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The Corporate Jet – An excellent new experience
Lucky you! You’ve been invited to travel on your organization’s corporate jet. Dress professionally; think of this trip as an important business day. Arrive early. If everyone is there, the pilot may be able to take off sooner. You don’t want to be the person keeping everyone else waiting. Corporate jets are often leased by the hour. If you’re late, you not only cost your company money, but I am fairly certain that you will not be invited back.
You will have to make your own travel arrangements getting to and from the airport. Let your senior executives board first. Wait until your senior executives are seated before choosing your own seat. Or wait for a crew member to seat you. Senior executives get the best seats.
Some corporate jets have a steward on board. If not, you will get your own food and beverages. Bring your used plates, glasses, cups, napkins and silverware back to the galley. The galley is the kitchen area. Your seating area should be left in the same clean and orderly condition in which you found it. Should you be offered a ride (that does not involve business) on the private jet of a friend, then it is appropriate to bring a gift of food that can be enjoyed during the flight.
On your business flight, do not ask for a magazine or a newspaper. Come prepared with your own reading material. If this is a working flight, do not take out a book or e-reader to read. Follow the lead of your senior personnel.
Be mindful of your brand’s policy regarding alcohol during working hours. Never ask for an alcoholic beverage. If an executive opens a bottle of wine (or other alcoholic beverage) and offers a glass to each member of the group, then you may be comfortable in joining your colleagues.
Take only your carry-on tote or briefcase (or computer bag) and a small rolling piece of luggage (or a garment bag). Not only will you be expected to carry your own suitcases, but you will be unable to take a lot of luggage on a small jet.
Check with the person who made these travel arrangements for you. He or she will answer questions about your luggage or anything else related to your flight. Don’t forget to write a thank-you note to this helpful associate. Please remember to thank the steward(s), pilot and co-pilot by name for a wonderful flight. Remember that it’s “pilot” not “captain” on a private jet.
Excerpts of blog taken from the book: Hospitality Management – People Skills & Manners on and off the Job. Copyright © 2015 Lyn Pont, PhD
— Isadore Sharp, chairman and founder, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
“Pont’s book is a must-read for anyone considering a career in hospitality.”
