One of the main advantages of traveling with private aviation is the ability to charter jet quickly and make flights at a convenient time for you. However, airports of popular destinations strive to regulate the system of take-offs and landings of business jets, using a system of slots or setting prime time during holidays or socially resonant events, such as the World Economic Forum or the Super Bowl. Of course, the airline brokers who organize flights know how to handle slot systems and how to ensure convenient departure and departure of your aircraft, but in general it is useful to imagine what the slots are and how they work in aviation communication.
A slot is a specific time interval provided by an airport to take off or land an aircraft. Slots are made before the appointed flight date, flight organizers must adhere to pre-booked intervals, otherwise the aircraft will not be able to land until there are empty seats.
The slot system is usually used to control the number of aircraft in the air and in the departure / arrival area. Typically, slots are used at airports with high demand for the use of the runway, both on ordinary days and on seasonal peaks, for example, during the Christmas holidays.
In addition to private jets, many airports with a slot system are served by airlines, and the latter often have priority in using the slots that they receive for a specific flight and plane. This means that on high dates it is better to book private flights in advance or, in extreme cases, choose less busy airports.
A striking example is London Heathrow: the airport is heavily congested on any day, regardless of the date, so it has very few opportunities for private aviation. Customers are usually offered London Biggin Hill or London Luton with more flexible schedules and access. When planning a flight through a slotted airport, the operator informs the customer of any possible restrictions, and after booking the flight finds the best possible departure time.