Charter has fewer rules than commercial flying — that's the point — but it has conventions, and knowing them makes every flight smoother for you and the crew. Here are the ones that matter.

Punctuality cuts both ways

The aircraft waits for you; airline boarding-time anxiety can stay at home. But crews operate under strict legal duty-time limits, and a two-hour delay can push them past the window in which they're allowed to fly. If you're running late, one message to the operator solves almost everything — silence solves nothing. Same-day schedule changes are usually possible; they're never automatic.

Tipping

There is no obligation, and crews never expect it — but tipping happens and is always appreciated. Common practice among frequent flyers: $50–100 per crew member on a typical trip, more for extraordinary service or long international days. Cash, handed with a thank-you at the door. If you tip nothing, nobody will think less of you; the fee for the flight is the fee.

Guests are passengers

Everyone on board must be on the manifest — it's a legal requirement, not bureaucracy. Adding a guest is fine and usually takes minutes, but do it before departure day, and never surprise the crew at the FBO with an extra person. Seats are also physics: a light jet quoted for six doesn't become a seven-seater because someone's plans changed.

Smoking, pets, and shoes

  • Smoking is prohibited on nearly every charter aircraft; some owners permit it on their own airframes, and the operator will tell you if yours is one. Never assume.
  • Pets are welcome on most flights when arranged in advance — see our full guide to flying with pets.
  • Shoes stay on for taxi, takeoff and landing; beyond that, comfort rules. On lighter cabins with pale carpets, stiletto heels are the one thing crews quietly dread.

The crew works for the flight, not the party

Crews will happily stow your champagne and serve it. What they can't do is bend safety rules — seatbelts during turbulence, weight limits, closing time at a slot-controlled airport. A passenger who treats the captain's "no" as final is remembered as a great customer; operators do keep notes.

None of this is complicated: communicate early, respect the manifest, thank the crew. Do that and you'll fly like a veteran on your first trip — and in the Yond app, every aircraft names its certified operator with direct contact details, so any question etiquette hasn't answered goes straight to the people flying you.