How Private Jet Catering Works: What Can You Request?
Flying privately isn’t just about
choosing when and where you travel. The experience on board can also be tailored to you, and that includes what you eat and drink during your flight.
From a light breakfast before an early departure to a carefully prepared meal for a long-haul journey, private jet catering can be arranged around your preferences. But how does it actually work, and what can you request?
How Does Private Jet Catering Work?
When you book a private jet charter, your flight coordinator will discuss your requirements before departure. Alongside details such as passenger numbers and luggage, you’ll have the opportunity to specify any food and drink you’d like on board.
Your requests are then arranged ahead of the flight, usually through specialist aviation caterers or trusted local suppliers.
What can be provided will depend on factors including your departure airport, aircraft, destination and how much notice is available. However, private aviation provides considerably more flexibility than the standard meal options you’d expect on a commercial flight.
What Food Can You Request on a Private Jet?
There isn’t one set private jet menu. Catering can be adapted to the passengers and the journey.
For a short European flight, you might simply want pastries, fresh fruit, sandwiches or a light lunch. For longer journeys, you may prefer a more substantial meal.
Requests can include anything from:
- Breakfast and brunch
- Sandwiches and salads
- Hot meals
- Fresh fruit and snacks
- Desserts
- Children’s meals
- Celebration cakes
- Tea, coffee and soft drinks
Depending on availability, it may also be possible to request food from particular restaurants or cuisines. If something is important to your journey, it’s always worth asking when arranging your charter.
Can Dietary Requirements Be Catered For?
Yes. Dietary requirements can normally be accommodated when they’re communicated in advance.
This can include vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other specialist meal requirements. Passengers should also make the team aware of any food allergies when booking so these can be considered when arranging the catering.
Giving as much notice as possible provides the catering team with the best opportunity to meet specific requests.
Can You Request Champagne or Other Drinks?
Drinks can also be arranged to suit the occasion and flight. This could mean freshly brewed coffee for an early business flight, a particular soft drink, or champagne for the start of a holiday or special celebration.
If you have a favourite wine, champagne or another specific request, discuss it with your flight coordinator beforehand. Availability and applicable regulations can vary depending on the flight and operator.
Does Every Private Jet Have a Full Kitchen?
Not necessarily. The facilities available vary considerably between aircraft.
Larger private jets may have well-equipped galleys that allow cabin crew to prepare and serve more elaborate meals. Smaller light jets used for short journeys have more limited facilities, making cold dishes, snacks and food that can be easily served on board more practical.
This is another reason why choosing the right aircraft matters. Your Charter-A flight coordinator can advise what’s possible on the aircraft being considered for your journey.
What About Catering for Children?
Flying privately can make travelling as a family significantly easier, and catering can be adapted for younger passengers too.
Rather than expecting children to eat from an adult menu, you can request familiar meals, snacks and drinks. Letting the team know what your children enjoy before departure can make the flight more comfortable for everyone.
Make Your Flight Your Own
Private jet catering is ultimately another way of personalising your journey. You aren’t restricted to an airline’s predetermined menu or meal time. Instead, food and drink can be selected around your passengers’ preferences and reason for travelling.
Whether that means coffee and breakfast before a morning meeting, children’s favourites for a family holiday or champagne to begin a special trip, Charter-A can incorporate your catering requirements when arranging your private jet charter.
Speak to the Charter-A team about your journey and any catering requests, and they’ll help arrange an onboard experience tailored to you.
