A Trip to London: The Essential Travel Checklist

Both an international business hub and a favourite tourist destination, the cosmopolitan city of London attracts discerning travellers with the allure of historic sites, world-famous shopping opportunities, and some of the world’s best Michelin-starred restaurants. The bustling capital enjoys an atmospheric air of festivity throughout the winter months and a thriving sense of joviality throughout the summer, making it the go-to destination for those with a penchant for culture-orientated travel.

Offering seats on private jet flights to London from just EUR 490, JetClass transports you in ultimate luxury and makes sure the trip to London begins in style. While the time spent on board is guaranteed to be delightful, some preparations will be required for the time spent in the city and we have you covered with this handy travel checklist!

Packing and Preparing

• On JetClass flights, you can bring one case of up to 25kg and one cabin-sized bag (specific luggage guidelines can be found in FAQs ). In addition to the widely known advantages of private jets, one less talked about is the limitations on what can be brought on board - and the answer is pretty great: almost anything that fits in the cabin (including big bottles of perfume, ensuring you do not miss out on a visit to your favourite perfume parlour)!

• Packing light is more practical if you’re travelling to London for     business, but try to squeeze in a few outfits for dinners in sophisticated restaurants, such as Scott’s; elegant evenings at the opera, ballet, or theatre; and casual afternoons exploring the city.

• London weather is famously unpredictable, so it’s a smart idea to pack an umbrella and a pair of waterproof shoes.    

• Check the 10-day weather forecast for London before you leave to get an idea of what to expect. Choose pieces of clothing with complementary colours that can be mixed and matched, and worn in layers - a smart accessory can go a long way in making sure you do not go unnoticed in the crowd.    

• Smart jackets and cardigans are surely the classic choice among Londoners, an effortless trick of staying en vogue.    

• Pack three pairs of shoes: dress or suit shoes, casual shoes for walking and sightseeing, and a comfortable pair of shoes for the plane – preferably slip-ons if your feet swell during flights.    

• Regarding electronics, it is of vital importance to pack a plug adapter if you are using American or European devices.    

• Private     jets can function as airborne executive suites, and some even allow you to use your mobile devices onboard. Using a mobile telephone while overseas can often be unexpectedly expensive, so add a preferential data plan for international calls and data.    

• Be sure to have your business cards on you - great networking opportunities can be found even on leisure trips, especially if you are travelling with JetClass.

Travel Guides and Maps

Exploring such a big city as London on your own can surely lead to some great sights and experiences, but if you are short on time or not feeling particularly adventurous be sure to grab a guidebook. DK Eyewitness London is more visual than most other guides and comes with a pull-out map. The Michelin Guide London 2017 will help you find the best hotels and restaurants in the city, including some hidden gems that you might have missed otherwise!

Visas and Paperwork

Although the immigration and boarding process is much faster and refreshingly seamless when travelling on a private jet, the same immigrations rules apply to everyone. Check the latest visa requirements and make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past your arrival date.

Visas are issued for a number of reasons, including business, tourism, medical purposes and transit to other destinations. If you are unsure whether you need a visa, the UK government has provided a helpful online checklist to determine what type of visa you need, if at all. U.S. citizens won’t need to obtain a travel visa if they’re planning on staying in the U.K. for less than six months.

Take photocopies of your passport and keep a digital copy of it as well - this will expedite the replacement process in case you lose it. Carry your original passport at airports and keep a photocopy in your luggage. Make sure to get adequate travel and health insurance and have the European Health card if you are an EU resident close by in case the unexpected happens.

Although not mandatory in most cases, it is still advisable to take printouts of your plane tickets and hotel reservations.

Transport and Accommodation

Arrange your transfers from the airport to your hotel. Conveniently, London City Airport is just 4 miles from the Canary Wharf and 5 miles from the City, so you won’t waste precious vacation time stuck in traffic. If you haven’t booked a chauffeur service, it’s possible to book a licensed minicab or hire a car on London City Airport’s website.

We recommend the Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square for a luxurious stay in the heart of London. The elegant hotel offers well-appointed rooms with 24-hour in-room dining, city views and private marble bathrooms. Guests can also access the hotel’s spa, 14-metre indoor pool, two gourmet restaurants, and vibrant lounge bar. Located between Tower Bridge and Monument, it is the perfect hotel for both business and sightseeing.

The London Visitor’s Checklist: a Summary

Organise:

• Visas
• Insurance        
• Medicine and prescriptions
• Good international mobile data plan
• Passport copies
• Transport – bring an up-to-date driving license if required
• Hotel booking

Pack:

• An umbrella
• Adaptors for electronic devices
• Credit and/or debit cards – check the expiry date to avoid unpleasant surprises!
• Business cards
• A map/guidebook
• Three pairs of shoes - casual/walking shoes, dressy shoes, comfortable ones for the flight
• Passport   
• Printouts of your tickets and hotel reservations