Challenger 350
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Distraction; Situational Awareness; Troubleshooting
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Aircraft; Human Factors
One passenger arrived early for our flight from ZZZ to ZZZ1 and asked to wait on the aircraft. I stayed with the passenger while the PIC (Pilot in Command) waited inside for the remaining passengers. The passengers arrived approximately XA30L. After they started boarding; I noticed a fuel smell. The lead passenger walked back down the steps for more luggage and said the steps were slippery. I wiped them off then noticed the rag had a fuel smell. I notified the PIC and we walked around the aircraft to make sure it was not leaking fuel. We went back in to talk to the passengers. They asked for wipes to clean the fuel smell off their dogs' feet. The PIC told the passengers we could try to find another aircraft or takeoff and see if the fuel smell was still bad. If so; we could land at an airport where the company could arrange an aircraft swap. At 18;000; I turned off the sign; pulled the acoustic curtain and asked the passengers if the smell was any better. The wife said it was still bad. I talked to the PIC and noted that ZZZ2 was 125 miles ahead and could be a good option to land and swap into a new aircraft. He said he would talk to the passengers first. He came back and said they wanted to continue. I said I didn't think it should be for the passengers to decide and; as the pilots; we are responsible for them and we are exposing them to HAZMAT [fumes]. He said it would be all right and they wanted to continue the flight and asked if I wanted to be the single person to cause the flight to be diverted. I acquiesced. We continued to ZZZ1 with no further events. In retrospect; I believe I should have been more vocal about my concerns. Infants; animals and the elderly tend to be more at risk to hazards that adults are unaffected by. We had an infant and 3 dogs on board.
CL-350 First Officer reported cabin fuel fumes which started during preflight and remained prevalent during cruise. With concurrence of passengers; flight continued to destination for an uneventful landing.