High traffic is inevitable at private airports during popular events or holiday seasons (think Super Bowl or winter in Aspen). With that in mind, we have put together some information and helpful tips to ensure that your private jet travel to bustling airports is both relaxing and stress-free.
“What is an STMP?” Special Traffic Management Programs (STMP’s) are implemented for special events that attract thousands of people and aircraft to participating airports. The FAA requires users to make arrival and departure reservations to and from these airports to manage the flow of arrivals and departures for these events.
“What is a slot time?” Slot times refer to airports expecting high traffic volume due to special events or seasonal activity. Slot times are issued to stagger incoming flight traffic in order to relieve air traffic control duties. Slot time reservations are typically available 72 hours prior to the estimated time of arrival.
Private Jet Travel Tips:
• Be flexible with your departure time requests. Allow a window for departure times. Slot times will not be assigned more than 72 hours in advance to the flight departure request.
• Avoid changing flight dates & times. Slot times are valuable and go quickly, so try to stick to your flight schedule to avoid conflicts.
• Arrive on time. Particularly in mountainous areas, weather can change rapidly. The closer you leave to your intended time, the better opportunity you have to guarantee your arrival time. So if your slot departure is 8am, please allow time for boarding so the jet will be ready and in position for an 8am departure.
AeroGal plane at Guayaquil Airport
When I found a $400 flight from New York City to Quito (via Guayaquil) on Aerolineas Galapagos, or AeroGal for short, I couldn’t bear to pass it up. The fact that I had no knowledge of this Ecuadorian airline was a secondary concern to getting the cheapest price possible.
Of course once the payment was made, I then began wondering if Aerogal was a comfortable airline to fly, let alone a safe one. After all, it’s an entire airline geared around a tourist destination in Ecuador, albeit the country’s biggest, and one of the world’s most popular.
I even tweeted my concern, upon which I received positive feedback from fellow travel bloggers who’d also flown AeroGal en route to the Galapagos Islands.
Based in Quito, Aerogal began service to the Galapagos in 1986, and currently has domestic routes within Ecuador, as well as international service to Lima, Bogota, and New York City. In October 2009, it merged with Colombia’s Avianca, which now owns a majority stake, though AeroGal continues to operate under its own brand.
Passing Cotopaxi volcano on the approach to Quito!
We flew out of JFK International at 12:30 AM, and were promptly served an unexpected, late night dinner. I’d already eaten at an overpriced airport bar, but ate once again as it was something to do.
As the food service wound down, the cabin lights were dimmed. I’d gotten a refill on my cup of water as I didn’t have a bottle on me.
(Sidenote: Airport terminals should always have at least one drink vending machine available for late night flights. Yea, I’m looking at you JFK Terminal 5.)
I apparently fell asleep and then knocked over the cup, because the next thing I knew, the water had spilt all over my lap — I was soaking wet.
I immediately hit the stewardess button on my armrest, hoping to get some napkins, but nobody showed up. I always get a window seat, so I was boxed in by a sleeping passenger. Being drowsy myself, I wasn’t in the mood to rowse him to get to the bathroom.
In my semi-unconscious haze, I continued to look back down the aisle behind me for help, but none arrived despite my light remaining on for at least 30 minutes, if not all night. It’s ironic one of the rare times I use the stewardess button, nobody arrived. Eventually, I gave up and caught a few hours of sleep.
Around 7 AM’ish, we landed in Guayaquil’s new international airport. I had to pass through immigration and customs, then re-check my bag, and find the gate for my connecting AeroGal flight to Quito. In all it took about an hour, which was a pleasant surprise.
I even had a little time to grab breakfast before the 35-minute flight to Quito. And what a scenic flight it was!
The weather was clear enough that we were able to see multiple volcanoes, including the giant 5,897-meter Cotopaxi (which I’d later mountain bike down).
Preparing to land in Quito, Ecaudor with Cotopaxi in the distance.
Quito is perched at 2,800 meters above sea level, amidst the Andes Mountains, and our approach to the airport involved more than a few special banks and maneuvers.
We landed safely for the second time, and I was collecting my bag and heading for the taxi stand within minutes.
Overall, I was satisfied with my first experience flying AeroGal, and am happy to recommend them.
Just try not to spill anything on yourself at 2 AM!
