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.