Charter flights offer unparalleled flexibility compared to their scheduled counterparts by providing service to virtually any destination globally. The flights feature customized journey plans. These unscheduled flights differ significantly from the routine routing of commercial airlines. Instead, the schedule revolves around the passenger.
Numerous distinctions exist between regular commercial flights and private jet charters. In essence, chartering involves renting an entire aircraft rather than buying individual seats. You choose the dates, times, aircraft, and airports.
No waiting in lines or queues. No security screenings. No baggage claims or malfunctioning carousels. No need to arrive hours early. Just pick your preferred date and time, arrive 15 minutes before departure, swiftly enter your local airport’s private terminal, and board.
Moreover, at many private airports, you can park alongside the plane on the tarmac.
The flight crew will efficiently load all belongings and amenities onto the aircraft. Your sole duty is to relax and relish an optimal flying experience.
You can select between large or small planes, one-way or round-trips, and even enhance the journey with services like catering for a business trip or luxury vacation.
Types of Charter Flights
Public Charter
Air carriers commonly provide these seasonally on limited schedules, typically weekly, depending on the season. Popular among European holiday travelers from the UK and Germany, destinations include Sicily, Sardinia, Malta, and Palma de Mallorca. Operators range from low-budget airlines to scheduled carriers. Public charters may stem from tour operators renting then advertising and selling seats, either directly or via travel agents.
Private Charter
Also known as private jet charter or air charter, this involves an individual renting an entire aircraft rather than purchasing seats. The flights range from individuals on small planes to groups with 100+ passengers on larger regional and VIP airliners. Also called single entity, one person or company pays for the entire flight, possibly collecting from passengers later. Still, the initial contract bills to one individual.
Affinity
The key variation from single entity charters is that while passengers share an affiliation, each person must purchase their seat. Examples include sports fans attending events or music enthusiasts traveling to concerts. The general public cannot buy seats.
Cargo
Beyond passengers, private planes transport cargo. Replacement parts, valuable goods, perishables, dangerous or bulky items, live animals, blood, organs, and more all fly via cargo planes.
Benefits of a Private Charter Flight
Flexibility
Unscheduled private chartering means departing when desired from and to selected cities and airports, enjoying direct flights between any two locations. Ideal for places requiring multiple connections on commercial flights.
Privacy
A key advantage is avoiding crowded airports and intrusive security via private terminal departure facilities called Fixed Base Operators. At most private airports, passengers drive up to the plane.
Luxury
Superior comfort with in-flight catering, Wi-Fi and entertainment compared to a commercial airline’s bag of peanuts. Design customized meals, access entertainment, or leverage the privacy to conduct meetings.
Freedom of Company
Choose your companions – family, friends, colleagues, pets. Relax or utilize the privacy to conduct business.
How to Charter a Private Flight
Private chartering offers the most comfortable, luxurious and secure flying globally. Over 15,000 private charter planes fly to/from exponentially more airports than commercial flights.
Once exclusive, private flying has become more accessible and affordable via jet cards and fractional ownership, sharing with others without huge investments. While innovative options exist, the simplest and most cost-effective approach is on-demand chartering only needing a deposit.
Renting a private plane differs completely from commercial flying. Recline on a divan or conduct meetings around a cabin conference table. To organize your flight, continue reading.
What to know when Chartering a Private Plane
Points to consider before seeking a private charter quote:
Destination
Dictate destination, date and time. Forget adjusting your schedule or wasting hours at commercial airports. Swiftly enter private terminals and board within 15 minutes by just showing ID to pilots. Access smaller regional and municipal airports, closer to your destination.
Companions
Invite family, colleagues, friends, even pets when reserving a private plane. Be aware charters cannot sell individual seats, only “members” of clubs/cards share flights. While divided later, one entity charters and pays.
Belongings
Aircraft vary regarding baggage space, fuel limits, passenger weights etc. If traveling in a large group or with heavy luggage, a bigger plane may be necessary. Calculating these factors when booking can save thousands.
Crucial Questions
Essential questions regardless of your charter:
Crew
We recommend two pilots for enhanced safety, although single pilots serve shorter flights/smaller planes.
Minimum Costs and Fees
Daily minimum charges and taxi fees can double costs of short flights. Clarify any minimum hours and additional fees.
Safety Standards
Never hesitate inquiring about safety from brokers, operators or jet clubs. Reputable companies highlight standards and welcome addressing your concerns. Choose firms meeting the latest regulations and FAA standards for private aviation.
