March 12, 2021
CFG Client Services
As the COVID-19 outbreak continues, many travelers are left wondering how to fly during the Coronavirus pandemic. While commercial and private flights are still making trips within the U.S., there are some safety precautions and tips you may want to consider before booking your next trip.
Because private jets operate under different standards and provide more intimate flying experiences than commercial flights, using a private jet during the Coronavirus may be a safer option than flying commercially. Allowing you to skip security lines and avoid crowded spaces, private jet charters could help you avoid potential contamination. That, in combination with our Coronavirus flying precautions, helps us to create a safer environment for our passengers.
For more information on how to fly during Coronavirus, read our guide below, and consider booking a charter plane service if you need to travel at this time.
If you have come into contact with someone with the virus, experienced symptoms, or tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 14 days, do not travel. Immediately contact your doctor and follow the appropriate precautions, such as taking a test and going into quarantine for the recommended amount of time.
While you must not travel if you have the virus, you might be asking yourself, should I be flying right now during the Coronavirus outbreak? Yes, you can still fly right now. However, whether you should or not depends on your situation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says COVID cases are still extremely high, and it recommends no traveling unless it is absolutely necessary.
But what if you have received the COVID-19 vaccinations? The most recent CDC travel recommendations make no differentiation between those who are vaccinated and those who are not. The guidelines continue to discourage travel at this time, even for those who have been vaccinated and those who are considered low-risk.
The CDC has also found that traveling increases your chances of getting the virus and spreading it to others. As mentioned above, under no circumstances should you fly if you have been exposed to the virus or are feeling unwell. It is also important to note that even if you feel fine and are not exhibiting symptoms, you can still spread the virus, making it pertinent to follow safety guidelines and precautions at all times.
With that said, the airline industry is pushing back with the hopes that the CDC will release new travel guidelines for those who have already received vaccinations. In fact, the industry group Airlines For America argues airplane travel is considered low risk due to heavily filtered air and mask mandates.
As the world continues to grapple with Coronavirus, what do you do if flying is necessary for you? If your upcoming trip is essential, consider reserving a private jet charter instead of a commercial flight. There are several benefits as to why flying private may be a safer option than flying commercial when it comes to avoiding the virus.
For starters, private charters offer a more intimate in-flight experience. Unlike commercial aircraft, our jets are limited to a small number of passengers, so we cannot fly hundreds of people at one time. After all, the U.S. government has ordered citizens to avoid big gatherings and crowded spaces, so this makes our private jets a prime option when it comes to adhering to these social distancing standards. In fact, many of our jets can only accommodate eight to 10 passengers at once, which is perfect for when you are avoiding close contact with others.
At Charter Flight Group, we invite you to use our private jet comparisons charts to determine the aircraft that best suits your preferences. Look into the amenities, history, highlights, and specifications of each aircraft and choose one that has the appropriate amount of space for your needs. If you are concerned about the size of your aircraft, pick the one that can carry your ideal number of passengers. The choice is yours.
When flying private, the lead passenger often determines which passengers share their aircraft. Because there is limited space on the aircraft, you get to choose who fills those seats, whether it is your colleagues or family members. This lets you travel with people who are either in your household unit or who are following the same safety precautions as you are. Compare this to flying on a commercial flight with hundreds of strangers, and it is no wonder so many people are choosing private travel right now.
Another reason why using a private jet during Coronavirus is a safer option right now is that you do not have to pass through security screenings before boarding your jet like you would at a commercial airport. Our top private jet airports allow you to surpass the security gates and crowded airport settings, which may help you avoid contamination. There is no need to line up with other travelers and touch bins and conveyor belts.
If you do not need to pass through the main airport hub before boarding your private flight, you will likely go through a private airport setting, often referred to as a fixed base operator (FBO), which will be far less crowded. Other times, you can drive right up to your jet on the tarmac and directly board your private aircraft for takeoff, letting you bypass other travelers. Less interaction with others potentially means less exposure to the virus.
Additionally, at Charter Flight Group, our team is following the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Transportation Security Association (TSA), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). When it comes to private jet safety, we are more than covering all the bases.
Before boarding a private aircraft with Charter Flight Group, every passenger must present a COVID-19 Health Declaration Form. By signing this form, you declare that you have not received a positive COVID test, experienced symptoms, or knowingly come into contact with anyone with the virus within the past 14 days. You also agree to inform the charter company should your status change, such as if you receive a COVID-19 diagnosis, within 14 days before your flight and 30 days after. This information helps keep our passengers and flight crew as safe as possible.
All private jet passengers must also consent to a touchless infrared temperature check before boarding a flight with Charter Flight Group. However, this is not a requirement for every commercial airline. We do this to help protect our travelers and crew.
Following CDC recommendations, we will not allow a passenger to board the aircraft if their temperature exceeds 100.4 degrees F. Should you fail your temperature check, you will receive a 100% cancellation fee. Alternatively, if you have been treated for a non-communicable illness, which may exhibit symptoms or a high fever, you must provide a doctor’s note 24 hours prior to your departure.
At this time, every passenger is required to wear a mask covering their noses and mouths for the entirety of their private flight. If you do not comply, you will not be allowed to travel with us.
Above all, we trained our flight personnel on safety procedures and guidelines, and we are taking every precaution to help prevent the spread of the virus. We deep clean every aircraft and treat the interior with anti-microbial spray. On top of that, every jet has sanitary moist towelettes and hand sanitizers on board for our passengers and crew. And if anyone on board should start showing signs of illness, we follow proper CDC guidelines for disinfecting and addressing the situation.
In addition to choosing to fly privately instead of commercially during this pandemic, there are several Coronavirus flying protections you can take leading up to flying and during your travels.
At all times during this pandemic, you should frequently be washing your hands, using hand sanitizer, and avoiding touching your face, nose, and mouth. Experts also encourage wearing a mask over your nose and mouth and maintaining at least six feet of distance between you and people outside of your household. In fact, mask coverings are required on all forms of public transportation in the U.S., including planes, trains, and buses, along with transportation hubs.
Within the 14 days before your travels, the CDC recommends not gathering with people outside of your household unit. This includes going to crowded areas like gyms, restaurants, and bars, and attending mass gatherings, such as weddings, parties, and funerals. If you do any of these activities prior to your trip, you are encouraged to delay your travels.
If you are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, experts recommend getting the recommended doses before traveling. If you cannot receive the vaccine yet, take a viral test one to three days before traveling. These tests are important because you can unknowingly be infected with the virus and spread it without even feeling any symptoms. Depending on your travel plans, you may be asked to present a copy of your negative test. If your test results are positive, do not fly.
Finally, be sure to look into state, territorial, and local travel requirements before booking your travel arrangements. Some areas may request viral test results, while others may require quarantine periods before or after your travels. Cities may also have certain mandates regarding social distancing and mask wearing. Do keep in mind, the U.S. currently requires a negative test or document of recovery before boarding a flight to the states.
At Charter Flight Group, we offer flexible flight itineraries and work to accommodate your schedule, so you can always book a private charter when you need it most. We even provide last-minute private jet charters, letting you take to the skies within just hours of contacting us. Our around-the-clock service means we will get you where and when you need to go as quickly and safely as possible. When it comes down to how to fly safely during Coronavirus, consider reserving your private jet with us today.
