By Amanda Steele, Founder of Refined Steele

When it comes to international private jet travel, there’s a lot more to consider than just choosing your destination and loading up the aircraft. Whether you’re a first-time owner or a seasoned charter passenger, international trips demand careful planning—and I’ve seen firsthand how quickly things can unravel if key steps are missed.

As a professional pilot and aircraft manager, I’ve flown across Europe, North Africa, the Caribbean, and Central America, and I can tell you this: every country is different, and being unprepared can lead to serious delays, fines, or worse.

Here are some often-overlooked—but mission-critical—requirements that every aircraft owner, passenger, and yes, even pilot, should know before wheels up.

🧭 1. Do Your Flight Planning (Like, Really Do It)

International flight planning is far more complex than domestic. You’re not just looking at fuel stops and weather—you’re dealing with overflight permits, customs procedures, slot times, and airspace restrictions. Misfile one plan or miss a permit window, and you could be grounded before you leave the ramp.

Even experienced pilots sometimes underestimate how different international planning can be. If your team isn’t doing this every week, hire someone who is.

👩‍✈️ 2. Always Get a Ground Handler

This is my number one non-negotiable: Get a handler.

A good handler will help you:

• Navigate country-specific customs and immigration rules
• Secure overflight and landing permits
• Coordinate catering, fuel, and ground transportation
• Assist with slot times and parking at busy international airports
  
  

Every country has its own system—and what works in Paris may be completely different in Nassau. Handlers are your local experts, and they’ll save you hours of headaches (and often, thousands in fees).

📋 3. Make Sure All Documents Are Up-to-Date

This may sound basic, but trust me—everything will be checked, both on your way out and especially on re-entry into the United States. Missing or expired documents can delay your return or result in fines.

You’ll need:

• Current airworthiness and registration certificates
• Updated insurance
• Pilot licenses and medicals
• Radio license
• International LOAs (Letters of Authorization)
  
  

Speaking of which…

📝 4. Do You Have an International LOA?

To operate internationally, your aircraft must have specific LOAs (Letters of Authorization) from the FAA. These include:

• RVSM LOA (Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums)
• MNPS/ NAT HLA for North Atlantic crossings
• RNP-10 / RNP-4 for oceanic operation
• A056 LOA for GPS/WAAS approaches
  
  

These aren’t just paperwork—they’re regulatory requirements, and you will be asked for them during ramp checks abroad or upon return.

🔧 5. Europe is Unforgiving About Maintenance

One major difference between domestic and international ops: Europe is strict about aircraft maintenance. Small issues that might slide stateside could ground you in an instant overseas.

Before any international trip:

• Get a full pre-trip maintenance inspection
• Ensure logbooks and MELs (Minimum Equipment Lists) are up to date
• Check that deferred items won’t raise flags in other jurisdictions

Also, avoid scheduling major maintenance while abroad. Not only can labor be more expensive, but some authorities may hold your aircraft until everything is documented to their standards. I’ve seen it happen.

🍽️ 6. Cabin Prep Isn’t Just for Show

Whether you have a flight attendant or not, your crew needs to know international cabin protocols:

• Rules on food and alcohol vary by country (and can be surprisingly strict)
  
  
• Items like meat, fruit, and wine may need to be declared or removed
  
  
• Trash disposal rules are enforced at many ports—international garbage must be handled separately
  
  

You don’t want to lose a client’s imported champagne or delay takeoff over a fruit plate.

🌍 Regions to Watch (and Plan for Differently)

Each region has its quirks:

• Europe: Very documentation- and slot-heavy; lots of ramp checks
  
  
• North Africa: May require special permits and security coordination
  
  
• Caribbean: Seemingly casual, but customs is taken seriously—get the paperwork right.
• Central America: Infrastructure varies; handlers are especially valuable here
  
  

Final Thought: International Travel Is Not the Time to Wing It

In private aviation, your clients expect perfection. Whether you’re the owner or managing the trip on someone else’s behalf, you can’t afford surprises. A smooth international mission requires planning, preparation, and experience.

At Refined Steele, I specialize in helping aircraft owners and their crews prepare for international operations the right way. From compliance and documentation to selecting the right handlers and overseeing pre-trip inspections, I’m here to help make your next overseas trip as smooth as your landing.

Want help prepping for international travel?

📩 Reach out today to schedule a consultation. Let’s ensure your aircraft, crew, and cabin are ready for anything.