NAVIGATING PRIVATE JET TRAVEL AROUND A PRESIDENTIAL TFR AT PBI

If traveling to Palm Beach is a regular part of your business or seasonal agenda, your trips to Florida’s Gold Coast may become more complicated for the foreseeable future. U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s regular trips to Mar-a-Lago bring heightened security and subsequent Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR).

In this article, we will dive deeper into the nuances of a Presidential TFR, explore their implications and offer practical strategies to help mitigate the challenges they present. You will learn more about how this specifically affects Flexjet operations at Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) and what to expect when these restrictions are in place.

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WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING A PRESIDENTIAL TFR?

When a TFR is in effect, Palm Beach Airport (PBI) will only permit arrivals from five designated ‘Gateway Airports’.

This means that your flight must depart from one of these five locations, or alternatively, stop and clear security via one of these locations prior to continuing to Palm Beach:

Reservations with these ‘Gateway Airports’ are required at least 24 hours prior to departure. Different ‘Gateway Airports’ have different locations for handling these TSA screenings. The (TEB) location rotates their TSA screening location between Jet Aviation, Atlantic or Signature South depending on designation. Similarly, (MCO) primary screening locations are at Signature and Atlantic FBO’s.

At Flexjet, our Operations Team and Owner Services Specialists will work jointly to keep you updated of newly announced restrictions or anticipated delays, but there are many unforeseen variables that are beyond our control. Palm Beach is one of Flexjet’s top five busiest FBOs, and this can also add an extra layer of complexity when it comes to TSA wait times during regular periods of high flight demand.

During these imposed TFR windows, we strongly encourage you to consider arranging travel to alternative airports such as Boca Raton Airport (BCT) or Stuart International Airport (SUA).

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HOW DO I KNOW IF I WILL NEED TO BE TSA SCREENED?

If your scheduled flight to or from PBI coincides with a TFR, the Flexjet Owner Services team will reach out to you if you need to be screened prior to departure. During a TFR, all private jet passengers and crew members will undergo formal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening, like all commercial flights.

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Before the TSA screening process can begin, all members of your travel party must be present. Arriving 60 to 90 minutes early is highly advised to help mitigate any delays related to congestion. Have your government-issued I.D. ready.

• Take advantage of TSA pre-screening from Gateway Airports that will allow for an express arrival into PBI, even during TFR windows.

On average, TSA screenings usually take about 15 minutes but can take up to 1 hour depending on conditions. The more luggage you have, the slower this process may become. If your screening appointment is missed or in danger of being missed, please communicate with your Owner Services Specialist to coordinate with Mission Validation.

Upon arrival at either PBI or other ‘Gateway Airport’ FBO’s, inform the front desk of your screening appointment, and they will then direct you where to wait until your appointment time. These areas can become congested with travelers as TSA only can process one flight at a time. If discrepancies arise your crew may need to enter the FBO to verify and resolve.

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WHAT CAN I DO TO AVOID DELAYS?

TFRs can lead to unanticipated delays or schedule modifications. Jon Meredith, Flexjet FBO Manager at PBI and 23-year Flexjet veteran, was around for the first wave of these restrictions from 2016-2020 and strongly recommends that when departing PBI, to build in a 1-hour ‘buffer zone’ around any implemented TFR or Air Traffic Control (ATC) mandated ground holds.

“Although it is usually efficient and only presents a slight detour in your day, TSA screening can be variable in the time it takes. Be prepared to arrive as early as is reasonable and feel free to wait in our lounge adjacent to the screening area for the rest of your party and until your respective appointment,” says Meredith.

For example, if your flight time is at 5 PM EST, we would recommend arriving at the airport no later than 4 PM to ensure a seamless departure process and encourage you to be in regular contact with your Owner Services Specialist.

If a Flexjet plane needs to pick you up on an identified TFR day at PBI, it is required to go through TEB, HPN, IAD, MCO or FLL. If any of these locations are having delays, those can also have a trickle-down effect on flights in and out of PBI.

Air space is not the only travel to be restricted. The presence of Secret Service and local law enforcement necessitates road closures and the establishment of no-go zones, which can restrict access to PBI, nearby hotels, restaurants and surrounding residences.

To minimize any compounding inconvenience, if you plan to depart from PBI, it may be wise to utilize a car service or ride sharing to remain flexible if you are diverted to an alternative airport, away from your parked vehicle.

Even food is not spared the scrutiny of the TSA. All ordered catering must be checked by TSA prior to going into the aircraft. Likewise, all stock items removed from the stock locker is required to be inspected by TSA, which can impact Cabin Server efficiency.

“At the end of the day, to avoid all possible restrictive nuances of the TFR web, we strongly encourage you to consider utilizing alternative airports such as Boca Raton Airport (BCT) or Stuart International Airport (SUA) if a TFR is indicated during your desired travel window,” Meredith says.

Our dedicated Flexjet team is committed to closely monitoring any developments regarding TFRs and will strive to proactively provide you with timely updates regarding this evolving travel dynamic to ensure your trip is as seamless as possible.

We thank you for your patience and flexibility during these imposed restrictions. Should you have any inquiries or require further assistance regarding your travel arrangements, please do not hesitate to contact your Owner Services Specialist.