HOW TO CHARTER A PRIVATE JET
Famous bankers, pop and sports stars are those who probably spring to mind for owning their own personal private jet. To an extent, this is true. The convenience, comfort and privacy make flying private perfect for these demographics. However, in the last few years, especially following the pandemic, this life of luxury has become more accessible than ever through the growing popularity of charter services.
Here, we look at what a charter flight is, some of the (less obvious) benefits, and how to actually charter a private jet.
What Is a Charter Flight?
These celebrities likely do not own their own jet. Given that the cost of a new private jet can easily reach US$70 million, plus hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual operating costs, owning a private jet is out of reach for most of the average celebrity. Even at the higher end of wealth, many people opt for fractional ownership (timeshare for planes) through companies like Magellan Jets or Villiers Jets. However, the most common, cost effective and accessible path to flying private is chartering a plane.
Chartering a plane is distinct from flying commercial in that, when you charter a plane, you are effectively renting the entire plane. Essentially, you tell the charter company what kind of plane you want, where you want to go and when you want to go.
There are a number of significant benefits to chartering planes. For example, it enables you to:
- Avoid regular airport terminals and security, saving time and a lot of headache.
- Fly to smaller, more convenient airports, potentially allowing you to visit multiple locations in less time.
- Not be subject to the airlines’ schedules, providing more flexibility.
- Stay away from other passengers.
To be clear, flying commercial, even first class, will most certainly be cheaper. However, if you value your time, convenience and flexibility, the benefits of chartering your own private jet may be worth it. Luckily, thanks to increased demand and competition, booking a private jet has never been easier.
5 Steps to Book a Private Jet Air Charter Service
From finding a plane to charter to receiving a private jet quote, charter companies have stepped up their game in recent years to make this option extremely accessible.
Here are the steps to follow to charter a private jet:
Step 1: Identify Your Executive Jet Charter Needs
If you need to fly say from Los Angeles to New York City on a Monday morning and return Tuesday afternoon, you can likely find a first-class ticket on an airline that provides the convenience and comfort you desire. However, if you need to fly a more complex route say from Midland, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois, for a business meeting at 8 a.m. then drop off a passenger in Nashville, Tennessee, by noon before a 4 PM meeting in San Diego on Wednesday, a commercial airliner probably is not going to work.
This is where the flexibility of a charter jet can be beneficial. Most people do not realize that in addition to the major international airports in large cities, there are hundreds of regional airports that airlines service less frequently, if at all. Private jets, on the other hand, can access these locations easily, providing greater convenience to passengers.
If you seek such convenience, then start thinking about your budget. We will break down private jet quotes in another step, but generally speaking, the bigger the jet, the larger the bill.
Size depends on two variables: the number of passengers and distance to travel.
Private and business jets can carry anywhere from four to 19 passengers, plus crew. There are too larger aircraft for international flights, catering for two hundred passengers or more. However, even if you are the sole passenger, small jets simply cannot carry enough fuel to fly long range. You will need to pay for a larger jet with greater range if you are expecting to travel from, say, New York to Bogotá.
Based on your destination and passenger requirements, charter jet companies like Magellan Jets and Trilogy Aviation Group will determine the type of plane you need.
Step 2: Research Private Jet Charter Airlines
Next you will want to do a little research. Unlike the extremely regulated airlines, charter companies vary in quality. The FAA’s Safe Air Charter initiative encourages customers to be weary of deals that seem too good to be true.
While competition may drive down prices slightly, licensing, maintenance and jet fuel are not cheap.
Well-known companies like Trilogy Aviation and Villiers Jets have excellent safety and service records. Deciding between similarly reputable companies might come down to availability based on the size of their fleet and the type of jets offered. Some companies specialize in light jets, such as the Cessna Citation CJ3, while others may focus their businesses on longer range jets, such as the Global 6000 or Gulfstream G550.
These considerations can seem confusing to the average customer. That is where a private jet broker can come in. Brokers are like realtors for planes. They match customers to charter companies based on all of the requirements discussed above, hunt for deals, and charge a commission for their service.
Quick look Best Charter Jet Services
- Best for Availability: NetJets
- Best for Flexibility: Magellan Jets
- Best for Short Advance Notice: Trilogy Aviation Group
- Best for Empty Leg Flights: Wheels Up
- Best for Membership Perks Without Upfront Costs: Silver Air
- Best for International Travel and Sustainability: VistaJet
Step 3: Get Private Jet Quotes and Compare Options
Obtaining a private jet quote has never been easier online. For example, Trilogy Aviation Group empowers you to obtain a quote with just your origin and destination, travel dates, and number of passengers. Similar to Google Flights for chartering a private jet.
Keep in mind these are estimates and the cost will be affected by a number of factors, including the:
- Type of plane
- Distance to travel
- Airport fees (i.e. landing fees)
- Jet fuel surcharges, which are the primary variable costs
Additionally, insurance, cost of regulatory compliance, maintenance and flight crew are rolled into these prices. Regardless, expect to receive quotes for hourly rates (about US$4,000 per hour). In rare cases you may see all in fees, but these are typically only offered on empty leg flights.
While these fees quickly add up, keep in mind you are flying private and chartering is usually far more cost-effective than owning your own jet. Still, with so many charter companies competing, do not be afraid to compare quotes and negotiate certain fees.
Step 4: Book Your Charter Flight
Once you have decided on a private jet operator or broker, booking is fairly straightforward. You will receive a service contract, which you should read carefully, sign and remit with payment.
Some companies accept credit cards, while others require wire transfers (after all, we are talking tens of thousands of dollars, in most cases).
Additional fees, such as limousine services coordinated by the charter company for instance, will be calculated and added to the final bill.
While flying private offers some level of anonymity, you will still need to provide proof of identification and for international flights, passports and visas (if applicable) for all passengers.
Do not be surprised if the pilots also ask about things like food or plants in your luggage, as you are required to report such items to customs
Step 5: Prepare for Your Flight
There are a few things to know before you leave. First of all, say goodbye to busy airport terminals. Private jets operate out of Fixed Base Operators (FBO). These are usually located on the opposite end of the airport from commercial terminals and provide all of the comfort and convenience you would expect when paying for a private jet. In most cases, you can show up just minutes before your flight, check in with the FBO desk and have a seat in the lounge.
The FBO will notify your pilots of your arrival and you will be escorted to your plane. If you opt for limousine service booked through the operator, you may skip the FBO altogether and instead be driven directly to your plane.
That is right: no TSA (security checks), no luggage inspections. The pilots are obligated to ensure none of the baggage poses a safety to flight, but unless you are traveling internationally, do not expect to go through metal detectors or remove your shoes. Just hand your bags to the flight crew and settle in for a quick pre-flight briefing and you will be taxiing within minutes.
Depending on the size of the plane, you can expect first class service from the flight crew, including meals if available. Many operators will allow pets and even your own beverages. Watch movies, prop your feet up and relax. Do as you please, so long as you do not cause a safety concern for the flight crew.
Now You Know How to Charter a Private Jet
Expensive? Relative to commercial flying, yes. Convenient and comfortable? Absolutely.
If you value your schedule, flexibility and privacy, chartering a plane can be worth the cost and has never been more accessible.
Still, do your research and ensure the operator is safe and reputable. Most of all, enjoy it! Flying in a private jet is true luxury.
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