The Day We Flew Three Turtles Home

Some calls start with dates and departure windows. This one began with an interesting question. Could we help move three Florida Cooter turtles from California to their new home in Florida, roughly 3,000 miles away.

Flying commercial wasn’t an option, packing the turtles up for a standard cargo flight was never going to work, so Dennis Manning, one of Just Landed Jets’ Private Aviation Advisors, took the lead.

He phoned turtle rescues, connected with wildlife transport groups, and checked enclosure guidelines to understand how to craft a trip for these turtles that ensured they would ride comfortably. Ultimately, booking a private charter for the turtles was the best option.

On the day of travel, Dennis stayed in lockstep with the client. He and our trip support team called during the drive to the airport to confirm nothing had changed and that the turtles were settled. Once aboard, our team shared flight tracking updates so everyone could follow along with the turtles journey in real time. The pilots and crew treated the turtles like VIPs, and the handoff in Florida was as calm as the flight itself.

“Just Landed Jets provides more than flights, they provide solutions to challenging problems,” the client said following the flight. “Every detail was well managed and I even received calls from Dennis and the trip support team when driving to the airport to make sure I didn't need anything… You can trust Just Landed Jets to care about your needs and provide solutions.”

We loved this mission because it reminded us why we do this work. It was not just a charter. It was a client with a problem and animals that needed thoughtful care. Dennis filtered through numerous aircraft options, reviewed handling guidance, and coordinated with flight crews until the plan fit perfectly. He was tireless in the details so the handoff in Florida felt calm and assured.

When your plans include animals, turtles or otherwise, keeping them with you in the cabin can be the difference between a stressful day and a smooth one. If you are considering flying with pets, our team at Just Landed Jets can help you choose the right aircraft, cabin setup, and timeline so the trip feels humane, safe, and easy.

If you’re facing a travel puzzle — pets, special circumstances, or simply a plan that needs extra care — we’ll find a way to make it work. Tell us what you’re moving and who’s coming along. We’ll handle the rest.

To reach Dennis Manning, call 502-296-8677 or email DennisM@justlandedjets.com