Charter 101: Gotta Start Somewhere

Everything has to start somewhere – and that includes private jet travel. If you’re mulling over taking the plunge into the charter space, you’ll want to understand private jet pricing, decide between a broker or operator, and then follow the steps to book your maiden voyage. However, even after all that is done, there are some tips and tricks that can ensure you get the most out of flying private. If you’d like more insights, read on.

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Pandemic Push

Just half a decade ago, the phrases most likely to occur to the average person upon hearing the word “pandemic” were “Black Death” or “Spanish flu.” In March 2020, though, the term “novel coronavirus” suddenly morphed from a niche specialty to a general topic of note, as people around the world were urged – or mandated – to lock down to minimize risks from the COVID-19 virus.

For air travel, the pandemic had an enormous impact. As business jet information provider WingX puts it, voluntary and mandated lockdowns resulted in the “grounding of almost all aircraft operations.” Passenger air travel in 2020 reached lows across the industry. To some extent, it was “the worst crisis aviation has ever known.”

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In 2021, commercial airline travel continued to show an hit from COVID-19 – among U.S. airlines, there was a 27% decrease in passengers boarding aircraft than in 2019. Charter aviation, however, saw a dramatic rebound, with business jet flight levels globally 7% higher than they were in pre-pandemic 2019. Flying private offered passengers a way to limit exposure to fellow travelers who might have COVID-19, and the shift toward working outside of offices gave people flexibility to travel more extensively. The result was soaring demand for private jet travel.

“With the pandemic, suddenly anyone with any liquidity was seeking to hire an aircraft,” says Paul Travis, client services manager for Alto Aerospace Ltd. “The whole market changed.”

Fast forward to 2024, and the global activity for business jets was 30% higher than in 2019, except in one category – corporate flight departments (down 16%). While some of the new traffic may represent a shift for corporate travelers toward fractional air options such as NetJets, a big driver is individuals choosing charter travel over commercial. This translates into quite a few first-time private jet flyers, many of whom are looking for insights to get the most out of their experience.

Communicate!

One word to keep in mind when flying private is customization. Commercial air travel offers relatively standard experiences, outside of the splits among the flight classes. You’re booking space on a plane that will fly (weather and maintenance permitting) whether or not you’re along, and you will need to understand rules about everything from how far in advance to arrive at the airport to how much carry-on luggage you can haul along. First-class passengers get larger seats, better food and beverage options and access to premium airport clubs, but that service is still provided as a package for anyone who buys a ticket.

Private jet travel is radically different. Without you, there is no flight. You can leave at the time and place that suits you – and there are many more business airports than commercial (4,500 to 500 in the U.S. alone). However, this customization requires more effort from you than would a commercial flight.

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Charter customers are typically provided with a “flight brief” about a day prior that includes departure time, arrival information, aircraft and crew details, and any special instructions. However, you’ll want to go beyond that in staying informed. “You’ll want to discuss the trip weather the day before. If issues appear, is there a plan B, or a no-go time?” Travis recommends. “Is ground transportation required? If so, make sure there’s a plan for that.”

In some parts of the world, hot meals are de rigueur – but not necessarily in North America. Your plane may or may not have a kitchen area. This doesn’t mean you have to go hungry – at the very least, there should be snacks available – but you’ll want to make sure you discuss meal options with your charter broker or operator, who will likely be happy to arrange for pre-prepared meals to be brought along if you wish.

Basically, communication is key if you want to have a smooth private jet experience. While your charter broker or operator should actively work to stay in touch with you, you’ll need to do your part in thinking about what questions you have ahead of time and reaching out with them. (And when your pilot or other crew member starts discussing safety at the beginning of the flight, do not put in your earbuds and drown them out with a “Severance” podcast!)

Moderate Expectations

Private jet travel offers true luxury – of time. Surroundings are another matter. While some private jets offer luxurious interiors, many are more utilitarian – and almost all will be smaller than commercial jets (unless you’re flying on a charter airline or via group charter).

You may or may not be able to stand upright. Your wi-fi may not be powerful. And there may be…other differences. “One challenge with some of these airplanes is that they don’t have loos, or at least proper loos,” says Julian Asher, founder and managing director of Timeless Africa, a travel specialist focusing on eco-friendly travel to remote wilderness destinations. (Think a toilet behind a curtain.)

While private jet travel is still incredibly safe compared to ground transportation, smaller jets will typically react more strongly to turbulence than larger commercial counterparts. Though smaller jets often fly at higher altitudes than commercial jets, where turbulence is less likely, no pilot can guarantee a bump-free flight. “Smaller aircraft are more sensitive to air currents and wind changes,” as per charter company FlyUSA. “In smaller jets, passengers might feel movements more directly due to quicker adjustments the jet makes in response to turbulence.”

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And, while luggage isn’t as restricted as it typically is on commercial jets, there will be limitations on how many pounds it can add. “When we charter, we have to warn the client, this is your total weight allowance for you and your luggage,” Asher says. The tradeoff, though, is that your bags are much easier to keep track of. “Once I’m off commercial flying, I know my bags aren’t going to go missing,” Asher adds.

Happy charter air travelers are those who have reasonable expectations. Can you get a lavish experience on a private jet? Sure! But you’ll want to keep your budget in mind. As per Stratos Jet Charters Inc., a premium private jet charter franchisor for charter brokers, your cost for a heavy jet that can fit up to 12 passengers will start at more than $15,000 per hour at its base rate, as opposed to a bit under $9,000 an hour for a light jet that can fit around 6 passengers at most. While “private jet charter rates are significantly lower than buying your own private plane,” they’re still another level up from what first-time charter flyers are used to paying for air travel.

Papers, Please

One of the best aspects of flying private is airport security – or rather, the lack thereof. You don’t have to arrive two hours in advance, take off your shoes, throw away your liquids or stand in long lines. You’re advised to arrive at the airport about 30 minutes in advance. But one thing is the same – no ID, no travel. This is especially true for international trips.

If you’re flying private to avoid commercial airline restrictions on pet size, remember that any international travel will necessitate paperwork for Fido or Spot. You may need a vet certificate, proof of vaccinations or maybe even import permits. If you’re flying internationally with children, you won’t need medical certificates, but you will need letters of authorization if one or both of their parents aren’t along. And, even if you’re footloose and fancy free, going into another country will require your passport (which may need to be more than six months before its expiration date).

In other words, as a first-time flyer, you should ensure your paperwork is in order. “Always check regulations and which countries you’re traveling to,” says Yiannis Christodoulides, director at charter broker Zela Jet. “You have to do this yourself. You have to know these things. You can’t rely on others for that.”

A Little Tip

One advantage to flying private is that you typically will be able to interact with cabin attendants, pilots and line crew more than you would on a commercial flight. In an era with tip jars popping up everywhere, flyers may wonder if this more personalized experience should incorporate tips as well.

The answer is…maybe. Andrew Flaxman, the founder of jet card broker ExpertJet, says he was tipped about 25% of the time when he piloted private jets. “There isn’t any rhyme or reason, as it just comes down to the generosity of the client,” he told Forbes.

The general attitude in the industry, as per Stratos, is that “tipping is not expected, but it is appreciated.” Estimates for how much to tip vary by role – $50 each for pilots, $100 for cabin attendants, $20 for baggage handlers are some figures quoted.

Basically: If your flight experience is superb, consider if a tip is appropriate. “A tip is a gesture showing gratitude for someone who has not merely done their job, but done their job in such a way that their passion shines through,” says Stratos CEO Joel Thomas.

Don’t Forget…

Last but not least…enjoy yourself when flying private. Everyone who flies commercial has at least one horror story of endless delays, inadequate communication, cramped seats, crying babies, complaining adults and/or general discomfort. Flying private lets you leave that behind (unless the crying baby is yours) and travel at a time that works for you.

“How many hours do you spend getting to the airport, checking in and going through security with scheduled service airlines?” Travis points out. “Flying private is a much nicer experience. If you’re comfortable with spending the money, go try it!”