1. Dress appropriately
Regardless of how comfortable your new Juicy Couture tracksuit may be: it wasn’t invited. We’re not saying you need to dress to the nines but you don’t know who else is travelling too, so we recommend you look like you deserve to be on that flight (in your own right).
2. Arrive on time
Travelling by private jet is nothing like commercial. You basically arrive at the airport, there’s a quick security check, you board, and then you’re good to go. Therefore, if you want to avoid being left behind we recommend you get there at least 20 minutes before wheels up.
3. Bear gifts
Approach the experience as you would a dinner party. Bring a bottle, be on your most charming behaviour, respect the moments of silence that may be deemed golden – and don’t take a seat before your host does. When you get home, send a formal, hand-written thank you note.
4. Be discrete
Okay so it may be tempting to gloat and let everyone in your entire phone directory know how you’re travelling but do not - we repeat, do not - share it on Twitter or Facebook. (That includes photos, of course.) If you do, you’ll pretty much guarantee you never get invited again.
5. Hide the jitters
If you suffer from a fear of flying - keep it a secret, as it’s just bad form. The take off may be a little scarier and the lateral movements take some getting used to but remember that private jets cruise at much higher altitudes than commercial airlines, meaning no turbulence.
6. Control the questions
In the same way your parents taught you to never talk about politics, religion or sex in polite company, you should never talk money either. Therefore, refrain from asking if the jet’s a GIV or a G550, how much he bought it for and how much the running costs amount to.
7. Zip it
Get it out straight of your head that there is some kind of ‘extra’ to be obtained from the stewardesses - flying private doesn't mean you’ll see any private parts. Do not stare, do not think illicit thoughts and do not think you’ll finally obtain membership of the ‘Mile High Club, because you won’t.
8. Follow thy leader
Take your cues from the host. In other words, if he decides to get some shut-eye then you should too, if he wants to open a bottle of 2005 Domaine de la Romanée Conti La Tache then don’t let him drink alone and if he decides to watch a movie, then make sure you watch your own.
9. No tipping
As a rule of thumb: you shouldn’t ever tip someone else's crew, pilot or skipper if you are the guest as it’ll be considered rude to whomever invited you in the first place. Also an insincere offer to pay for your ‘share’ of the jet fuel is just about the silliest thing you could do.
10. Land and go
Make sure you organise your own ground transportation so that they’re waiting for you upon your arrival. This way you won’t be inconveniencing your host more than necessary. After all you just hitched one free ride, don’t exacerbate the issue by needing another.
