What you need to know before chartering a private jet
Chartering a private jet is all rage, but before you contact air charter brokers or operators to line up your next trip, there’s some information they’ll need. Here is a list of things that will help them answer your questions and find an itinerary perfect for you!
Where are you flying from and to?
With over 5,000 airports in the U.S., it is unlikely that there isn’t a closer departure and/or arrival airport to your destination than you are used to. Ask your Charter Consultant about alternate airport options for reducing travel time and fees. Allow them to suggest new possibilities based on their knowledge of all available airports nearby so they can help save you time. It is always a great idea to use alternate airports with less traffic.
Who is flying?
When chartering a private jet, you need to find out what size is best for your flight. There are many things that go into this decision including how many people will be flying if they are children or adults, and their weights. You also need to know how much luggage they have with them. You want a plane that can hold all of this stuff and not break the weight limit. Then there are weather conditions on departure time and destination airport as well as wind patterns at all airports along the route.
When deciding which private jet will suit you best, consider whether or not your trip requires any infant seat(s), animal companionships such as dogs or cats, and make sure you make the information available to your air charter advisor in advance so they can request the necessary accommodations needed.
Imagine your perfect flight on a private jet. What would it be like? Whether you want to fly across the country or around the world, there are private aircraft for every occasion and budget. As an example, the range of a light jet varies from 600-2000 miles depending on the make and model plus how many people and luggage you have. Different aircraft models have various cabin height ranges which can affect whether tall passengers will fit inside comfortably, as well as baggage space that may not accommodate all your travel needs in one trip.
Any potential fuel stops?
Are you looking for the most economical private jet charter? Sometimes, a smaller plane with more stops will be cheaper than a bigger plane that can fly nonstop. You need to think about time and the destination before deciding which may be best. Skipping a fuel stop can potentially save anywhere from 1-2 hours of your time. For most business executives, having to plan for a fuel stop is not an option.
When are you planning your return?
When chartering a private jet, you can choose to book a round-trip or one-way. This all depends on your schedule, flexibility, and if you already have a return date in mind or not. When booking just one way, the plane will often take off for its next destination after dropping off the passengers for that flight. You may think it makes sense to book round-trip flights, but experienced travelers usually wait for a good deal before booking so as not to pay more money than necessary. These deals can often be referred to as “Empty Legs” which means that a particular aircraft is in the proximity of your location and is willing to fly to your destination for a fraction of the cost, often saving flyers 30% of the retail charter cost. What a steal! While empty legs may not be so easy to come across, you must act quickly when they do! Such factors like travel date, times may not be at your preference often times forcing you to adapt to the air charter operator’s availability.
Any special catering on board?
The standard stock of soda, water, beer, and spirits as well as snacks are usually included during your flight journey. If you would like anything special arranged prior to your flight, make sure to mention it to your flight advisor that way they can coordinate catering well in advance.
Do I need to arrange my own ground transportation?
Arranging ground transportation often falls to the person you are working with. They want to provide a worry-free experience for you so that you can focus on what matters during your flight. You should mention any ground transportation arrangements you make with someone else, like your car or limo company, so that they can plan for them once on the ground.
Is there any wifi on board when chartering a private jet?
We understand that it is important to stay connected. Most aircraft options include complimentary Wi-Fi for your convenience. When you are looking for a private jet charter, make sure to ask if the flight will have Wi-Fi onboard.
What’s included in the price of chartering a private jet?
You should always receive a quote from an air charter broker with all taxes and fees included. Factors used for pricing determination such as the aircraft category, live hourly rate, repositioning hourly rate, landing fees, FBO fees, catering, fuel surcharges, and overnights play a big role in the final price tag and are all combined to give you a final price. Keep in mind Federal Excise Taxes (FET) apply to all national flights for 7.5% of the total charter cost, plus $4.20 of segment fees per passenger, per segment.
What are the cancellation terms when chartering a private jet?
It is best to talk with your charter broker before you book. This will help you understand the terms and conditions that you agree to when you book a flight. Every company has different cancellation terms, but most of them work in similar ways. Being aware and discussing the cancellation policies with your broker will prevent any future misunderstandings. Mistakes on the operator side such as mechanicals, no-shows will often break you out of these terms without any penalties or hefty fees. Below is a general rule of thumb for cancellations:
- All one-ways are 100% Non-refundable (specifically during peak season and holidays)
- 30% of the charter cost if canceled within 72 hours of departure
- 50% of the charter cost if canceled within 48 hours of departure
- 100% of the charter cost if canceled within 24 hours of departure
How do I know I am getting the best air charter quote?
There are many factors you should take into account when chartering a private jet charter. The market is flooded with private jet brokers and it may be handy to be able to differentiate companies and individuals. Below are some key points you should look out for when working with an air charter broker for your next flight.
- Make sure the broker does not represent themselves as a direct air carrier and is in compliance with U.S 14 CFR Part 295 and 298 Charter Broker rules.
- Ask the broker if they have a non-operating aircraft insurance policy of at least 1M. Even though not required, it will tell you how well established the broker is.
- Make sure that the broker always discloses the air charter operator of the private jet you are being quoted on and/or considering on booking. Private Jet brokers are required to disclose this information at the time of contract to their clients.
- Always ask the broker for a Wyvern or Argus trip-cheq pass report. These reports are ministered by a third-party aviation auditing company that audits the air charter operators to make sure they are in compliance verifying their pilot’s hours, licenses, and documents are all kept accurate and up-to-date.
- Last but not least, shop around with different air charter brokers so you can get the best private jet charter price possible. The air charter broker’s responsibilities are to arrange everything for you from A-Z. These professionals are also a good resource of security because they always make sure that the crew members and operators have been checked out. This way, you will have a safe and unmatched flying experience.
At Velox Air Charter, our team is passionate about providing you with the best private jet charter service. Whether for business or leisure travel needs we have access to aircraft that suit your specific needs and provide unparalleled safety at a time of convenience. Our belief system is simple – excellence in delivery with no compromise on any level! Give us a call today for a no-obligation air charter quote at (954) 686-4191 available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or use our proprietary private jet charter cost estimator tool available on our website.
