Catered
meals are the most common amenity on-board flights of more
than an hour. Some of the better-equipped and larger jets
can accommodate on-board cooking. Aircraft smaller than ten-seat
capacity are not equipped to handle this. Advance coordination
of this service will be necessary for anything much more complicated
than drinks and pretzels or coffee and doughnuts. But you
"own" the aircraft while you have it, so you are
entitled to request something special.
The most important precaution to bear in
mind is that bringing food onto an airplane is not another
form of take-out. Because several hours can elapse between
preparation, transportation to the aircraft, re-heating, and
service at cruising altitude, meals treated like ordinary
take-out can spoil and endanger the health of passengers and
crew.
An operator or broker can help you to coordinate
with a knowledgeable in-flight caterer, who can provide a
meal of the highest taste and quality safely. Make sure that
they are aware of any dietary restrictions. If you're picking
up food from your favorite restaurant, let them know if you
won't be eating the food right away so the chef can plan and
package your meal appropriately.
Savvy in-flight caterers can also supply
the services of event planners. If your family or business
party is traveling around a holiday or celebratory event,
ask your caterer for some ways to make the trip part of the
festivities. Birthday cakes, holiday decorations and special
activities can all be ordered ahead and ready for your trip.
With some creative planning, your holiday celebration doesn't
start when you get to your destination, but as soon as you
step on-board your charter flight.
Catered
meals are the most common amenity on-board flights of more
than an hour. Some of the better-equipped and larger jets
can accommodate on-board cooking. Aircraft smaller than ten-seat
capacity are not equipped to handle this. Advance coordination
of this service will be necessary for anything much more complicated
than drinks and pretzels or coffee and doughnuts. But you
"own" the aircraft while you have it, so you are
entitled to request something special.