Booking a private jet for the holidays feels like the ultimate travel upgrade: no lines, no crowds, no stress. But the truth is, the holiday season brings its own unique set of challenges that even seasoned private flyers overlook. From air traffic control delays to baggage surprises, these “gotchas” can derail a trip if you don’t know what to look for.
Here are 7 holiday gotchas no one tells you about, and how a Private Aviation Advisor can help you avoid them.
1. EDCT Delays: Why Noon Departures Rarely Leave at Noon
Estimated Departure Clearance Times (EDCTs) are Air Traffic Control-imposed delays that can ground flights for hours during peak traffic flows. They’re especially common midday in and out of South Florida, Aspen, and Palm Beach during holiday weeks.
“Planes can be booked, crews ready, weather perfect—then Air Traffic Control steps in and says, ‘Not so fast,’” explains Steve Ciancio, Senior Vice President of Private Aviation Solutions at Magellan Jets.
How to avoid it: Schedule departures early in the morning or later in the evening. Your PAA can also build in buffer time for ground holds, so you’re never rushing to a holiday dinner that’s already started.
2. The Baggage Blind Spot: When Your Skis Don’t Fit
Holiday trips often mean heavy packing—skis, golf clubs, strollers, oversized gifts. But not every jet can actually carry what it seats.
“A Hawker 800XP, for example, technically seats eight, but it can’t handle eight passengers’ bags,” says Ciancio. “Without careful planning, you end up shipping skis or golf clubs last-minute—or worse, leaving them behind.”
How to avoid it: Tell your advisor exactly how many people and how much luggage you’re bringing. They’ll match you with an aircraft that can handle both—before you’re standing on the tarmac trying to re-pack.
3. Winter Diversions: The Aspen Shuffle
Mountain airports like Aspen, Telluride, and Jackson Hole are notorious for sudden weather closures. A wind shift can force diversions to Rifle or Eagle, turning a quick hop into a long drive.
“The issue isn’t just the diversion—it’s that every other diverted flight is fighting for the same scarce ground transportation,” Ciancio warns. “We’ve seen rates triple and cars vanish within hours.”
How to avoid it: Book ground transport in advance at alternates, not just your primary airport. Your PAA will anticipate which alternates are most realistic and secure vehicles before you need them.
4. Caribbean Curfews: Why Sunset Matters More Than You Think
Dreaming of St. Barts , Tortola or Eleuthera? These islands and many others, impose daylight-only operations or limited customs hours. In December, that can mean no arrivals after 5:30 PM.
“Clients often assume they can arrive whenever they want in the islands. But if you’re not wheels down before sunset, you’re not landing there that night,” says Ciancio.
How to avoid it: Work with your advisor to stage through Nassau, San Juan or St. Maarten, or plan earlier arrivals that account for local restrictions.
5. Hidden Pricing Surprises: De-icing, Premiums, and Slot Fees
Even private flyers get sticker shock when extra charges appear. De-icing can run thousands of dollars, and premium surcharges are common in peak periods. Some airports even require prior slot reservations, which carry fees.
“We’ve seen competitors bury cancellation penalties or surprise clients with de-icing bills,” Ciancio notes. “That’s why transparency is everything.”
How to avoid it: Ask for a clear, all-in price that accounts for weather, crew overnights, and possible alternates. Magellan Jet Cards, for example, bake these realities into a predictable, upfront structure.
6. The Cancellation Trap
Holiday charters often come with 100% cancellation penalties once signed, even weeks before the flight. Plans change, but bills don’t.
“During peak weeks, one cancellation can cost you the full value of the flight on most charter programs,” says Ciancio.
How to avoid it: Choose a program with flexible cancellation windows. Magellan’s Jet Card allows cancellations outside of 48 hours (or five days on Advanced Booking Days) with no penalty.
7. The “Bait and Switch”
Nothing kills holiday cheer like showing up to a different jet than you booked. Unscrupulous brokers sometimes confirm one aircraft, then swap in an inferior substitute when the original isn’t available.
“We hear this story every holiday season: ‘Sorry, that aircraft’s gone, but we can give you this one—for more money.’ That’s not a professional operation,” Ciancio emphasizes.
How to avoid it: Work only with trusted advisors who guarantee aircraft quality, safety checks, and full transparency.
FAQs About Holiday Travel
What is an EDCT?
It’s an Air Traffic Control program that holds aircraft on the ground during peak congestion. They’re common around holidays, especially midday.
Do private jets really have baggage restrictions?
Yes. Some aircraft seat eight but only have space for half the luggage. Always disclose passenger and baggage counts.
How common are Caribbean curfews?
Very. Airports like St. Barts and Tortola are daylight-only. In December, that means no arrivals after ~5:30 PM.
What’s the biggest mistake people make when planning holiday travel?
Waiting too long to book. Early planning secures the right aircraft, slots, and alternates—while avoiding last-minute premiums.
The Bottom Line
Holiday private jet travel isn’t immune to pitfalls; but every “gotcha” is predictable and preventable with the right advisor. From booking alternate airports to choosing the correct aircraft for your skis, advanced planning with a Private Aviation Advisor ensures your holiday travel is smooth, safe, and surprise-free.
“These aren’t just small details. They’re the difference between a flawless trip and a ruined holiday,” Ciancio says. “That’s why we sweat them for you.”
About Steve Ciancio
Steve Ciancio is the Senior Vice President of Private Aviation Solutions at Magellan Jets. With over a decade of private aviation experience at Magellan, Steve is recognized for his ability to translate complex operational challenges into seamless, stress-free travel experiences for clients.
