The holidays are one of the busiest times of the year for private aviation. Between family gatherings, winter getaways, and year-end business travel, aircraft and crew availability tighten fast. A little foresight can make the difference between a smooth, stress-free trip and a series of last-minute surprises. Here are practical, experience-based tips to help you get the most out of your holiday private jet charter.
Holiday travel demand peaks weeks before Thanksgiving and again through New Year’s. The earlier you share your plans, the easier it is to secure your preferred aircraft, crew, and departure times. Early booking also gives your operator time to prepare for parking or airport slot restrictions, which become more complicated as dates fill up.
Major airports get even busier during the holidays. Selecting a smaller, nearby airport can save hours in delays and ground congestion. Private terminals (FBOs) at these alternate airports usually provide faster check-in, easier parking, and a more personalized experience; especially when traveling with family or extra luggage.
Providing your travel schedule well in advance helps your operator plan pilot duty times and aircraft positioning efficiently. When possible, request that your crew and aircraft be positioned the night before your trip, especially if snow or poor weather is forecasted. It might cost a little more but overnight hangaring at the departure point can prevent early morning complications and reduce the need for deicing in applicable climates.
Winter weather is unpredictable, so flexibility is key. Build in a buffer for potential delays and discuss contingency plans with your operator. Positioning the aircraft ahead of time and securing hangar space at both departure and arrival airports helps avoid last-minute scrambles and keeps the aircraft protected from the elements. Flying into Aspen airport is convenient but speak with your flight team to discuss a weather backup plan, such as diverting into Rifle Airport; having to cancel a prearranged car service is a lot easier than scrambling to pack 2 kids, 3 dogs and an angry spouse into an Uber XL!
Private aircraft often have generous but specific luggage limits. Use soft-sided bags, confirm there’s space for bulky items like skis or golf clubs, and even share photos or details of your luggage ahead of time. This allows the crew to plan weight distribution properly and can help expedite your departure.
If you’re bringing pets, especially internationally, notify your operator early. Different countries have unique health certificate and customs requirements, and processing can take several days. Having everything in order before your trip avoids stressful delays at departure or arrival.
If you’ll be spending multiple days at your destination, ask about hangar options for the aircraft. Keeping the plane indoors protects it from weather, mitigates deicing costs, and reduces turnaround time for your return flight.
Holiday travel delays tend to stack up later in the day. Early morning departures are usually more reliable and help you stay on schedule. If you can, keep your return plans slightly flexible; weather, air traffic, or ground congestion can sometimes shift departure times.
It’s best to check, recheck, and check again that all passports, IDs, and travel documents are in order. This is where working with a reliable, established operator truly matters. Saving a few thousand dollars by choosing a discount provider isn’t worth being stranded on the tarmac the day before Christmas wishing you’d chosen the other provider.
For popular holiday destinations like Aspen, North Eleuthera, Bozeman, or St. Marteen, arrival and parking slots can be limited. A dependable operator will arrange these well in advance to ensure smooth handling and timely arrivals.
If you can, avoid the most congested travel dates such as November 25-30, December 22–24, 26-28, and January 2-4. A small adjustment can save hours of waiting. Instead of trying to get home the Sunday after the holiday, Monday departures are often more reliable and less stressful.
Holiday travel plans often evolve. Guest lists change, luggage increases, or departure times shift. Keeping your operator updated, even with small details, allows them to adapt quickly and ensure your trip stays seamless.
Your pilots, flight attendants, and ground staff often spend the holidays away from their own families to make yours go smoothly. When faced with delays or schedule changes, remember that your crew likely wants to get home to their loved ones just as much as you do. A little patience and understanding go a long way. A simple thank-you or small gesture of appreciation can make a real difference and sets the tone for the entire experience.
Flying private during the holidays should feel effortless, not stressful. The key is proactive communication, flexibility, and partnering with a trusted team that prioritizes safety, timing, and your overall experience. With a little planning, you can focus less on logistics and more on celebrating the season the way it should be; comfortably, privately, and on your own schedule.
By choosing Gold Aviation, you can trust that your holiday travel is planned down to the last detail, ensuring a smooth, stress-free journey.
