While I was taking a bit of a blogger breather over the last 6 months due to health issues, Cam and I made a secret getaway to where it all began for our relationship… the city of angels. After so many months of near recovery, it was devastating to plummet back into a series of painful symptoms controlled by my reckless autoimmune disease. So, Cam did something a little extra special for our anniversary this year to help me decompress; he booked a luxury flight with BlackBird Air to keep my stress down and to create the experience of a lifetime together.
Originally created to decrease traffic on the ground, BlackBird has quickly generated buzz within the aviation industry, earning itself the reputation of affordable and convenient flight options for private plane passengers. Experience boutique air travel with BlackBird (now, a Part of Surf Air) for your next getaway.
How to book a flight with Blackbird Air
+ Download the BlackBird application
Sure, you can go online the old school way, but be sure to download the BlackBird Air mobile app. This is a much more convenient way to check-in on your itinerary while traveling. Don’t forget to fill out your online profile to keep the BlackBird team in-the-know as well.
+ Enter your weight into your online profile
Before you start complaining, don’t. Nobody wants to think about their weigh-in at the doctor, let alone enter that godforsaken number into an app. That being said, this seemingly small step is crucial for the Blackbird team. Private planes can only hold so much weight dependent on a passenger’s weigh-in, the amount of passengers boarding the flight, and the weight of your luggage. All things considered, an overweight plane could become a safety hazard for flying. Keep calm; the Blackbird team will never jeopardize their passenger’s safety, but this could create unwanted scheduling hassles or a potential last minute plane switch. So, enter your weight… (and be honest about it!)
+ Add your payment method & emergency contact
This should go without saying, but to avoid any payment issues, just save your credit card information into the BlackBird app as soon as you sign up. This will create a worry-free experience while booking your flights. Fingers crossed a loved one never needs to be contacted for an emergency, but it’s always smart to have them on file, so the team make sure you’re taken care of.
Things to consider before booking…
+ Plan for short distance travel
My fellow flyers, keep in mind that BlackBird Air was originally created to ease traffic on the ground. That’s right. Blackbird Air believes that your lifestyle choices shouldn’t be limited by traffic; something to keep in mind for professionals with a horrific commute. Therefore, BlackBird Air rarely provides long distance travel. If you’re planning to travel locally, across the state, or popular destinations such as Las Vegas, you’re golden. However, you shouldn’t expect a small plane to get you from California to Florida.
+ Location limitations
Sorry to disappoint, but BlackBird Air only serves California and New York at the moment. Try not to be too down though. There’s a possibility that they could expand to new locations across the United States, so stay tuned and keep up-to-date with BlackBird Air here.
+ Booking your trip in advance
Technically, you could book a private plane the day of, but to ensure a smooth flight experience I would recommend booking your flights as early as possible to confirm the plane and/or pilot of your choice during your desired travel dates.
+ Luggage weight
Luggage weight should not exceed more than 15 lbs. If you’re planning a longer vacation and will require a larger carry-on option, you may want to book a commercial flight through airlines such as Southwest.
+ Weather
Small planes are more likely to be affected by bad weather rather than larger commercial flights. If you’re booking during the winter, keep in mind unfavorable weather could cause delays, last minute flight shifts, or cancel your flight completely. While this may seem inconvenient, Blackbird Air makes your safety their #1 priority and they will not put you in an unfavorable situation. If the possibility of flight delays concern you, create a backup plan to keep your mind at ease!
+ Travel costs
While BlackBird Air is affordable, it’s still considered a luxury flight. So, it’s more than likely going to be more expensive than your typical commercial flights via Southwest. While this may not always be the case, it’s something to keep in mind. That being said, there are perks to booking with BlackBird Air that you will not get with your typical airline carriers.
Perks to booking with Blackbird Air…
+ No hassle airport security
+VIP access
+ An unforgettable experience
Unlike larger airlines, you can skip the security line, sit front and center with your pilot, or choose to hang in the back with your crew. Listen in on the pilots speaking with control towers and get front row access to the local sights as you defy gravity from above. Looking for the experience of a lifetime? Whether you’re booking your next music festival, bachelor(ette) party, or you’re just looking for a quick getaway, BlackBird Air will help you create memories of a lifetime.
