In the business world, time is becoming too valuable to be wasted waiting in airports, particularly when you risk missing important meetings due to delayed or cancelled flights. Chartering a private jet is the fastest and most convenient way to travel by air. In fact, every year, the number of businesses chartering private jets is increasing significantly. With more services becoming available, it can be difficult to find the service that suits you best.
If you’re new to chartering private jets, this guide will help you choose your first charter flight experience.
Type of Aircraft
There are several categories of aircraft you can choose from when you want to arrange your private flights, as there are many different kinds and sizes available. To choose the right aircraft, you should carefully consider your budget, group size, route, and luggage requirements.
- Light & Mid-Size Jets – These include Citation XLS, Embraer Phenom 300, or Nextant 400XTi, which have a capacity of four to eight people. These smaller private jets are fast and efficient and are suitable for small groups or couples on flights of about three hours.
- Large-Cabin Jets – These are excellent choices for bigger groups of about 13 people and fly longer distances up to approximately six hours. They include the Legacy 500, Legacy 600, or Challenger 350.
- Private Airliners – These can accommodate long-distance for larger groups of people or corporate travel needs. These jets come with larger bathrooms, flatbeds for sleeping, and multi-zone cabin configurations. They include the Gulfstream G650 or the Bombardier Global family.
Compare Costs
Flying in a private jet can be more costly than flying commercially, so it is wise to make a cost comparison of the different chartering company rates to select the one that suits your budget best. Ensure you communicate all your needs and get a final quote based on your needs and specifications.
It is vital to get an exact quote and not a vague estimate that could result in surprises on the final invoice. Along with the fixed prices, consider the potential fluctuating costs of flight phone usage, ground transportation costs, and catering. You don’t want to be surprised by the final bill.
What Happens if a Flight Is Canceled?
With most charter agreements, you will usually get a refund if the airplane you chartered can’t make the flight due to mechanical issues, or if a pilot falls sick. On the other hand, if the replacement alternatives cost more, you will have to pay the difference if you still need to travel.
If you are a regular client who typically spends a lot of time chartering flights, your broker may consider covering the differences in costs for you. However, that would be a special case, so it is always wise to inquire about cancellation policies and associated costs.
What Occurs at the Airport?
When you travel using a private jet, you don’t normally use the main terminal at the airport. You are also less likely to use the same airport as other carrier planes, since personal luxury jets can often access smaller airstrips assigned for private flying. Private jet facilities at airports are called FBOs (Fixed Base Operator). FBOs offer a faster and more convenient way to board your flight, away from the crowds at the main terminals.
Often, you will park your vehicle outside, meet your pilot, and then proceed through to boarding the plane in just a matter of minutes. You will still need to go through immigration and security checks as required, but it’s relatively fast and seamless, with no crowds and queues. Once you land at your destination, you will go through a similar FBO and be on your way as soon as possible.
Is a Private Jet Right for My Business?
Private jet services offer many benefits compared to commercial travel, and they ensure you get your travel needs catered to more quickly and more conveniently. The advantages of a private jet are often worth the additional expense. You need to assess your travel goals, how much traveling you do, and your budget to select the best private jet charter for you.
