A new requirement for submitting passport details to UK Border Force at least two hours before flying is changing private air travel procedures but Air Partner is working with passengers to ensure flights remain seamless.
For many people, flying private is either an essential part of life or a well-earned perk, and at Air Partner we do everything we can to make sure our customers are comfortable, safe and served in an efficient manner.
Recently, however, Air Partner have had to adjust the way it manages flights into and out of the UK, due to a change in the law. In a bid to enhance border security, since April 6, 2024, new legislation from UK Border Force demands pilots, owners and operators of private jets to submit Advance Passenger Information (API) online from 48 hours to no later than two hours before departure, just like they do on commercial airlines.
Why have these rules been put into place? Tom Pursglove, former UK Minister for Legal Migration and the Border, said in a statement: “These new regulations will strengthen our border security further by making it easier for Border Force and the police to perform robust security checks on people who fly to and from the UK on a private or unscheduled general aviation flight.”
For private jet passengers, including Air Partner’s JetCard members, the new legislation introduces one key change to the pre-flight process. Passengers' personal information must be submitted within two hours of departure, and they must be traveling with the corresponding passport. Air Partner ensures that the required information is carefully checked and submitted correctly on time.
Kevin MacNaughton, Managing Director of Charter for Air Partner, says: “Air Partner are here to make the travel experience as easy and seamless as possible. Whilst these regulations have been put in place, we are here to ensure there is minimum impact to our clients and members, allowing us to maintain the high level of personal service and care they have come to expect from us.”
Tips for flying private in and out of the UK
At the same time as supporting the UK Border Force’s efforts to better manage immigration and boost security, Air Partner is doing everything it can to help passengers continue to enjoy easy and seamless flights. Here’s are some useful tips for preparing for departure:
- Share passport information: As soon as your travel plans are confirmed, provide Air Partner with your passport information. We will help ensure it is correct and up to date.
- Pack the right passport: For travellers with dual or multiple citizenships, it’s best to pack both or all your passports to ensure your API matches the document you are travelling with.
- Last-minute passenger changes: One of the benefits of flying private is travelling when you want, with whom you want. At Air Partner, we advise that any changes to the passenger manifest are made more than two hours before departure to avoid delays.
- Crew changes: The new rules also apply to pilots and crew, too, so if there is a delay that means a new pilot or crew member has to fly, additional two-hour-plus delays could be created by the requirement for them to submit their API.
Please contact your personal Air Partner Account Manager if you would like to discuss any of these changes in more detail or contact [email protected]
