When you’re flying private for business, efficiency, comfort, and professionalism should start before takeoff. That means packing with intention—bringing everything you need to work, rest, and arrive ready to perform. At Air Charter Advisors, we’ve helped thousands of executives, entrepreneurs, and high-level professionals streamline their trips. This guide shares our best practices for what to bring, what to skip, and how to maximize productivity at 40,000 feet.
Why Smart Packing Matters on a Private Jet
Unlike commercial airlines, private jets offer limited luggage space that varies by aircraft type. Overpacking may not be an issue for you, but if you are flying with your colleagues and everyone packed a little too much, it could require removing items before takeoff to accommodate the weight and balance requirements for a safe journey. Efficient packing isn’t just smart—it’s essential. Our goal is to help you arrive prepared for everything from boardroom meetings to high-stakes negotiations, with a carry-on strategy that compliments your aircraft and itinerary.
Business Travel Packing Checklist
Travel Documents & Essentials
- Passport (even for domestic flights, bring it when possible)
- Visa(s)
- Corporate ID and insurance documents
- Itinerary from our Flight Support department
- Emergency contact details
Work Tools & Technology
- Laptop and charger (consider lightweight models)
- Tablet or e-reader with stylus or keyboard
- Noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds
- USB drives or external SSDs with backup presentations
- Universal power adapter and international plug converters
- If you plan to bring a battery bank, let us know so we can check capacity to ensure it is compliant with regulations for your aircraft
Clothing & Professional Attire
- 1–2 business outfits (suits, blouses, slacks, dresses)
- Wrinkle-resistant shirts and smart-casual layers
- Polished yet comfortable shoes (pack loafers or low-profile sneakers)
- Pajamas and casual wear for downtime
- Activewear and walking shoes for hotel gyms or city exploration
Comfort & Wellness Items
- Sleep mask and travel pillow
- Reusable water bottle with built-in filter
- Compression socks (especially for long flights)
- Essential oils or melatonin for better in-flight rest
- Healthy snacks: trail mix, protein bars, and dried fruit. While your aircraft may include light snacks as part of the standard onboard stock, bringing your favorite brands from home can ensure you have exactly what you enjoy—and keep you satisfied throughout the flight
Health & Hygiene Kit
- Travel-size toiletries (≤100ml bottles). While size restrictions aren’t typically enforced on private jets, bringing smaller, lighter bottles helps keep your bag organized and easy to manage—avoiding unnecessary weight that can make your trip more cumbersome.
- Hand sanitizer, facial mist, tissues, deodorant
- Toothbrush/toothpaste, razor, moisturizer
- Personal prescriptions (in original containers)
- First-aid basics: band-aids, aspirin, allergy meds
Choosing the Right Luggage for Business Travel
Carry-Ons That Fit the Cabin
Jet interiors can vary widely but none have an overhead baggage compartment. When you bring carry-ons into the cabin, they are at your feet or on your lap, or taking up space on another seat within the plane. Of course, they have to be secured for your safety during take off and landing.
Look for carry-ons with:
- Dedicated compartments for laptops and electronics
- Compression straps and dividers for efficient packing
- Lightweight build (ideally under 8 lbs empty)
Personalizing Your Luggage
Use custom tags or bold-colored straps to help your bag stand out—especially when multiple travelers use the same jet. This not only prevents mix-ups but adds a polished touch to your gear.
Tech Tips: Stay Connected and Productive
In-Flight Connectivity
Many private jets are equipped with Wi-Fi, but not all. Always confirm Wi-Fi availability with your Air Charter Advisors broker ahead of time, especially if your work depends on cloud access or video conferencing.
Redundancy Is Key
- Bring two chargers for essential devices
- Pack power banks with high mAh ratings – again confirming with our team to ensure it is compliant with regulations for aircraft
- Store cloud files offline (Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive)
- Print backups of key documents if needed
Pack Like a Professional, Travel in Comfort
Transition Outfits
Choose outfits that can go from cabin to conference room. Wrinkle-resistant shirts, tailored jackets, and structured dresses work well for any business occasion.
Don’t Overdo It
It’s easy to overpack when you’re planning for business. Stick to one outfit per day, with neutral tones that mix and match. Limit shoes to two pairs max—one formal, one casual.
International Business Travel Considerations
Know Before You Go
- Verify entry requirements (visa, vaccinations, customs)
- Bring local currency or use cards with no foreign transaction fees
- Set international alerts on credit/debit cards
- Download a language app (Google Translate, Duolingo)
Respect Local Etiquette
- Dress appropriately for the culture and climate
- Learn common greetings in the local language
- Consider bringing small gifts if meeting with foreign hosts
Optimize Your Packing Strategy Over Time
Maintain a Dynamic Checklist
Save your list digitally using tools like Evernote, Notion, or Google Keep. Tailor it to destination, aircraft type, and trip purpose. The more you fly, the more refined your list becomes.
Work With Your Air Charter Advisor
Our team helps you adjust every aspect of your travel plan—including luggage space, catering preferences, Wi-Fi needs, and ground transport. After each flight, share what worked and what didn’t so we can make the next trip even smoother. Our biggest suggestion if you take any from this article is using soft-sided bags as they allow for the crew to pack more into the cargo area, and also reduce risk of damage between the other bags of your colleagues.
Final Thoughts
Your business travel packing list should do more than keep you organized—it should support your success. Whether you’re closing deals, attending board meetings, or hosting high-level events, Air Charter Advisors is here to make sure every element of your private jet experience is exceptional.
Need help planning your next charter? Contact your ACA broker today to review your itinerary, luggage limitations, catering preferences, and more. We’re here to make sure you’re packed, prepped, and primed for a productive flight.