But does this flexibility extend to its luggage allowances? At Multiflight, we take pride in delivering exemplary service to our clients across the globe, and the last thing we would want is for you to arrive at our terminal with luggage that exceeds the capacity of your aircraft. As such, we have outlined the legal considerations and potential alterations that can be made to your scheduled flight to accommodate you and your belongings when you fly private.
What are the weight restrictions on private aircraft?
Typically, there are no fixed weight restrictions on private aircraft and luggage allowance is determined by the amount of space available either in the cargo hold or on board the plane.
How many suitcases can you bring on a private flight?
During the booking process, you will be given the luggage capacity of the aircraft assigned to your journey, but often the luggage requirements equate to one item of hold luggage per passenger. If the plane carries 6 passengers, each passenger would be allowed to bring one standard suitcase where a standard suitcase carries 23kg of luggage.
Large private aircraft will have a separate cargo space beneath the cabin, allowing them to carry a larger ratio of luggage to passenger. Cargo space can range from around 50 cubic feet on smaller aircraft to nearly 200 cubic feet on ultra long range jets.
This is not a fixed rule, so speak with your charter broker in the early stages of booking if you have any additional or special luggage requirements.
Can weight restrictions impact journey distance?
Weight restrictions apply where the aircraft would need to carry less fuel to account for the additional weight, but this is unlikely to occur on short distance flights.
Every aircraft has a maximum take off weight to ensure the safety of passengers and crew during the flight. More passengers aboard a plane can compromise your luggage allowance. You must keep your charter broker informed of any changes to the number of passengers intending to travel.
Transporting items that don’t fit in your suitcase
Oftentimes, you might wish to travel with belongings that don’t fit the standard size or shape requirements. This could be anything from musical instruments and sporting equipment to your pets.
Private aviation can offer greater flexibility when travelling with items that may be difficult to accommodate on a commercial flight. However, unusual luggage requirements still need to be checked against the aircraft’s capacity and any applicable transport restrictions so you need to provide the dimensions and approximate weight of each item when requesting a quote. Photographs can help clarify unusual luggage requirements.
Depending on the aircraft and journey, items that may be accommodated include:
- Golf clubs and other sporting equipment
- Skis, snowboards and ski boots
- Musical instruments
- Pushchairs and child travel equipment
- Business equipment or presentation materials
- Bulky suitcases and specialist travel bags
- Hanging space for suits and structured clothing
Can you take pets on a private flight?
Many private jet charter operators can arrange flights with pets, making private aviation an appealing option if you’re travelling with dogs or cats. Before booking, let your charter broker know which animals will be travelling, their size, their weight, and whether they will need a carrier or other equipment.
Before travelling to Great Britain, your pet must have:
- Pet Passport or Animal Health Certificate
- Microchip
- Rabies Vaccination, Boosters and Blood Test
- Tapeworm Treatment
- Before your pet arrives in the UK, it must have been seen by a VET no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 Hours (5days)
All the above must be sent to your charter broker team by email at least 24 hours before your flight departs to the UK. Multiflight at Leeds Bradford Airport is approved as one of the UK’s entry points for pets and our pet travel scheme is more than happy to accommodate assistance dogs on our flights.
Does hand luggage count towards your private jet luggage allowance?
Yes. Hand luggage and personal belongings contribute to the total weight carried onboard, even when they are stored in the cabin rather than the baggage compartment.
The amount of cabin baggage you can bring depends on the aircraft’s layout and available storage. Some jets have overhead compartments or dedicated cupboards, while others offer more limited space for bags inside the cabin.
Passengers should also consider whether their belongings can be stored securely during take off and landing, although this can be managed by the flight crew with appropriate warning.
If you intend to bring laptops, briefcases, handbags or other items into the cabin, include them in your luggage estimate when booking. This helps ensure that the aircraft can accommodate everything comfortably and safely.
How can you make sure your luggage fits on a private jet?
The simplest way to avoid luggage discrepancies is to discuss your requirements before the aircraft is confirmed. When arranging your private jet charter, provide your broker with as much detail as possible about your party and baggage. This will help them choose an aircraft that fits your requirements.
Before your flight, it is worth checking the following:
- Confirm the passenger numbers: The final passenger count can affect the aircraft’s available payload and luggage capacity.
- Check dimensions as well as weight: This is especially important for skis, golf clubs, musical instruments and other oversized items.
- Arrange travel for your pets: Confirm the arrangements with the operator and check any destination specific requirements.
- Report changes before departure: Additional passengers or luggage may require the operator to review the flight plan or aircraft suitability.
What can’t you take on a private flight?
Although private jet travel offers greater flexibility over luggage, there are still restrictions on what passengers can bring onboard, as there would be with any flight.
Items that may be prohibited or require prior approval include:
- Dangerous goods: Explosives, flammable substances, certain chemicals and other hazardous materials cannot be carried unless specifically permitted under the applicable regulations and handling procedures.
- Weapons and ammunition: These are subject to strict legal requirements and operator approval.
- Lithium batteries: Spare batteries and power banks can be subject to specific requirements for how they are carried and stored. Check with your charter broker before travelling with large batteries or specialist electronic equipment.
- Restricted or illegal substances: Items prohibited by law cannot be carried simply because the flight is private. Rules may differ between departure and destination countries.
- Items restricted by customs: Food, plants, animal products and other goods may be subject to import restrictions or declaration requirements when crossing international borders.
Need more information?
Luggage restrictions vary across airlines and international borders. If you have any questions regarding luggage requirements for your private journey, give us a call at Multiflight.
Please visit our private jet charter hire page for more information. Being based in Leeds, Multiflight are in a prime location to offer our jet hire services to Manchester, Teesside, Humberside and across the UK. Contact us to ensure a smooth, stress free trip to and from the UK.
