Hotel Del Coronado

Oh yes, the wonderful holiday season is upon us once again… Family and friends take extra time out of their busy schedules to spend time with loved ones… Even travel great distances to do so….”the average family” will plan for a long car, train, or plane ride to see relatives or just get away and take a small vacation together.. They book their travel plans weeks or months in advance to get the best fare and/ or hotel rates…and on that joyous day of travel, they pack, wait in lines, pray for no weather delays/ cancellations, and begin their journey to their hopeful destination….
The “above average family” does things a bit different… They fly private..which means, may decide a couple days in advance they want to see “Aunt Etna” on the other side of the country or get away to Hawaii for some quite family time. Someone Makes a phone call to book a private jet, or get their own ready. Someone may even pack for them.. And of course schedule their hotel stays, transportation while on vacation, and book their entertainment reservations. I think the biggest reason why private travel (for those who can afford it), has grown so much in this decade, is due to the fact that people dont want to deal with the challenging schedules of airlines and possibility of their plans being disrupted by flight cancellations and delays.. Generally speaking, people have less vacation time and ability to get away from work for these getaways. Our time spent with our family has declined due to the depressing financial state of this country and the need to work longer and more often. Flying private saves time, and in the long run can actually save money…
The children of these privileged souls come properly prepared with their iPads, iPhones, and all the rest of the newest technology based trinkets on the market. They may also have a nanny traveling with them which means iam not expected to play babysitter . ..These children, much like their parents, are also awaiting their 5 star catering once on board. and of course… I have it for them..
Now, I must say, as a corporate flight attendant, the holiday season, although busy, is greatly less stressful than it is in the commercial world of flying.. first, as i mentioned above, The children on board are well entertained, so there is not a lot of screaming and carrying on. Although they may appear to be a little spoiled, I do witness more manners when asking for things than I did while I was flying commercial. They also know exactly what they want and how they want it prepared… I find it both amusing and refreshing to serve a 5 year old that knows how he wants his chicken fingers cooked and instructs me on the specific amount of apple juice that is suppose to be filled in his cup..oh, and, ” please give me half a cookie, my mother says iam borderline gluten intolerant “..
The private jet setters also have the luxury of traveling with as much luggage as they want, including all the gifts for their family or friends. No need for standing in lines at the post office or fed-ex.. Or wrestling with bags in the airports and paying for each bag individually. For me as a flight attendant, the down side is that it does get a little crowded in the cabin, and navigating my way through and around bags while serving a 5 course meal, can get a little hairy.. It is a complete obstacle course and at times and I feel like iam in the circus ( balancing my silver platters of food and drink) through the sea of bags, people, and trinkets…
I pray to get through all my food service without dropping, spilling, or breaking anything!
Finally, I would like to mention, pets… Our little furry friends who usually have to stay at home or boarded in some kennel while the owners take their vacations, can happily come aboard a private plane with no hassle.. To many people (including myself), pets are like our children. And I know that when I travel home for the holidays, I want my pup with me. When I travel commercial I know that I have to deal with quite the preparation and ordeal to take her along. First, I need a letter from my vet clearing her as a “medically sound” animal to have in public.Second, I have to call ahead and reserve a pet space on the plane. Apparently there is this silly rule that there can only be two animals in a commercial plane cabin, at a time. Why can’t this rule apply to children??? Third, I have to pay on average $300 round trip for my 13 pound dog to sit with me or under my seat. Fourth, there is the whole procedure at the airport getting her through the security checkpoints and the rest of the airport..And finally, depriving her of water and food prior to the flight so she will not be In anguish during the 5 hour flight across country.
What is needed to fly your pet on a private jet?? nothing… Just the pet and it’s travel needs…no paperwork, no hassle…
Happy travel holidays… More to come after Christmas

As we all know, there are certain rules (written and unwritten) that accompany commercial airline travel. Things such as standing in Long security lines and TSA procedures, Checking in for a
flight at least an hour prior to the scheduled departure, Boarding priority for the plane, and Adapting your plans and schedule around the airline schedule including delays and cancellations..
I call such things rules and etiquette of travel.
Flying on corporate jets is vastly different, but there are still procedures to follow and a right vs wrong way of “behaving”… Which I refer to as corporate travel etiquette.
Let’s start with the obvious ones. First, although a paying client may have anyone onboard he or she wants, all the names of passengers still need to be recorded and sent through screening prior to plane taking off. Another words, if you decide to have 5 new friends show up to accompany you on your trip at the last minute, understand there will be a slight delay to your travels until everyone is cleared from a security stand point..
Another more obvious rule, when traveling out of the country, make sure your passport and or visa are up to date… private jet customers is not excused from immigration laws. And no body wants to be detained in foreign countries…including the crew.. What you may not know is that Some foreign nationals require a visa for entry into the United States and some airlines and charter companies are able bring these passengers without a visa into the United States as they
participate in the “Visa Waiver Program” allowing the carrier to transport passengers from certain counties into the US.
One of my favorite etiquette rules to pass on to private flyers is this..Although you do control the time of departure, please do not show up 5+hours late. (without notification). For one reason, the expensive catering you ordered is probably now ruined and will have to be reordered and
re-billed. ( to you). Reason two, pilots have to file departure slots at some airports, this can be a major issue if you miss your slot window and then have to request another departure and or arrival slot. Crews also have Duty-Time restrictions which may be impacted by a delay in your departure. And finally, Some may say-it’s also a little rude..
Adding to my travel etiquette list, i would like mention that Once onboard the jet, please be conscious of the fact that you are on a multimillion dollar plane. Treat it like so, especially if you do not own it yourself… Unfortunately This is not obvious etiquette to everyone..
Recently, I was told that a huge celebrity figure, and their entourage, physically destroyed a Gulfstream 300. Needless to say, they are now banned from flying without supervision.. Meaning a flight attendant always needs to be present to keep them in check when flying with this particular charter company.
Smoking onboard, while sometimes allowed, is more often discouraged and sometimes forbidden by some aircraft owners chartering their aircraft to others. Not only is it unhealthy for passengers and crew to inhale, it also ruins the interior of these beautiful planes.. it seeps into the carpet, the walls, etc. Need I say more?
Then, there is the topic of luggage. (Yes, there is luggage etiquette as well.). While traveling on a private jet, the only real formal “rule” is the obvious – NO drugs or unauthorized weapons in your luggage! Other than that, passengers are generally allowed to bring everything and anything with them.. In large quantities . And they do! There are times when luggage gets out of hand and seating becomes limited on the aircraft . I have seen people attempt to pile luggage in my kitchen galley! So, read carefully- first, Large pieces of luggage go in the ” luggage compartment” not the main seating area.( cabin). Second, your smaller bags( computer bags, purses, gift bags, etc) can be stowed behind seats and in safe areas of the cabin so they don’t take flight when we do! And no, you can’t put them in the cockpit either. Your cabin attendant will carefully take care of all your belongings if you let her/him. So release a little control and allow them to make the cabin a safe and comfortable place for you, your guests, and your luggage.
And last but not least , Another one of my favorite etiquette rules once in flight, is the idea of actually sitting during take off and landing, without being told to do so..
The corporate flight attendants are not there to harass you or treat you like you’re flying coach on a commercial airliner, however, it’s safety 101 that should tell you it’s not a good idea to be in the lavatory or walking around during these two crucial times of flight. These planes can have mechanical problems or accidents just like any other plane.. so, act
responsible and safe on your own.. And dare I say, it might be a good idea to take off and land with a seat belt on! Eeek!
So, now you know the etiquette rules before booking your next charter jet.
I look forward to serving you