Last minute private jets
The benefits of private aviation really come into their own for last minute private jets. At PrivateFly, a significant number of our enquiries are for flights within 24 hours – and some are for take-off as soon as one hour later.
Sometimes this might be because the client has experienced delays with an airline flight. But many times it will just be because they need or want to fly very quickly. In some cases it may be a medical emergency or evacuation requirement, and our team are highly experienced at dealing with these types of flight. More about medical evacuation flights
As we have access to a network of over 7,000 global accredited aircraft, there will almost always be aircraft available and we can identify them immediately.
Our team are available 24 hours and very used to arranging flights very quickly at the last minute – and our technology means we can do this much quicker than our competitors.
But how can a private jet flight get arranged so quickly? Here is a minute-by-minute example of a very short notice flight we arranged recently – followed by some frequently asked questions about last minute private jet flights.
| Time since enquiry | Local Time | What’s happening now? |
 00:00 |
 11:00 |
A client (location: Ibiza Town) sends a flight request via PrivateFly’s iPhone app for Ibiza to London, departing ASAP. |
 00:01 |
 11:01 |
The Flight Team calls the client back within one minute to verify the requirement. |
 00:02 |
 11:02 |
PrivateFly’s technology pinpoints aircraft already at Ibiza and those due to arrive there shortly. Our technology is integrated with aircraft operators’ scheduling software and identifies the best available aircraft. |
 00:10 |
 11:10 |
The client receives an update and a car is arranged to take them to the FBO (private terminal) at Ibiza airport, so they can be ready for boarding as soon as the aircraft is ready. |
 00:12 |
 11:12 |
Six aircraft are available and quotes are submitted within 10 minutes (some within seconds). The client sees each quote immediately and chooses the most competitive aircraft, a Citation Mustang. The aircraft is currently on its way in to Ibiza from Nice and due to land shortly. |
 00:14 |
 11:14 |
The client confirms the booking online, paying by credit card. The passengers have flown with PrivateFly before so we already have their passport details to pre-clear for security and immigration, saving time on landing. Client views crew details online. |
 00:40 |
 11:40 |
The aircraft has landed in Ibiza. The Captain introduces himself to the client in the FBO lounge while the aircraft is prepared for departure. A flight plan is acknowledged with EuroControl, with a take-off slot at 12:00 local time. |
 00:50 |
 11:50 |
A car takes the passengers directly to the steps of the aircraft and they board. The aircraft is now ready for take-off, with all checks complete. |
 01:00 |
 12:00 |
The aircraft takes off from Ibiza, heading north to London Luton. Our Flight Team liaise with the FBO at Luton, to arrange to have a car waiting at the other end for the passengers to make a quick exit. |
The aircraft lands in London at 13.25 local time. The client is using London Luton airport so that they can attend an event in North London. They depart in the car less than 5 minutes after landing.
FAQs – last minute private jet flights
Q) How quickly can my private jet take off?
A) Flights can be arranged within one hour (see example above) and our record at PrivateFly is 43 minutes! Our technology means we can rapidly identify the closest available aircraft, at the lowest prices, for your flight. And it also streamlines the paperwork requirements when a booking is confirmed.
Q) Can I have catering on board for a last minute flight?
A) Catering can certainly be arranged, and specific requests can be accommodated but can add extra preparation time, which you might wish to avoid. Snacks and drinks are always available and in most cases standard VIP catering will be provided.
Q) Why is a passport scan required?
A) A passport scan is required to verify your identity for security reasons. It is also useful to customers, who can clear immigration faster.
Q) My airline flight is cancelled so I have booked a private jet flight instead. How do I get to the private terminal at the same airport?
A) Our team will send you full, clear directions to the FBO (private jet terminal). For larger airports, car transfers can be arranged within the site.
Q) Can I pay by bank transfer for last minute flights?
A) Absolutely. A credit card hold is required to secure the aircraft for flights at very short notice. But customers can choose to pay by other methods after the hold is taken.
Q) Can I pay with Bitcoin?
A) Yes, you can. Find out more about PrivateFly’s accepted methods of payment.
Q) When will I have crew details for a last minute flight?
A) As soon as you confirm your booking, the crew will be arranged. Usually they are on standby nearby and full crew details will always be provided before the flight. The Captain will meet you at the FBO before boarding.
Q) The aircraft is ready, when can we take off?
A) All departures are subject to approval by Air Traffic Control. So while many flights can be off the ground almost immediately, sometimes there will be a wait for a take-off slot, while the aircraft is cleared. At smaller airports, there are fewer slot restrictions and the runway is less busy, so take off can often be faster.
Related content
How to book a last minute ‘go now’ private jet
What documentation do I need to fly by private jet?
