The weeks around Christmas and New Year's are the busiest of the year for private aviation. Families head to the sun or the snow at the same time, the same airports fill up, and the aircraft that were easy to find in October are committed by early December. Flying private over the holidays is still simple, but it rewards a plan made early and a clear idea of what the trip actually needs.
When should you book a private jet for the holidays?
As early as the dates are fixed. For travel between mid December and the first days of January, four to eight weeks ahead is a sensible minimum, and earlier for popular routes or larger aircraft. The days just before Christmas and the return around January 2 are the tightest. Booking early does not only secure an aircraft: it gives you the choice of operator, departure time and airport instead of taking what is left.
Which jet is right for your route?
The aircraft follows the distance and the group, not the other way around. For short hops such as Miami to the Bahamas, a very light jet for up to 6 passengers or a light jet for up to 8 is usually enough. A midsize jet adds cabin height and range for flights of three to five hours, and a super midsize jet covers coast to coast in the United States nonstop with room for 10.
For crossings, a heavy jet seats up to 18 with a range of around 6,000 nautical miles, and an ultra long range jet flies routes such as New York to Dubai without a stop. Large families or groups travelling together can consider a VIP airliner, with space for up to 50 passengers in a private configuration.
Why do prices change over the holidays?
Demand concentrates on a handful of days, so many operators apply peak day rates, minimum billable hours or minimum daily usage over Christmas and New Year's. Repositioning also weighs more: if the aircraft has to fly empty to collect you or to return to base, that time is usually part of the price. Asking for the total with every fee included, from crew and catering to landing and handling charges, is the only fair way to compare two quotes.
Are empty legs an option at Christmas?
Rarely in a reliable way. Empty legs appear when an aircraft has to reposition, and during the holidays they tend to run in the opposite direction to where everyone is going: toward the cities on the way out and back to the resorts at the end. They can work for a flexible traveller with an open return, but they are not something to build a family trip around.
What should you confirm before paying?
- The exact aircraft or category, the operator and the year of the cabin.
- Departure and arrival airports, including private terminals where available.
- Baggage allowance, including skis, golf bags and oversized luggage.
- Catering, pets on board and any special requests in writing.
- Cancellation terms and what happens if weather delays the flight.
How does a private departure work on the day?
Most flights leave from a private terminal, known as an FBO, rather than the main airport building. Arriving 20 to 30 minutes before departure is usually enough, security and passports are handled in the lounge, and the car can often drive close to the aircraft. Over the holidays these terminals get busier too, so confirming the exact FBO, the arrival time and who meets you on landing avoids waiting at either end.
Where do people fly for the holidays?
The sun routes stay the most requested. Miami fills for Art Basel in early December and again for New Year's, Tulum is a short flight from most of the United States, and Dubai draws travellers from Europe and the Middle East for the fireworks and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend. Landing slots and private terminals at the busiest airports are limited on the peak days, which is one more reason to fix the schedule early.
Can the rest of the trip be arranged at the same time?
That is where planning the flight early pays off. With the dates and the arrival time confirmed, the chauffeur at the aircraft, the villa or suite, the New Year's dinner and the tables for the nights out can be secured around it while there is still choice.
Your holiday flight, planned in one place
Global Reservations matches the aircraft to the route, compares operators and confirms every term before you pay, then builds the rest of the holiday around the schedule. Share your dates, route and group size and we will start with what books out first.
Planning Something Similar?
Tell us the group, the dates, and what you have in mind. We will take it from there.
