Flying on a private jet can be a luxurious experience that offers many benefits over commercial air travel
But is one of these benefits being able to skip customs?
Regardless if you’re flying private or commercial, customs is mandatory for all travelers when flying internationally, though private plane passengers will be able to skip the long lines.
Do Private Planes Go Through Customs?
As just mentioned, even if you are flying private, you still need to clear customs.
However, instead of actually waiting in a queue with hundreds of other people, customs agents will actually come to you if you’re flying on a private plane, making the process much quicker and easier.
When you land, a customs officer may walk right on board the plane, check to make sure that all of the private plane’s passengers’ passports and forms are in order, and then leave, which can only take a few minutes.
CBP Preclearance
Private plane passengers will almost always need to go through customs when arriving into the U.S., though there are some very limited exceptions.
If you are flying to the U.S. from one of 15 locations in Europe, the Middle East or North America, customs can be skipped through the use of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance program.
This only applies when departing from the following locations:
- Abu Dhabi
- Aruba
- The Bahamas: Freeport or Nassau
- Bermuda
- Canada: Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, or Winnipeg
- Ireland – Dublin or Shannon
You must also fly directly to the U.S. airport designated by CBP during the preclearance procedure.
Size of Airport
When flying internationally, there may be different rules and regulations depending on the airport you are flying into.
At smaller airports, special arrangements may often be made to accommodate private plane passengers who arrive from international destinations.
At larger airports, there are usually dedicated customs and immigration staff members who will always be available.
Either way, private plane passengers will need to be cleared once having landed.
Unlike with commercial air travel, private and charter flights get to enjoy going through private jet terminals (FBOs) where the queues can be skipped, though.
How Customs Works
Just because someone is flying private, it doesn’t mean that they are exempt from the rules of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency.
Customs officials need to make sure that anyone entering the country has the right documents to be legally allowed into the country and check whether any illegal goods are being attempted to be brought in.
What Happens With Connecting Flights?
Private jet travelers usually don’t need to concern themselves with connecting flights or layovers, except when the plane might need to stop to refuel.
In any case, regardless if you’re flying commercial or private, customs is unnecessary for connecting flights as long as passengers don’t leave the airport and their bags are checked through to their final destination.
A Passport is Necessary When Flying Internationally
Regardless if you’re flying private or commercial, a passport is always required for international flights.
A visa may also be required depending on the country’s immigration requirements.
Typically, private jet operators ask each passenger for a copy of their passport and visa (if required) to create a passenger manifest.
This document will be used by the immigration services, the flight crew and the FBO to pre-clear passengers before the flight, though a passport will still need to be travelled with.
Robert is an expert in commercial air travel with decades of experience in the travel industry, and has spent countless hours in airports and on planes for work.
He therefore has an unrivaled understanding of everything related to commercial air travel.
Whether you need help navigating the complicated TSA regulations or want insider tips on how to find the best deals on flights, Robert has the expertise and experience to help our readers.
Robert's knowledge and insights have been led to him either being quoted or mentioned in major publications, including Insider, Trip Savvy, ZDNet, and Bored Panda
You can contact Robert at travel@executiveflyers.com
