Booking a private jet: from enquiry to departure

An eleven o'clock meeting in London gives us a useful starting point. We can work back from your arrival at the meeting, allowing for the drive from the airport. You do not need to arrive with an aircraft model in mind. Tell us where you need to be and when.

With essential.aero, you request a private jet charter for your itinerary. We assess suitable aircraft and discuss the options with you. The flight enquiry is a request for a quote, not a booking or an aircraft reservation.

1. Start with the time that matters.

Give us your departure point, destination and travel dates. In the form, you can specify a preferred arrival time instead of a departure time. Flight times refer to local time at the relevant airport. If you have a meeting or an onward connection, include its time and address separately so that we can consider the journey beyond the flight.

For a return or multi-city trip, include the full itinerary. Passenger numbers can differ on each leg: perhaps two colleagues join for the second flight. Mention luggage at the outset, especially skis, golf bags or a pushchair. These details help us assess the aircraft before presenting options.

You can start with our flight enquiry even if you have not chosen an airport or aircraft category. Use the notes to explain which details are still flexible.

2. Choose the aircraft around your journey.

A jet that suits a day trip to London may not be the right choice for an overnight flight to New York. We consider the route and your party, as well as your luggage and how you want to spend the flight. Our aircraft categories are a useful starting point. We check the seating layout and equipment of the aircraft offered, as these can vary even between aircraft of the same model.

The airport deserves just as much attention. For London, for example, your destination address and timings help determine which airport makes sense. Our London airport comparison explains the choices. A shorter flight is of limited benefit if it adds a long drive at the other end.

Compare the total quote with the flight and services it covers. Check catering, transfers and any charges that depend on conditions on the day. Our private jet cost guide explains the price components in more detail, with route examples to help you set an initial budget.

3. Know what you are confirming.

Before you decide, the proposed aircraft, itinerary and total price should be clear, along with the payment terms and the conditions for changes or cancellation. Check how long the quote is valid and what is required to secure the flight. Aircraft availability can change while you consider an offer.

We act as your charter intermediary; the operating air carrier performs the flight. We discuss the booking details with you so you can make your decision on the agreed terms. An acknowledgement that your online enquiry has arrived does not confirm the flight.

4. Leave home with the right departure address.

Before travelling, confirm the exact meeting point, the time to be there and your contact for the day. At an airport with several terminals or handling locations, the airport name alone may not be enough for your driver. Follow the instructions for your confirmed flight rather than a general recommendation to arrive a set number of minutes before departure.

Passenger details and the travel documents required for the itinerary are arranged during preparation. You do not need to enter passenger names or upload passports in our initial enquiry. If you are travelling with a pet, tell us its type and weight and whether a pet passport is available. Acceptance on the flight and the applicable travel requirements still need to be checked.

Ask for any ground transfer you would like us to organise through local partners. For a helicopter connection, mention all luggage, including bulky items: a separate luggage transfer may be needed. Confirm the arrangements as part of the journey, including what happens if weather prevents the connection.

5. A changed meeting means a changed flight plan.

Let us know as soon as timings, passenger numbers or your destination change. We check what can be adjusted and whether it affects the price. A private flight is still subject to airport availability and the aircraft's schedule; a later departure cannot simply be assumed.

Weather can also alter the plan, particularly at mountain airports. If the planned arrival is not possible, an alternative airport and onward transfer may be needed. Where this is relevant to your trip, discuss the alternative before booking, including the extra journey time and how any costs would be handled.

Arranging the flight for someone else?

Use your own contact details and select the option to enquire on behalf of another person. Include the traveller's fixed appointments and tell us who will review the proposal. If colleagues join or leave partway through the trip, enter the passenger count for each leg. Traveller names can follow during preparation.

A useful first brief might read: four travellers from Hamburg to London, a meeting at eleven in Mayfair, a return flight after 18:00, hand luggage only and a car on arrival. This gives us enough context to start checking options without asking you to choose an airport or jet first. It is a planning example, not a flight offer.

How far ahead should I book a private jet?

Enquire once your dates begin to take shape, especially for holidays, major events or a specific aircraft preference. Short-notice flights can be possible, but depend on the aircraft, crew and airports available. Share your earliest feasible departure time and any firm arrival deadline; we will check what can be arranged for that journey.