How To Pick A Private Jet Charter

How to Pick a Private Jet Charter

A private jet charter is an increasingly popular transportation option among businessmen, celebrities and other high-end fliers who cannot, or choose not to, travel on commercial flights. The advantages of an executive jet charter include flexible schedules, privacy for the clients, customizable amenities and direct flights to destinations that may normally not be served by commercial carriers. And depending on the type of jet you charter, you can take along as few as four passengers or as many as one hundred on your party.

Safety Records

The main consideration when selecting a private jet charter company is its safety record. While all charter services are supposed to be overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration, in practice the FAA does not have enough manpower to adequately regulate all 2,400 executive jet charter operators. Hence, it is very important to get third-party certification of a charter's safety record to ensure that they conform to the most exacting safety standards.

Travel Needs

Next you have to define your travel needs so you can determine what kind of jet you will rent from the private jet charter. The considerations include the size of your party, the length of your trip and the purpose of your charter. For example, if you have a small party of up to five passengers and are going on a short-range flight of up to a thousand miles, you should rent a light jet or turbo prop aircraft. On the other hand, if the flight includes more than eight passengers and is travelling cross-country, charter long-range or heavy jets. For extremely large parties, commercial charters are available from executive jet charter companies, in either regular or VIP seating layouts.

Charter Prices

Next, you can look at the pricing of your private jet charter. The major cost of the charter is the hourly rate for the type of plane you have rented based on your estimated flight time, which includes not only actual time in the air but also time incurred ferrying the aircraft to the departure position and one-way availability or empty legs. Other costs that may be added to the final bill of your executive jet charter include applicable taxes and hourly surcharges.

Finding Quotes and Discounts

To find quotes for a private jet charter, visit online air charter sites that allow you to request for quotes from multiple charter companies. Make sure that you get at least three quotes for comparison purposes. Then, contact each company not only to negotiate prices but also to ask about discounts and special deals such as those offered if you're willing to share the charter with other passengers. You should also inquire with the executive jet charter operator about catering for your flight, as well as entertainment options such as DVD and CD players and your choice of magazines and newspapers.