Jet Services, Inc. is pleased to offer international Jet Charter operations based out of the Mobile Regional Airport (KMOB) in Mobile, AL. Jet Services is located in the perfect position as an international launching point for charter customers all along the central gulf coast region. International trips can be amazing, and we can get you there fast!! But it’s always important to be prepared when traveling out of the country.  Included for reference below is an amended traveler’s checklist from the U.S. State Department designed to help mitigate issues while out of the country.  Reviewing this guidance will have you as prepared as possible to take that next memorable international vacation.

We can get into the checklist in a bit–but let’s talk about the possible trips! We are authorized to operate in Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and Canada. So you have many choices for that next get away. Did you know that our jet charter fleet can have you in Cancun, Mexico in as little as two hours from the Mobile area? It really doesn’t take long!

Check out these flight time examples to popular destinations in our Cessna Citation Bravo:

• Mobile, AL to Cancun, Mexico – 1 hour 52 minutes
• Destin, FL to Nassau, Bahamas – 1 hour 48 minutes
• New Orleans, LA to Cozumel, Mexico – 1 hour 58 minutes
• Pensacola, FL to Belize City, Belize – 2 hours 33 minutes

The possibilities are truly endless!

Jet Services has also secured a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Overflight Exemption allowing us to operate our flights directly back into most local airports. Without an exemption, flights would always be required to land at the first available airport nearest the point when the U.S. border is crossed during the flight. For example, if you were travelling from the Bahamas to Mobile, AL, a stop would be required at an airport such as Ft. Lauderdale to clear into the United States. This stop includes unloading the aircraft to inspect all baggage, aircraft inspection, customs paperwork, etc.  And worse yet, if the aircraft needs fuel before continuing the flight, they may be required to load up, taxi to another location on the airport and receive the fuel there.  We have worked hard to be sure this authorization is available to our customers. It’s just another way that Jet Services adds convenience to you during your trip.

Does your local airport qualify for the overflight  exemption? Ask our scheduling department at 251-300-6600 or email us at [email protected].

U.S. State Department – Traveler’s Checklist

It is crucial to be prepared when traveling outside of the United States. Traveler documentation issues, travel warnings, health issues, etc. can cause many unforeseen problems for those who aren’t prepared.  We recommend reading the information below and utilizing the links to gather as much information as possible about your destination, it’s customs and laws, and anything that may adversely affect your trip.  If you find you still have questions, be sure to ask us and we can help.

Get Informed

Read up on your destination at travel.state.gov. Learn about visa requirements, local laws, customs, and medical care in the countries you are visiting. Some travelers, such as those with disabilities, women, and LGBTI persons, may face additional challenges when abroad. Be aware of any Travel Warnings or Travel Alerts for your destination country, which describe risks to you and may affect your travel plans. Also check the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will be traveling for the latest security messages. Find out about health precautions. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide recommendations for vaccinations and other travel health precautions for your trip abroad. Prepare to handle money overseas. Before you go, notify your bank and credit card company of your travel, and check exchange rates.  For information about using cash, debit/credit cards, and ATMs, read about your destination. Carry contact details for the nearest U.S. embassy or U.S. consulate with you, in English and the local language. We provide help for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, overseas and in Washington, D.C. (888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444).  Read more about what the Department of State can and cannot do for you in an emergency.

Get Required Documents

Apply early for a passport, or renew your old one. It should be valid for at least six months after you return home, and needs to have two or more blank pages. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter. Check all family members’ passports because those for adults are valid for 10 years, but children’s passports only for five. U.S. citizens must use a U.S. passport to leave and come back to the United States. If you are traveling by land or sea, you must show proof of both your U.S. citizenship and your identity when you return to the United States. For many land or sea trips, this means you can travel using the new U.S. passport card instead of a normal passport book. Read more about U.S. passport requirements. You may need to get a visa before you travel to a destination. Contact the embassy of the foreign countries you will be visiting for more information. Get a letter from your doctor for medications you are bringing. Some countries have strict laws, even against over-the-counter medications, so read about your destination before you go. If you are traveling alone with children, foreign border officials may require custody documents or written consent from the other parent. Check with the embassy of your foreign destination before traveling. Make two photocopies of all your travel documents in case of emergency.  Leave one copy with a trusted friend or relative at home and carry the other  separately from your documents in case of loss or theft.

Get Insured

Make sure you have health insurance whenever you are traveling abroad. If your U.S. health care plan does not cover you overseas, consider buying supplemental insurance to cover medical costs and emergency evacuation. Foreign hospitals and doctors often require payment in cash, and Emergency medical evacuation can cost up to $100,000. Social Security and Medicare does not provide coverage outside of the United States.  Learn more at Your Health Abroad. Also check if you have coverage for trip interruption/cancellation and loss or theft, to help pay for unexpected expenses.

International trips can be a great experience.  Get prepared and call Jet Services to book your next trip.  Our knowledgeable staff will handle the details of getting you there safely so you can enjoy everything else.  To check availability, call us at (251) 300-6600 or email your trip request to [email protected].