The Benefits of Flying Private

Have you been putting your travel plans on hold? If you're dreaming of escaping to a tropical Caribbean paradise or peaceful alpine resort, a private jet charter can take you there safely and without delay. You'll have the entire cabin to yourself as you fly, so you can choose who you'll travel with rather than sit next to strangers. And, when you need to stretch your legs or take a nap, your private jet provides enough room to do so.

Flying Private vs. First Class

Why not fly first class instead? Flying first class or in a private jet are both comfortable ways to travel. However, chartering a private jet takes luxury to an unparalleled level. Unlike flying first class on a commercial flight, you'll skip the hassles of checking luggage, going through airport security and dealing with crowds when you charter a jet. You also don't have to arrive at the airport hours before your flight or wait in lines. Here are more benefits you can expect with a private jet charter:

• Inflight catering: Dining on a private jet goes beyond a first-class experience. During your journey, you'll be served gourmet catered cuisine prepared by chefs who understand the science of taste in flight. And, with champagne always available, you can easily unwind and get in a vacation-ready mood.
• Ultimate comfort: You can expect unmatched comfort when you fly private, such as fully reclining leather seats and plenty of legroom. Plus, you don't have to wait in line for the bathroom, and you can be sure you always have a window seat.
• Customized journey: When you charter a jet, you choose your flight schedule rather than follow the airline's plan. So, whether you want to leave early in the morning or late at night, your private jet will be waiting for you. You'll also coordinate your flight plan with the charter company, designing a journey that meets your needs.
• Fast and simple: Since private jets are typically smaller than commercial planes, they can land in smaller, less congested airports. This means you can land closer to your destination and won't have to spend as much time traveling from the airport or sitting in traffic. You'll also fly nonstop to your destination, so you don't have to worry about lengthy layovers. 
• Few restrictions: Do you want to bring your pets, golf clubs or favorite wine on your flight? Flying private often means you'll face fewer restrictions regarding what you can carry on board. In other words, you can bring whatever you need to feel comfortable as you fly and enjoy your vacation once you land.
• Peace and privacy: If you have business matters to address before your vacation officially starts, you can use your jet to be productive. You'll have unlimited access to Wi-Fi and the privacy you need to discuss confidential information with your colleagues. 
• Cost savings: If your time is as valuable as money, flying private is an economical choice. Without dealing with lines, layovers or the airline's schedule, you get to your destination faster, saving precious time and money.

How Do You Fly Private?

The first step to flying private is to find a reliable chartering company that services your area. GrandView Aviation, for example, flies on-demand out of all airports within a 300-mile radius of the following locations:

• Washington, D.C.
• Baltimore
• Austin
• Chicago
• Atlanta
• Scottsdale
• Denver
• Los Angeles
• Boston

You'll also need to know where you want to go and when. Once you determine your trip dates and destinations, contact your chosen charter company for a quote.

After you book your flight, the process gets even easier. On the day of departure, you'll arrive at your selected airport about 15 minutes before takeoff. This allows enough time for the crew to check your ID and load your luggage. Then, you'll board the aircraft, get comfortable and soar through the sky directly to your destination. No lines, no crowds, no hassles. 

What Airports Do Private Jets Use?

Private jets may use commercial, private or regional airports depending on the company and their customer's needs. 

Is Flying Private Safe?

Flying private is just as safe, if not more so, than flying on a commercial plane. Like commercial aircraft, private jets must meet safety and maintenance standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Many private jet charter companies exceed the minimum requirements established by the FAA. The best charter companies are also certified by aviation audit organizations, such as Wyvern and ARGUS, which further ensures safety. 

What Are the Top Private Jet Destinations?

Some of the most popular private jet charter destinations include mountainous ski towns, like Aspen, Colorado, and Caribbean islands, such as the Bahamas, Bermuda and St. Barts. In this guide, we'll explore some of the most breathtaking places you can reach on a private jet in minimal time and provide tips for booking your summer travel plans.

Are you ready to fly in comfort and style now? At GrandView Aviation, we offer on-demand private jet charters coupled with luxury and safety. Contact us today to learn more or request a quote for your private jet experience.

Chapter 1: Flying Private to the Caribbean This Summer

When you close your eyes and envision paradise, do you see palm trees, velvety white sand and endless blue water? If you're longing for a relaxing and luxurious island vacation, the Caribbean may be calling you.

The Caribbean comprises hundreds of islands dotting a gem-toned sea and gorgeous coastline. The region is synonymous with year-round balmy weather, picture-perfect beaches and opulent seaside resorts. If you want more than just a beach vacation, you'll find that in the Caribbean, too. You can explore colonial history, trek through tropical forests or shop to your heart's content — and those are just a few ways to enjoy your escape.

To make your journey even more blissful, you can fly on a private plane to Caribbean islands. If you fly private to the Caribbean, you don't have to wait until you land to start your vacation. Flying private allows you to slip into a stress-free state the moment you board your jet. You'll also arrive at your destination fast, giving you that much-needed dose of relaxation.

If you're ready to turn your Caribbean dream into a reality, this chapter will help you get started. We'll cover where to go in the Caribbean on a private jet, when to go and what to do when you arrive.

Where Do Private Jets Land in the Caribbean?

Private jets can land at any public-use airport in the Caribbean or private-use airport with permission. It all depends on where you want to go. Your flight coordinator will work with you to develop the best plan and select airports closest to your destinations.

When Is the Best Time to Fly to the Caribbean?

In general, the best time to fly to the Caribbean is in the winter, which is the dry season. However, winter is also the most popular time of year to visit the Caribbean, mainly because travelers flock there to escape cold weather. Many vacationers also want to experience Carnival, a world-famous celebration, which generally takes place in February and March. 

Summer and fall are when the beaches are less crowded, but rainfall is more common. The wet season in the Caribbean typically begins in May or June and lasts through November. This is also considered hurricane season.

To keep your Caribbean travel plans during hurricane season, you could fly to islands that are less likely to be affected by hurricanes. These include locations in the southern Caribbean, such as Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao and Barbados.

Overall, temperatures remain relatively constant throughout the year in the Caribbean region. So, any time of the year can be a good time for your island getaway if you know what to expect and plan accordingly. 

Which Caribbean Island Has the Best Weather?

Aruba boasts wonderful weather almost every month of the year. That's because it's one of the driest Caribbean islands, and its trade winds cool its almost constant 81-degree temperature.

In general, you can expect bright blue skies, warming sunshine and a refreshing breeze no matter when you visit Aruba. However, Aruba's soothing trade winds typically weaken in September, so you may want to avoid this month if you want to keep cool easily.

Which Caribbean Island Has the Nicest Beaches?

According to Travel and Leisure's World's Best Awards survey, Anguilla ranked as the top Caribbean island, with 33 stunning beaches. In Anguilla, you can expect silky white sand and calm, clear water — perfect for swimming or snorkeling. Some of the best beaches in Anguilla include:

• Rendezvous Bay
• Shoal Bay
• Maundays Bay
• Meads Bay

What Is the Easiest Caribbean Island to Fly To?

The Bahamas is very easy to fly to, as it takes less than an hour to reach from Miami. Jamaica and Puerto Rico are also simple flight destinations because several major U.S. airlines travel to these islands daily. If you fly private, you can quickly reach any Caribbean island with an airport from the United States.

Which Islands Should I Visit?

Choosing where to go in the Caribbean can be challenging because many islands offer unique charm and fun ways to unwind. To help you decide where to go, consider the following Caribbean destinations, all of which are known for their scenic beaches, deluxe resorts and fascinating cultures:

• Bermuda: Bermuda is known for its oceanside golf courses, pink-sand beaches and world-class diving sites. You can easily reach Bermuda by booking a private flight to L.F. Wade International Airport.
• The British Virgin Islands (BVI): If you love to sail, consider vacationing in the British Virgin Islands. Consisting of more than 50 islands and cays, BVI can be a fun destination for island hopping.
• Turks and Caicos Islands: With calm water and coral reefs, the Turks and Caicos archipelago is a dream destination for water sports. Visit Turks and Caicos to go diving, snorkeling, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding or simply to enjoy gorgeous beaches.
• Aruba: Besides its year-round pleasant weather and picturesque beaches, Aruba is home to colorful colonial Dutch architecture, rugged desert landscapes and glittering casinos. Get on a flight to Queen Beatrix International Airport and forget time exists.
• St. Lucia: St. Lucia conjures images of the Pitons — two volcanic plugs that tower over the sea. But it's also a destination for chocolate lovers. Visit St. Lucia to tour a cacao plantation or indulge your senses with a chocolate spa treatment.
• Bahamas: The Bahamas can satisfy any traveler's dreams. Whether you're craving a luxury shopping spree, crispy conch fritters or a day of bonefishing, the Bahamas and its many islands await you.
• Cayman Islands: The Cayman Islands is a coveted destination for diving and snorkeling, and it's also considered the culinary capital of the Caribbean. Here you can swim with stingrays or dive down to a shipwreck then fuel up for your next adventure at a world-class restaurant.
• St. Barts: St. Barts is a glamorous French-Caribbean island known for its posh villas, upscale boutiques and fine-dining restaurants. It's the ideal destination for cruising turquoise waters in a stylish yacht.
• Jamaica: Whether you love smooth rum, smoky jerk chicken or soulful reggae, you won't forget your trip to Jamaica. With three International airports, it's easy to reach Jamaica whenever you need to get away.
• St. Kitts and Nevis: St. Kitts and the neighboring island of Nevis are known as the Caribbean's secret gems. With scenic golf courses, oceanfront resorts and friendly locals, St. Kitts and Nevis islands are perfect for relaxing.
• Canouan: Canouan is a small, luxurious island in the nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. You can take a private jet to Canouan Airport and immediately enjoy the island's offerings, including upscale villas and beautiful golf courses.
• Barbados: Barbados has everything a traveler could hope to find on a Caribbean island, from lush, tropical landscapes to fusion cuisine bursting with flavor. Book a private flight to Grantley Adams International Airport and prepare to satisfy all of your Caribbean cravings.
• Dominican Republic: Millions of people visit the Dominican Republic each year for its white-sand beaches, hospitable locals, historical attractions and rich culture. This island is home to multiple airports, so you can easily plan a flight that lands close to your accommodations.

Steps for Planning Your Caribbean Flight

Planning a trip to the Caribbean can be as simple as chartering an on-demand jet and packing your bag. However, if you want to ensure you make the most of your vacation, it's worth planning the most important details a few months in advance — especially if you're traveling during peak season. You can take these steps to plan your Caribbean escape whether you wish to board a private jet in a few days or a couple of months: 

1. Establish your budget: First, determine how much you can set aside for your trip, considering your flight, accommodations and attractions. Your budget will guide the rest of your planning decisions.
2. Consider who you're traveling with: How many people will be traveling with you to the Caribbean? Knowing your group size will help you find a private jet that's the right fit. Our Phenom 300 jets comfortably accommodate up to eight passengers.
3. Think about in-flight amenities: Consider all the amenities you want during your flight, whether you desire gourmet food or a comfortable space to conduct business. Knowing your in-flight essentials can help you maximize your time in the sky.
4. Choose your destination: Where do you want to go for your Caribbean escape? It may help to think about what you wish to accomplish during your vacation. For example, do you want to relax on the beach the whole time, or are you looking forward to exciting nightlife? Once you know your destination, a flight coordinator can plan the best route for you.
5. Determine your travel dates: Figure out when you want to travel and for how long. It can take several days to get into a relaxed mindset when you start a vacation, so the more time you have, the better. Also, make sure to consider the weather before you choose when to go.
6. Figure out the details: Determine where you'll stay, how you'll get around once you arrive and what you'll do or see while you're there. Although you don't need to figure out every moment of each day, you'll at least want to have a general idea of how you'll spend your time in the Caribbean. 
7. Obtain travel insurance: Travel insurance can cover certain aspects of your trip if you need to cancel. Depending on the policy, it may also provide reimbursement if your belongings get lost or damaged during your journey. Travel insurance is always a good idea if you're investing a lot in your trip.
8. Pack early: When you're about a week or two away from your departure date, create a packing list so you can remember everything you need for your trip. Also, check with your charter company to see what you can bring on your private jet. Make sure you pack for the weather and bring other travel necessities, such as a photo ID.

If you need assistance booking a private flight to the Caribbean, let us know at GrandView Aviation, and we'll be happy to assist you.