You’ve booked your first international private jet. Maybe it’s a business trip to London or a long-overdue getaway to the Amalfi Coast. Either way, congratulations, you’re in for an experience that’s miles above the commercial airline hustle.
Flying internationally on a private jet isn’t just about skipping long lines and crying babies in row 27. It’s about total control, comfort, and convenience. That said, there are still a few things first-timers should know to make the journey as smooth as your landing. Let’s walk through what to expect from pulling up to the private airport to touching down in a new country.
1. Your Private Airport Experience: Skip the Chaos
Forget crowded terminals and TSA lines that snake for miles. When you charter a private jet with Air 7, you’ll fly in and out of an FBO (Fixed Base Operator), thinking of it as a private airport lounge that meets concierge service.
At our world-class FBO in Camarillo, California, conveniently located near Los Angeles but without the city congestion, your car can pull up directly to the jet. Our staff will handle your luggage, your paperwork, and your pre-flight champagne (if that’s your vibe).
There’s no rush. No announcements. No boarding groups. Just you, your jet, and a quiet place to breathe before takeoff.
2. Yes, Private Jets Can Fly Internationally With a Few Extras
Here’s the short answer: yes, private jets can absolutely fly internationally. The key is working with a charter provider like Air 7 that knows the ins and outs of global operations.
International private flights involve additional logistics like overflight permits, customs clearance, and sometimes landing slot reservations. But don’t worry. Our Charter Sales Executives handle all of it for you. We’ve flown everywhere from Hawaii to Hong Kong, and we know exactly what it takes to make your international journey friction-free.
One important note: make sure your passport is valid and up to date. Even on a private jet, international border rules still apply.
3. Pack Smart (But Yes, You Can Bring More)
Packing for a private jet flight feels less like a game of luggage Tetris and more like packing. Most character private jets like the large-cabin Gulfstream G450 or the ultra-sleek Phenom 100 have spacious baggage compartments and onboard storage for everything from weekender bags to ski gear.
That said, international flights come with some baggage customs rules, so let us know in advance if you’re traveling with something unusual, oversized equipment, pets, or yes, even fine art. Traveling with Air 7 means you can relax knowing your luggage will never be “lost in transit.” It’s with you, door to door.
4. Arrival Times: When Should You Get to the Airport?
Unlike commercial flights, you don’t need to arrive hours in advance. For domestic private flights, showing up 15–30 minutes before departure is usually fine. For international private jet flights, we recommend arriving about 45–60 minutes ahead of time.
This gives us enough time to complete customs and immigration paperwork, verify passenger documents, and brief your flight crew, all without the stress of rushing through security in your socks.
5. Customs Clearance, Made Easy
Here’s where private jet travel really shines: international customs is handled quickly and quietly, often right on the tarmac. Depending on your departure and arrival countries, a customs officer may board the aircraft briefly or meet you inside a private lounge. Either way, you won’t be standing in a 90-minute queue at a crowded passport desk. Our team works closely with authorities to pre-clear documentation, so your entry process is swift and discreet. And yes, you’ll still get your passport stamped. But without the hassle.
6. Flight Planning, Fuel Stops, and In-Flight Experience
When you fly international on a private jet, there’s more to the route than just Point A to Point B. Longer flights sometimes require fuel stops, airspace clearance across multiple countries, and careful planning for weather or runway lengths.
That’s where Air 7’s global expertise makes a difference. Our team has 20+ years of experience coordinating private flights across the globe, and we work with the best pilots, aircraft, and planners in the industry. And once you’re in the air? Expect WiFi, plush seating, fine dining, and panoramic views. Whether you’re flying overnight or for a quick 6-hour sprint across the Atlantic, your in-flight experience is designed around your preferences not airline policies.
7. You’re Not Just Booking a Jet, You’re Booking a Team
At Air 7, you’re never just a name in a system. You have a dedicated Charter Sales Executive available 24/7/365, real human support, no call centers or ticket numbers.
We don’t just put you on a plane. We manage every detail from selecting the right jet to coordinating hotel transfers at your destination. Whether you’re headed to a business meeting in Zurich or a yacht in Mallorca, we make sure your trip is exactly how you imagined it (and probably better).
Final Tip: Choose the Right Charter Partner
Not all private jet experiences are created equal. You want luxury, yes, but also professionalism, safety, and personalized service. Air 7 is proud to be ARGUS Platinum rated, which puts us in the top tier of safety and operational excellence in the industry. Combine that with a fleet of high-end aircraft, decades of experience, and a boutique approach to service, and you get something rare in aviation: complete peace of mind.
Ready to take off?
Flying internationally on a private jet is one of the most liberating ways to travel. And with the right charter partner, it’s easier than you think. Let’s make it happen. Request a quote.
