Climbing the steps to a private jet feels like something out of a music video—or that one scene in a coming-of-age drama where everything finally clicks. There’s no overhead speaker calling your name as a final boarding warning. No clunky rollaway bag bouncing along tile floors. Just you, the tarmac, and engines waiting to lift you out of the ordinary. It’s not just a flight—it’s a declaration: you’re doing this on your terms now.
Why Dublin Is More Than Just A Starting Point
Dublin is where modern cool collides with old-world mystique. Think: staying in a castle-turned-hotel overlooking rolling green hills, then heading to a whiskey tasting set in a centuries-old cellar where Bono might casually walk in. It’s low-key glam, with just the right amount of edge. Not as overexposed as London, and quieter than Paris, Dublin lets you disappear—gracefully. With cobblestones under your feet and zero paparazzi in your face.
No Shoes Off. No Lines. No Plastic Tray With Your Laptop In It.
Forget everything you associate with flying. When you charter a jet to or from Dublin, even the idea of “boarding” gets redefined.
- You don’t wait in line—you get greeted by name.
- Your bags don’t vanish—they travel with you, often in sight.
- Your meal isn’t a tray of mystery pasta—it’s designed beforehand, maybe even with your favorite Irish cheeses flown in.
Dublin’s private flight scene is big enough to know what luxury means—and small enough to make it personal. Whether you’re flying out from the VIP terminal at Dublin Airport or choosing the more discreet Weston option, the experience is clean and custom.
And sure, maybe TSA isn’t technically in Ireland—but trust, skipping security queues and liquid limits feels just as revolutionary. You’re not navigating terminals—you’re stepping from car to cabin in less time than it takes to get through check-in at a regular airport. Your pilot? They already know your route. The aircrew? Already know if you’re gluten-free.
| Service | Commercial Flight | Private Jet Charter |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding Time | 45+ minutes | 10-15 minutes |
| Check-in Process | Multiple lines | Straight to terminal |
| Personalization | Minimal to none | Full meal, music, and crew customization |
Leaving or arriving in Dublin isn’t just about crossing time zones—it’s about rewriting how travel should feel. Like you’re not some seat number on a ticket. You are the trip.
Which Dublin Airports Actually Work for Private Flyers
If you’ve ever dreamed of slipping out of Dublin without waiting in passport queues or squeezing through Terminal 1, there’s good news—two airports handle private flights with flair and flexibility.
Dublin Airport (DUB) Executive Terminal
Private flyers at Dublin Airport don’t touch the chaos of commercial terminals. At the Executive Terminal, your car actually pulls up just steps from the jet. Think: ten to fifteen minutes from the backseat of your blacked-out SUV to wheels up. You’ll breeze through security in a calm, carpeted space where the espresso hits just right. Customs, immigration, and crew? All handled in-house. Whether you’re heading to Paris for lunch or Miami for a long weekend, this terminal keeps it quiet, quick, and luxurious.
Weston Airport
Ten miles west of the city lies Weston Airport, small but serious about privacy. It’s off the radar, the kind of place where no one’s snapping photos of arrivals. This boutique airstrip isn’t for large jets, but if you’re flying in something light or midsize, it’s fast becoming a quieter pick. Drivers take you right to the aircraft, and security is discreet—perfect for those who prefer to be treated like ghosts, not guests. Think of it like the speakeasy of flying private: low-key, refined, and only for those who know.
Jet Types and What They Actually Feel Like to Fly In
Not all jets hit the same. Choosing the right one comes down to how far you’re going, how much you’re packing, and whether you’re the type who needs a lie-flat bed—or just somewhere to stretch out with an oversized hoodie and your partner’s playlist in your ears.
Light Jets
They’re the Ubers of private flying—streamlined, no fuss, and fast. Perfect for short trips like Dublin to London or Paris, light jets handle up to 6-8 passengers max. It’s leather seats, a mini bar with just enough champagne, maybe some gourmet snacks in the armrest compartments. Luggage space is tight—don’t bring your full Louis Vuitton steamer set—but for two people and a weekend bag each? Golden. And yes, you get your own private terminal service even in something this nimble.
Midsize and Super-Midsize Jets
If you need more legroom or you’re hopping to the Canary Islands or somewhere Swiss with snow, these are your go-tos. With 7–10 passengers onboard, these jets offer stand-up cabins, larger lavatories (yes, someone can fix their makeup in peace), and even seating that converts into short lie-back beds. You’ll feel like you have your own little suite in the sky—minus the hotel lobby. Some even include Wi-Fi that doesn’t make you want to throw your phone mid-flight.
Heavy Jets & VIP Airliners
This is where the fantasy kicks up a notch. New York? Dubai? Private chef onboard? These jets are flying penthouses. Expect walk-around bedrooms, proper showers, and plush lounge areas. The vibe? Luxury tour meets quiet escape—where writing a novel mid-flight actually seems plausible because everything else is handled for you.
Booking the Jet: How This All Comes Together
Dipping your toes into private aviation starts either with a human or an app. The route you take depends on how complicated (or casual) your trip is.
Charter Brokers vs DIY Apps
- Charter Brokers: Great for special requests or last-minute changes. They know the aircraft, crews, and even which airports will let your dog disembark first.
- DIY Apps: If you’re tech-savvy and the trip is simple—think Dublin to Paris on a Friday—apps like XO or JetSmarter let you book in three taps, Apple Pay included.
Apps give control, while brokers give reassurance. Combine when in doubt—some brokers even use the apps too.
Timing, Documents, and How Fast You Can Go from Couch to Cockpit
If your passport’s valid and you’re not bringing a baby tiger on board, same-day departures are absolutely possible. Most flyers book 24–72 hours ahead, but flights can be arranged in under four if needed (depends on crew availability and airport slots). You’ll still need aviation clearance and ID—but no TSA marathon lines, and luggage gets hand-loaded. Boarding happens minutes before takeoff, and arrival? Direct tarmac pickup, no carousel in sight.
Life’s Luxuries You Didn’t Know Were Part of It
In-Flight Customs Clearance
No airport walk-throughs. On many international routes, Irish customs officers meet your jet the second you land. They verify your documents, you’re cleared on the spot—and you’re gone in ten.
Castle Pick-Ups, Michelin Orders, and Flying with Your Dog
The magic doesn’t begin at wheels-up. It starts the second you text your broker about landing in Ashford Castle with a freshly made duck confit onboard and your golden retriever curled at your feet.
Luxury bonuses most people don’t talk about:
- Pet-friendly cabins—No crates, no weird looks, just comfy floor space with a water bowl.
- Custom catering—From green juices to Guinness to Michelin-starred menus on request.
- Ground-level extras—Premium cars waiting at touchdown, helicopter transfers to the Wicklow Mountains, or even castle accommodations already prepped with champagne.
If you ask nicely—and pay—it’s almost always a “yes.” It’s not brag-worthy luxury. It’s quiet, seamless indulgence.
