Hiring a charter jet can be a great choice when you’re traveling for business or pleasure. It allows you to plan flights around your schedule and fly to locations that commercial airliners can’t visit. In most cases, the price can be very reasonable as well – especially if you’re traveling with a large group. However, there are many things to consider when choosing the appropriate charter service. Consider the following tips to help you on your search:
Size Is Your First Concern…
Private jets come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and the first thing you should consider is size. After all, a jet that holds six won’t help when there are ten people traveling. The size of your charter jet will also have an impact on the amenities available and the comfort of the flight. While some charter planes are constructed with plush leather captain’s chairs, others have small plastic seats. Smaller planes may not have a galley or resting area as well. However, some private jet charters can be found that include a full office, bedroom, and big screen televisions – all of which can make a big difference over a long flight.
…But Don’t Forget About Price
While it’s true that you get what you pay for, the price of a private charter flight can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. You generally have two options – you can buy a ticket for one seat on a charter flight or you can charter the entire plane yourself for a private trip. If you charter the entire plane, you’ll either pay for each seat or a flat rate for the trip. In either case, you’ll want to shop around for the best price, as the rates and fares can vary with each different charter company.
Consider the Track Record of the Plane and the Pilot
Before booking any private plane, you should always ask for maintenance records and the qualifications of the pilot on the plane you’ll be chartering. In most cases, smaller terminals aren’t as closely regulated as larger commercial lines, so you’ll want to ensure that the plane is safe and the pilot is experienced. This is especially true if the pilot is both pilot and owner of the terminal. Reputable charter companies shouldn’t have any problem showing you the maintenance records of the plane and the pilot’s credentials if they have nothing to hide.
In any case, booking the best charter flight will generally come down to a gut feeling of what feels safe and best for you. In many cases, you can tour the facility and plane before scheduling a flight. If this option is possible, take advantage of it to get a better feel for the establishment. You can also do research online to see the record of the company and what previous fliers have to say. Having a charter company at your disposal can save you a lot of time and in some cases money – you just have to make sure you’ll be satisfied with the flight you receive.