If the last few months have taught us anything, it’s the value of preparation and flexibility. Few could predict the course of the COVID-19 crisis, making planning and response almost impossible. However, we can apply the lessons to a more foreseeable natural event: hurricane season. From June to November each year, storms, cyclones, and hurricanes batter the Caribbean and the southern U.S.

When the big storms are about to hit, travelers need to plan emergency flights home, and Stratos Jet Charters has 14 years’ experience in arranging on-demand jet charters. We can help you navigate hurricane season through our skills and experience.

Here are three tips to help you prepare for hurricane evacuations.

Plan Early

Unlike some natural disasters, we can predict hurricane season. Each year, the National Hurricane Center refines its ability to forecast and chart the major storms. If you are a traveler or have family in the hurricane zone, it’s your obligation to have a solid evacuation plan in place. This is especially true if you have small children, elderly or mobility-impaired persons to evacuate. Plan your emergency flights home to get out of harm’s way at least 48 hours before a major storm hits.

Here are the factors to consider:

  • Who will need to be evacuated? Family, employees, elderly parents, pets?
  • Where do they need to go? To a home out-of-state, to a medical facility?
  • Do you have a Plan B if your first destination is unavailable?

Be Ready

You’ll want to be ready for your emergency flight home well before the hurricane makes landfall.  Travel resources are taxed to the limit before a major storm. It makes sense when you consider that those same fierce winds that threaten your community also impact all aircraft trying to land and depart in the area.

Resist the urge to “wait and see.” If you are responsible for family or employees in the danger zone, get them out fast. Here’s how:

  • Have a “Go Bag” ready for each traveler. It should contain clothing, personal essentials, medications, travel documents, snacks, and a cell-phone charger.  
  • Know the best routes to the airport. Some travelers print and laminate a map, in case cell phone/GPS services are interrupted.

Have an Aviation Plan

The events that occurred in the last few months have created an ongoing impact on aviation. Although many jurisdictions have relaxed their original “shelter-in-place” restrictions, travelers should research individual destinations before booking an emergency flight home. It’s wise to consider alternate destinations if your first choice is unavailable. 

Here are some tips:

  • Discuss possible scenarios with your group. Explain that they may not get their ideal flight, or may have to travel on separate flights. During hurricane season, safety takes precedence over convenience. 
  • Discuss options with your Stratos Travel consultant. They can help you choose an aircraft capable of reaching your alternate destination if needed.
  • Ask your Stratos agent about special considerations. Do you need an aircraft that can carry a wheelchair or stretcher? Do you need ground transportation at your destination following your emergency flights home?

Stratos Jet Charters is based in Florida, and we’ve seen hurricanes first-hand.  In many ways, that gives us an edge in private charter aviation because we’ve developed an experienced, confident team.

We’ve arranged emergency flights home for natural disasters, civil uprisings, and medical emergencies. Our network of charter providers is the kind of team that comes through in a crisis. Hurricane season demands preparation and flexibility, but it should not deter you from travel.

If you have a plan, we have a plane.

 

If you need to discuss emergency flights home on a private charter jet, call Stratos Jets—888-593-9066.