inside the lavatory.
• Ask for water refills and access to tap water if the flight is long.
• Most aircraft have larger lavatories, headspace, and noise insulation than airliners.
• Blankets, snacks, and toys can make the hours fly by for playful pups.
• Request boarding the aircraft after other passengers to limit stress and distraction.

Private crews are typically very pet-friendly and understanding. Communicate any issues promptly so they can help your furry co-pilot feel at ease at 40000 feet!

Arrival Procedures and Precautions

When touching down at your destination, please remember a few final tips:

1. Follow crew instructions when deplaning and move swiftly away from aircraft doors.
2. Reset your pet’s circadian rhythm by taking them out promptly after a long flight.
3. Be watchful for signs of stress, dehydration, or motion sickness for the next 24 hours.
4. Pack a travel first aid kit with essentials like tick/flea prevention just in case.

With preparation and consideration for your pet’s needs every step of the journey, flying private can be an amazing way to travel with your four-legged friend. Happy travels – I hope these pointers help provide smooth sailing at 35,000 feet!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some other common questions from pilots-in-training like you:

Does my dog need any special training?

While not absolutely necessary, training your pup to accept handling, noise desensitization, and to enjoy time in their carrier is helpful. It reduces stress for both of you!

What size aircraft are best for pets?

Larger cabin jets, turbo props, and private turboprops typically provide the most headroom, space, and quiet. But eager beagles have flown happily in even snug light jets too!

Any tips on getting my anxious pooch to relax?

Beyond desensitization, consider calming treats, pheromone sprays, headphone music, or asking your vet about short-term anti-anxiety medication to take the edge off for turbulence.

Will the crew pamper my pup as much as me?

While their focus remains safety, a soggy ball or biscuit may help bond your co-pilot with the cheerful flight attendant too! Most crews adore airborne animal antics.

Top Dog-Friendly Private Jet Companies

Company	Cabin Size	Dog Limit	Cage Requirement	Additional Fees
NetJets	Up to 14 seats	2 dogs maximum	Soft-sided carrier required	$250 per flight
Executive Jet Management	Range from 5-18 seats	No limit	Hard-sided carrier under seat	$100 cleaning fee
VistaJet	Range from 4-16 seats	2 dogs maximum	Soft-sided carrier under seat	$150 per flight
TMC Jets	Range from 6-18 seats	2 dogs maximum	Hard-sided carrier under seat	No additional fees
XO	Range from 4-18 seats	No limit	Soft-sided carrier under seat	$250 cleaning fee

FAQ

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

   Generally yes, you can bring your dog along for a trip in a private aircraft. Many private jet charter companies allow properly documented dogs to travel with their owners. However, there may be some size or breed restrictions based on the specific aircraft. It’s best to check with your charter provider beforehand to ensure your furry friend can join you in the sky.

2. Will my dog be comfortable on a small plane?

   Whether your dog seems comfortable or not on a private jet may depend a lot on how they usually react to new experiences. Some dogs take to air travel with no problems at all while others might get nervous. Making sure your pup is properly exercised, fed, and watered before the flight can help. You may also want to ask your vet about a mild calming aid if your doggo typically gets anxious. Overall, most pups do okay as long as their human is by their side to reassure them.

3. What documents do I need for my dog on a chartered jet?

   The specific paperwork requirements can vary depending on where you’re departing from and arriving to. In general, you’ll need your dog’s vaccination records showing they are up-to-date on all shots. Proof the pooch has been examined by a vet within a certain number of days before travel may also be required. An international health certificate or travel letter signed off by your vet is usually needed for international pupper jet-setting as well. It’s best to confirm the exact docs needed well before your private plane excursion.

4. Is there an extra charge to bring a dog aboard?

   Most charter services do charge an additional fee if you want to bring Fido or Fluffy along. The pet transport rate might be based on your dog’s weight or size. There could even be a flat surcharge per canine companion. However, when you crunch the numbers the overall pet package price is sometimes comparable to kennel fees or commercial pet air travel expenses for your furry flying friend. It’s worthwhile to ask for pet quotes from multiple charter providers to find the best deal.

5. Where will my dog sit on the plane?

   On a private jet, your pooch will typically get to sit right by your side for the duration of the flight. Many aircraft have luxury seats ideal for canine co-piloting. In some cases, a travel crate may be needed for safety during take-off and landing. Although your doggy probably dreams of having the whole plane to themselves, for everyone’s security they’ll sit buckled in next to their human. Nevertheless, swanky padded seats in a VIP cabin beat cramming Fido into a commercial carrier any day!

   

6. Can my dog’s anxiety affect the flight?

   If your dog has severe anxiety issues, it’s possible their stress level could disrupt the flight or cause difficulties. For instance, incessant barking, howling or whining may distract the pilot. Uncontrolled pacing, jumping or other hyper behavior could interfere with the crew’s work. Likewise, if a panic-stricken puppy has an “accident” on board, it obviously needs cleaning up. Therefore, it may not be a good idea to bring an especially high-strung hound without properly preparing them first with training or meds prescribed by your vet. At the same time, well-behaved pets rarely pose problems even if they get nervous.

In summary, many aviation experts agree that with proper precautions, canine air travel poses basically no real safety risk whatsoever. In fact, lots of important service dogs regularly fly privately with zero issues. As the saying goes, “a pilot’s best friend is their co-pilot!” So don’t be afraid to include your beloved pooch in lux private plane plans. Just be sure to check regulations and prepare pup appropriately to make the flying experience epic for everyone.