Private aircraft ground transportation
Ensuring a seamless connection from touchdown to onward travel
Successful planning for private jet arrivals in the Atlanta area includes arranging professional car service in advance. From meeting business associates to heading to your private residence, coordinating a driver in advance eases your transition from your flight crew and FBO staff to your next destination or connecting mode of transportation.
Avoid Common Scheduling Mistakes at FBOs
Many factors can influence the schedule of a private plane, including weather, airspace restrictions, readiness of passengers and more. To avoid arriving too early or too late, or worse, missing your client’s flight altogether, always check updated flight information, something Condé Nast Traveler walks through at www.cntraveler.com/story/best-flight-tracker-apps, before sending a driver to pick up a passenger.
Remember, too, that your client may use a different Atlanta-area FBO than you expected. Before dispatching a driver, be sure to verify the correct Atlanta FBO location and ask about procedures for arriving by car.
Other useful information to have before meeting a passenger at an Atlanta-area FBO includes:
- The passenger’s name
- Special requests for ground transportation
- Any unusual baggage requirements
- The passenger’s destination (and any stops en route)
- A phone number where you can reach the passenger, their assistant or another flight coordinator
When you take the time to arrange professional ground transportation ahead of time, and confirm details like your client’s flight arrival time and FBO, you’ll be ready to provide top-notch service.
Plan for FBO Access and Passenger Discretion
While the distance from a private plane to an executive sedan or SUV may not be great, professional chauffeurs still need to understand security procedures and follow special directions for arriving by car. Depending on the FBO, a driver may need special permission to enter certain areas of the facility, making access requirements relevant to the Atlanta FBO ground transfers coordinated by Executive Protection Transport. Some passengers may prefer a less conspicuous exit from the terminal area rather than stepping out in front of a busy public curb.
Anticipating these and other details is particularly important if your passenger:
- Carries sensitive or confidential materials
- Brings family members or other passengers
- Has an especially tight schedule
- Plans to use a different form of ground transportation en route to their final destination
For business passengers, discretion in all interactions, including conversations during ground transportation, the handling of luggage, interactions with FBO staff and other details, helps ensure a professional arrival experience.
Match the Vehicle to Passenger Requirements
Executive vehicle near a private aviation terminal
Once you’ve confirmed your passenger’s updated flight arrival time and Atlanta FBO, you’re ready to make the final arrangements for your client’s private car service. Unless your passenger will be using a personal vehicle they’ve arranged to have brought to the FBO, it’s best to consider your client’s needs and anticipate any special requests.
For example, rather than a sedan, your client may need an SUV or other luxury vehicle that offers:
- Ample room for more than a few large pieces of luggage
- Space for a collapsible wheelchair or other mobility aid
- Extra passenger room for an assistant, bodyguard or other member of the client’s entourage
- Child seats
- Separation between luggage and passenger areas
While it may be tempting to guess the type of vehicle your client will need, taking a few moments to confirm special requests for ground transportation, or at least consider what might be required, will help ensure that you avoid potentially awkward situations on the tarmac.
Arrive 30 Minutes Early
Business travelers arriving by private plane may prefer a coordinated pickup to public transportation options, avoiding unnecessary time spent waiting around at the airport. Coordinating with your passenger and the operations team at the FBO can help your driver avoid unnecessary waiting around while ensuring that the client will always have reliable transportation available.
Whenever possible, ask your driver to arrive at the FBO about 30 minutes ahead of your client’s scheduled arrival time. This allows extra time to accommodate any changes in your client’s arrival time, deal with traffic or allow time to navigate unfamiliar security checkpoints. Rather than idling outside the terminal, however, the driver can stage the vehicle nearby and coordinate with the FBO’s operations team. That way, once your client’s plane touches down, the car will be ready to roll.
Protect Passenger Privacy During the Trip
When booking executive transportation service, ask for a professional driver who knows how to handle a variety of situations with poise and professionalism. Your driver should be familiar with executive pickup protocols, be neatly attired and follow instructions for maintaining your client’s privacy.
Unless absolutely necessary, refrain from sharing all of your client’s travel plans with your driver. While knowing your client’s destination, pickup time and special requests are important, other details of your client’s itinerary are not necessary to ensure a smooth pickup or professional drive.
Confirm Every Executive Pickup Detail
With advance planning and effective communication with the FBO and executive transportation service, you can ensure a stress-free start to your client’s day, even if their flight arrived ahead of schedule.
To avoid last-minute scrambling for details, make sure to confirm the following information with your executive transportation service ahead of time:
- The Atlanta FBO where your client will be making their private plane arrival
- The client’s updated arrival time
- Your client’s name and any special pickup instructions
- The client’s final destination
