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How catering works on a charter
Most charters include a basic offer such as water, soft drinks, coffee and light snacks. Anything beyond that is ordered for your flight. The operator or its handler places the order with an aviation caterer, which prepares and packs the food to be served at altitude and delivers it to the aircraft before boarding.
Give your order with the trip details, and at least 24 to 48 hours ahead. Short-notice requests can often be met with simpler items, but complex menus, special wines or dishes from a particular restaurant need time. Late-night and early-morning departures from small airports have fewer options.
Aviation caterers are used to the limits of a jet galley. Food is prepared so that it can be reheated in an aircraft oven without overcooking, portions are packed to survive the trip from the kitchen, and everything is labelled for the crew. Ordinary restaurant food can be served too, but it rarely travels as well.
What each aircraft can serve
The galley decides the menu more than the budget does. So does the crew: on light and midsize jets there is usually no flight attendant, so food is set out for you to help yourself, with the pilots helping where they can.
- Light jets: no full galley, often a small refreshment centre. Expect sandwiches, salads, platters, fruit, pastries and cold drinks.
- Midsize jets: a small galley, sometimes with a warming oven or microwave. Simple hot dishes and good cold food work well.
- Super-midsize jets: a better-equipped galley, often with an oven and coffee maker. A hot meal is realistic.
- Heavy and ultra-long-range jets: full galleys with ovens, fridges and proper crockery, usually with a flight attendant. Multi-course meals are possible.
Planning a trip?
See every aircraft for your route with a price in seconds. Mention this in your request and the team checks it with the operator.
Allergies and dietary needs
Tell us about allergies and diets when you order, not at the aircraft door. Aviation caterers can prepare vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, kosher and allergy-aware meals, but the options depend on the caterer at the departure airport. For a severe allergy, such as nuts, ask the operator whether the aircraft can be prepared accordingly and bring your own medication in the cabin.
For children, simple familiar food is often best. Baby food and milk can be brought on board in your own bag.
Alcohol on board
Wine, champagne and spirits can be ordered with the catering, or the operator may stock a selection. Some operators allow you to bring your own bottles; ask before you do. Crew will not serve someone who is drunk, and they can refuse to fly a passenger who is a risk to the flight. The rules of the destination still apply. Some countries restrict bringing alcohol in, and duty-free allowances apply on arrival as they would for any traveller.
How catering is charged
Catering beyond the basic offer is usually charged on top of the charter price, at the caterer's cost plus any handling. The amount depends heavily on the menu, the airport and the number of people. Premium catering is one of the items that can only be priced once you have chosen it; it is shown before you confirm, so there is no surprise afterwards.
Ordering tips
Catering works best when it suits the flight, not just the appetite. A 45-minute hop calls for a few snacks and drinks; a five-hour flight can carry a full meal. Food on a small jet is served without a crew member to plate it, so choose dishes that look and taste good cold.
- Give the number of people and the times you want to eat, especially on long or overnight flights.
- List allergies and diets for each passenger by name.
- Ask for drinks you know you will want, such as a particular wine, tea or milk alternative.
- For a birthday or other occasion, a cake or flowers can often be arranged with the caterer.
- Remember the return flight. The caterer for the return is at the other airport, so order both legs.
Questions
Is food included on a private jet?
Usually drinks and light snacks are included. Meals and special requests are ordered for your flight and are typically charged on top.
How far ahead should I order catering?
24 to 48 hours before departure is the usual guide. Simple items can sometimes be arranged at shorter notice.
Can I order food from my favourite restaurant?
Often yes, if the restaurant can prepare it for delivery and the operator agrees. Restaurant food is not packed for flight, so cold dishes travel better.
Can I bring my own food and drink?
Usually yes for snacks and baby food. For alcohol and full meals, ask the operator first. Customs rules at the destination still apply.
Can I order hot food on a light jet?
Usually not. Most light jets have no oven, so food is served cold or at room temperature. For a hot meal, choose a super-midsize or larger jet with a full galley.
Can the caterer handle a nut allergy?
Caterers can prepare nut-free meals, but the aircraft itself may not be nut-free. Ask the operator and keep your medication with you in the cabin.
