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A Beginner's Guide to Flying Private
Browse our guide and fly private like a pro!
Our goal is to bring simplicity to a complex industry. Browse our guide to help answer some frequently asked questions and learn some pro tips. Still can't find what you're looking for? Contact us and we'll answer all of your questions!
I need to fly on
occasion
I need to fly often
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What are the benefits of flying private?Convenience: Fly on your schedule. Access airports closer to your final destination. Luxury: Fly in the privacy and comfort of your own well appointed aircraft. Speed: Avoid long lines, connections, traffic and delays at the major airports and fly point to point, higher and faster than the airlines!
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Is it safe? Private jets are smaller than airliners!Yes! Remember the old cliche saying "size doesn't matter"! Private aircraft operators must undergo intensive training, checking and auditing to maintain their certification. Charter operators and brokers also may achieve industry-recognized status and set minimum qualifications for their operators as a way to ensure a high level of safety. But don't just take our word for it: make sure to check out our reviews from travelers like you to help you find peace of mind when you fly!
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What airplanes are available to fly private?There are many different types and sizes of private aircraft to choose from. There are 7 primary categories of private charter aircraft: Turboprop, light jet, midsize jet, super midsize jet, heavy jet, ultra-long range jet and private airliner. The best airplane for you is the one that best suits your intended operation. Take into account: number of passengers, cabin amenities, aircraft range, airport runway length, etc. We can help find the right airplane for you, contact us!
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What airports can I fly to?When you fly private, you may access thousands of airport options not accessible by the airlines. In general, as long as the airport can safely and legally accommodate your private aircraft, you can use it!
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Ok I chartered a private jet. Where do I go when I get to the airport?When you fly private, you don’t go to a large airline terminal. Instead, you use a “FBO” (Fixed Base Operator). Think of these as a private aviation “terminal” and lounge. Your operator or broker will set this up for you or if you know one that you'd like to use, make sure to request it!
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Do I have to go through security?In most cases, no. When you fly private, your information is pre-screened through a TSA database behind the scenes and your ID is verified by your flight crew before you board. However, some large airports and most international airports require traditional “airline style” security screening.
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Who early do I need to show up for my private flight?That's the wonderful thing about flying private: you fly on your schedule! Get there when you can, no need to show up hours ahead of time. Pro tip: Typically, 10-30 minutes prior to scheduled departure is appropriate.
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Are there snacks and drinks on my flight?Most aircraft are stocked with a basic selection of snacks and beverages. Pro tip: If you wish to eat or drink something specific, you can request anything from light snacks to fully prepared meals for an additional fee. Work with your operator or broker to arrange this service.
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Is there Wi-fi on my flight?Many private jets now come equipped with Wi-Fi, however it is best to check with your operator or broker to verify that wi-fi is available before you book.
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Are there flight attendants?On small to midsize private aircraft, no. However, on most larger private jet options, a flight attendant is sometimes required or recommended. Pro tip: Whether or not a flight attendant is present on your flight, take the time to listen to your crew member's safety briefing: simple instructions can come in handy if an unlikely event occurs.
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What about ground transportation? Can I drive and park my own vehicle?They're a few ways to go about ground transportation: First, You may drive your vehicle to the airport and park at the FBO. However, most FBOs even allow you to drive onto the ramp, right beside your aircraft! A crew member or FBO employee will then handle your vehicle and make sure it is parked safely and have it ready for you upon your return. At your destination, you may rent a car, use a rideshare service or book a car service. Your operator or broker can help you arrange this at your request. Pro tip: Some jet charter brokers claim to include ground transportation with your booking. However, it is usually billed as a separate additional fee/service. Always clarify at the time of booking.
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What is a private jet charter?A private jet charter is a “rental” of the entire private aircraft to fulfill a specific trip request.
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Why should I charter instead of having a membership or own my own plane?A private jet charter provides excellent on-demand service and value. When you charter, you have your choice of many different aircraft/operator options to fit your specific trip needs. Charter flying does not require a long term up-front contractual or financial commitment. Instead, you pay per trip, as needed. Private charters are best suited for flyers who have occasional to moderate need for private travel.
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How much will a charter cost?Unlike airline travel where you purchase per seat, private jet charter flights are priced per hour. The price per hour is set by the charter operator and varies depending on: aircraft size, type and operating costs/fees. For example, expect to pay between $2,500/hr for an entry level aircraft and $15,000+/hr for a large, long range private aircraft. Pro tip: In addition to the hourly price, private aircraft are subject to additional airport or operational fees. If booking directly through an operator, be sure to ask about these fees and if there are options to help reduce them.
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How do I book a private jet charter?You can book directly through a charter operator or use a reputable charter broker to find you a solution that fits your needs. Pro tip: Search our reviews to find a highly rated operator or contact us and we’ll do the work for you!
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What is a private jet charter operator?A private jet charter operator is an aviation business that is legally authorized to sell and operate charter flights in their designated aircraft. In the United States, operators must be certificated under 14 CFR Part 135 and abide by the regulations set within.
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What is a private jet charter broker?A private jet charter broker is an aviation business that works on your behalf find and arrange an aircraft according to your trip requirements through a certificated charter operator. Once a suitable aircraft is found, the broker negotiates pricing with the operator, adds a small commission charge and presents you with the final price. A broker does not own or operate their own aircraft.
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Why use a charter broker? Why not just go directly to an operator?A charter broker can search thousands of available charter aircraft any time, any where, giving you a multitude of options and availability. You can always book directly with an operator, but you are limiting your options to that particular fleet. This is where having a knowledgeable, experienced charter broker on your side is a valuable asset as their far-reaching access is worthwhile.
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What is an empty leg?Aircraft operators only have so many aircraft in their fleet. Therefore, in order to satisfy charter demand, a charter aircraft typically must reposition from home base or another location to the beginning location of its next charter, oftentimes without any passengers. As a result, an operator will offer this “empty” leg to the public, usually at a much lower cost.
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If there are so many empty legs, why not always find one and save money?Empty legs do not always match your itinerary and are subject to change. Therefore, if you have a firm itinerary, an empty leg is not advisable. Pro tip: Consider empty legs as you would flying standby on the airlines: When it works, it works well, but oftentimes it causes undue stress and anxiety as they are not guaranteed to work as advertised. Therefore, additional patience, flexibility and a solid back-up plan are recommended.
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Private Jet CardsAnswer Here
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Membership ProgramsAnswer Here
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What are private jet membership programs?The primary membership models available for private aviation: Jet Card Programs, Fleet memberships, and Fractional Ownership.
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What is a Jet Card?A Jet Card membership is a program where you “pre-purchase” a fixed amount of flight hours through a charter broker or operator. You’ll then have a bank of flight hours on account which are deducted as you fly trips. Most companies offer an incentive based on the amount of hours purchased, and typically start with programs for as little as 25 hours. These programs are built for those flying more frequently and/or those who enjoy flying specifically with a specific operator. Pro tip: Before you buy in to a jet card program, get in touch! We can help you understand how the program counts hours, if there are any additional charges (such as "peak" travel hour charges) and review the full program terms and conditions.
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What is a fleet membership?Some charter operators have a membership option or are completely members-only, allowing for exclusive access to their fleet of aircraft. This private jet option would require a member pay a one-time initiation fee to join and a yearly membership fee each year thereafter. The member would also pay a pre-determined rate per flight hour, much like a standard charter. Some memberships offer perks such as shared flights (semi-private charter) and exclusive members-only access to company-sponsored promotions or events.
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What is fractional ownership?Fractional ownership takes the benefits of a membership-based model and adds the incentive of owning an asset: a fractional portion of an aircraft in the fleet. With this option, the member pays for their fractional share of the aircraft, a monthly management fee and pays a per-flight hour charge as they fly. In most programs, fractional share owners have access to the entire fleet within the operation, regardless of which aircraft type owned. Should the fractional share owner decide to upgrade within or exit the program, they may sell their share at a market-adjusted price.
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What are some benefits of owning my own plane?Owning your own aircraft allows you to fully enjoy the freedom, flexibility and availability of private jet travel. There is no better way to experience flying in a private aircraft.
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When would it make sense for me to own a plane instead of the other options?If you are a frequent traveler, require schedule flexibility, or wish for the ultimate privacy, owning your own private aircraft is your solution.
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What does it cost to own a plane?It depends on the aircraft you purchase. Small turboprops or light jets can be purchased for less that $1 million and a large ultra-long range private jet can be over $70 million. In addition to the initial purchase cost, expect to create a budget that satisfies the direct operating cost based on hours flown, crew salaries and expenses, maintenance and any management fees. Pro tip: A yearly operating budget of 10-20% of the original aircraft purchase price should be expected. Contact us to review your options and discuss the a realistic cost of operations.
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What type of plane should I buy?It is important to analyze your flight profile, intended operation and balance those metrics with your taste in aircraft features. An experienced consultant can help you find the right aircraft. We can help! Contact us for an initial consultation.
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