The short version
Flying private is simpler than you think. Arrive at the private terminal 15 minutes before departure. Walk straight to your aircraft. Take off on your schedule. No security lines. No boarding groups. No overhead bin fights. Your luggage goes from your car to the plane in minutes. The entire airport experience — from pulling up to wheels off — takes less time than getting through a commercial TSA checkpoint.
Here is exactly what your first flight looks like, from booking to landing.
Before you fly
How to book
When you fly with Après Air, booking takes about 60 seconds. Search your route, see instant pricing across every aircraft class, and reserve. No phone calls, no waiting for callbacks. If you prefer a personal touch, your concierge team responds within the hour to handle any trip details — multi-leg itineraries, special requests, catering preferences, anything.
What to pack
There are no TSA liquid restrictions on domestic private flights. Bring full-size toiletries, water bottles, whatever you need. No 3-1-1 bags. No removing laptops from your bag. Your luggage goes from your car directly into the aircraft — no conveyor belts, no baggage carousel, no risk of lost bags.
What to wear
Whatever you want. There is no dress code. Plenty of passengers fly in gym clothes, pajamas, ski gear, or bare feet. It is your cabin.
Catering
Tell your concierge team what you like and it will be on the aircraft when you arrive. Dietary restrictions, favorite snacks, champagne on ice, a full hot meal — it is all customizable. Most light jets stock a refreshment center with drinks and light snacks as standard. Heavy jets can accommodate full catering from local restaurants.
Arriving at the FBO
Your private terminal is called an FBO — Fixed Base Operator. Think of it as a luxury lounge with tarmac access, not a commercial airport. Every major airport has at least one, and many have several.
Finding the FBO
FBOs are separate buildings from the main terminal, usually on the airport perimeter. Your concierge will send you the exact address, gate code if needed, and GPS coordinates. First-timers are often surprised at how close you park to the aircraft.
Parking
Drive up and park right outside the entrance. Many FBOs offer complimentary valet. At others, you park in a small lot steps from the door. No parking garages, no shuttle buses, no terminal trains.
Check-in
Walk in and give your name. That is it. No check-in counter, no boarding pass, no ID verification lines. The FBO staff knows you are coming and your crew is already on the aircraft. The process takes about 90 seconds.
Walking to your aircraft
A staff member walks you through the FBO lounge and out to the tarmac. Your aircraft is right there — often 100 feet from the door. Your luggage goes from your car to the cargo hold while you walk aboard.
On your aircraft
What the cabin looks like depends on your aircraft size. The Après Air network includes everything from nimble light jets to ultra long range aircraft with full sleeping quarters. Here is what to expect at each level.
Light Jets
6–8 seatsComfortable but compact. Leather club seating with fold-out tables, power outlets, and a refreshment center. Ideal for trips under 3 hours. You won't fully stand up in the cabin, but you will have more personal space than any commercial seat.
Midsize Jets
8–9 seatsFull stand-up cabin, wider seats, enclosed lavatory. Enough room to work comfortably at the table or stretch out. Wi-Fi is standard on most aircraft. A meaningful step up in cabin space for cross-country flights.
Super Midsize Jets
9–12 seatsFlat-floor cabin with a large baggage compartment. Full galley for catering. Conference-table seating makes it ideal for working groups. Coast-to-coast range without fuel stops.
Heavy Jets
12–16 seatsA flying living room. Multiple seating zones, sleeping berths, full galley, enclosed lavatory, and dedicated crew. Flight attendant service is standard. These are the aircraft you see in the movies — and they are as good as they look.
Ultra Long Range
14–19 seatsThe pinnacle. Separate sleeping quarters, showers on some aircraft, satellite-connected entertainment, and intercontinental range. Gulfstream G650s, Global 7500s, and Falcon 8Xs. Built for flights that cross oceans.
Every aircraft in the Après Air network features full-size seats, fold-out work surfaces, power outlets, and a refreshment center. Wi-Fi is available on most midsize and larger aircraft.
During the flight
Use your phone the entire time — there is no “airplane mode” announcement on private flights. Make calls, send texts, join a video meeting, watch a movie, or just enjoy the view from a real window seat.
Work on your laptop with actual table space. Have a confidential meeting without worrying about the person next to you. Let your kids spread out without disturbing anyone. Open the refreshment center whenever you want. Recline your seat fully without asking permission.
It is your cabin. Use it however you want.
On heavy jets and ultra long range aircraft, a dedicated flight attendant handles catering service, beverage refills, and cabin management — so you can focus on whatever matters most to you during the flight.
Landing
When you land, your aircraft taxis directly to the FBO. No waiting for a gate assignment. No taxiing behind 12 other planes. The door opens, you walk down the stairs, and your ground transportation is waiting on the tarmac — or just steps away in the FBO lot.
Your luggage goes from the aircraft to your vehicle in minutes. The entire arrival — from touchdown to driving away — takes under 10 minutes for domestic flights.
For international flights, customs and immigration are handled at the FBO. An agent meets you at the aircraft or in the terminal. It is typically faster and more private than the commercial customs hall.
The real difference from commercial
Fifteen minutes at the airport instead of two-plus hours. No security. No connections. No lost luggage. You set the departure time. You choose who is on the plane. You land at airports commercial airlines do not serve — Teterboro, Aspen-Pitkin, Nantucket Memorial, Jackson Hole.
The honest trade-off is cost. Private charter costs more than commercial, full stop. But for the time saved on a business trip, the stress avoided with family, or the privacy on a sensitive journey — many people find it worth every dollar after the first flight.
And for flexible travelers, empty leg deals on the Après Air network offer private flights at up to 75% off — sometimes competing with first-class ticket pricing. It is the best-kept deal in private aviation.
How to fly with Après Air
Search your route and see instant pricing across every aircraft class. No phone calls, no waiting for callbacks, no obligation. Pick the aircraft that fits your trip and reserve it in minutes.
If you want a human touch, your concierge team responds within the hour. Multi-leg itineraries, pet travel, custom catering, specific aircraft requests — they handle it all.
For flexible travelers, Après Air’s empty leg deals offer flights at up to 75% off. Sign up for route alerts and get notified by text when a deal matches your corridor.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I book?
For the best aircraft selection and pricing, 7–14 days is ideal. But same-day flights are absolutely possible — Après Air can have your aircraft confirmed within hours. Last-minute availability depends on your route and the time of year.
Can I bring my pet?
Yes. Your pet flies in the cabin with you — no cargo hold, no carrier size restrictions, no breed bans. Most passengers bring dogs, but cats, birds, and other animals fly regularly. Just let your concierge know when you book so the crew can prepare.
Is there a dress code?
No. It's your aircraft. Wear a suit, wear sweats, wear flip-flops. There is no dress code on private flights. You'll see everything from business attire to ski gear to pajamas on family trips.
Do I go through TSA?
No. Private flights depart from FBOs (Fixed Base Operators), which are separate from commercial terminals. There are no security lines, no body scanners, no removing your shoes. You walk from your car to your aircraft in minutes.
How much luggage can I bring?
It depends on the aircraft. Light jets typically fit 4–6 standard bags plus a few carry-ons. Heavy jets can handle golf bags, ski equipment, oversized luggage, and 12+ suitcases with ease. No checked bag fees, no weight limits beyond the aircraft's capacity. Your concierge can confirm baggage capacity for your specific aircraft.
What happens if my flight is delayed?
Private flights rarely experience the delays you see in commercial aviation — there are no connection dependencies and no boarding queues. Weather is the main variable. If conditions require a delay, your concierge coordinates directly with you and the crew to adjust timing. You're never stuck at a gate without information.
Do I tip the pilots?
Tipping is not expected, but it's appreciated. $100–$200 per pilot is a common gesture on longer flights or when the crew has gone above and beyond. You can hand it to them directly or leave it in an envelope on the aircraft.
How do I book my first flight with Après Air?
Search your route on Après Air for instant pricing across every aircraft class. Pick the aircraft that fits your trip, and reserve it in minutes. If you want a human touch, your concierge team responds within the hour. No phone tag, no obligation.
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Written by the Après Air team. Last updated: March 2026.