What to Expect When Booking a Private Jet 

The benefits of chartering a private jet include privacy during your flight, enhanced amenities as you travel, and reduced hassle throughout the entire trip. If you’ve never booked a private jet, you’re about to have a wonderful experience. 

This page will help you understand the booking process, so you can set your expectations and gain the knowledge you need for a smooth booking process. 

Benefits of Flying Private

A trip on a private jet can help you avoid some of the most hated parts of flying commercial. 

Surveys suggest that 40% of people say spending time inside a crowded airport is worse than waiting in line at the DMV. Similarly, surveys say that about 35% of travelers say airport security is the most stressful part of flying. 

Flying private means no long wait times in airports, no long baggage checks, no baggage claim, and no waits to board. Your trip also tends to be more luxurious and roomier when you’re on a private jet.

How to Charter a Jet 

Don’t be intimidated by the process of chartering a jet. These are the steps involved, along with tips to help you complete them perfectly. 

Step 1: Select a Charter Service 

More than 2,000 companies offer private jet charter services within the United States. Your first step in booking a trip is to pick the best partner. 

Start by choosing a few companies to research. For each one, examine the following attributes:

• Safety records 
• Customer reviews 
• Licenses 
• Pricing options

Some companies offer on-demand charters. This service allows you to book private trips on a variety of different aircraft based on the specifics of your journey. If you don’t travel often, this option could be right for you. 

Some companies also provide jet memberships. This option allows frequent flyers to lock in prices and work with the same company on their many different trips. People who plan to fly via private jet often may appreciate this type of plan. 

Step 2: Request a Quote 

With your partner chosen, schedule a conversation about your upcoming trip. Your comments will help the company to provide the right aircraft at the right price. 

Your aircraft partner will need key details, such as these:

• The origin and destination of your trip 
• The size of aircraft you prefer (if any preference) 
• How many people will come with you 
• Your ideal travel dates
• How much luggage you want to bring along 
• Amenities you might need for the trip

Your travel expert will then find the best plane and price option for you. At this step, your provider should also provide more specific cost estimates for the flight (rather than generalities). 

Step 3: Confirm the Booking 

Your partner will provide your trip details and potential fee in a written contract. It’s critical to review this document carefully and ask questions about anything you don’t understand. 

Once you commit and confirm your booking, a payment is required to secure your trip. Typically, companies ask their clients to pay the full cost of the trip, but this can vary. 

Your contract should specify how much of your fee is refundable. Some companies will hold all of your money if you cancel your trip, while others do not. 

Preparing for Your Charter 

Your aircraft partner will provide you with details about your trip, so you’ll be ready when the day arrives. But these tips can help you reduce your nervousness and make things run more smoothly. 

Arrive at the Fixed-Base Operator 

A fixed base operator (FBO) is a commercial business that provides critical services at an airport, such as fueling and parking. On the day of your trip, they’ll check you in. 

Unlike a commercial provider, an FBO won’t use long lines to check your luggage or help to fill the plan. Instead, you’ll work with a concierge. You’ll provide your ID and ticket, and you’ll be done in minutes. 

Prepare for Security & Customs 

FBOs have minimal security checks when compared to commercial airports. That means you won’t have long lines and pat-downs from officials at the airport. But all flights do require at least some security and customs screening. 

Bring the following documents for a domestic flight:

• Government-issued form of photo identification
• Confirmation of the flight from the charter company 
• Pet travel documents (if you’re bringing an animal with you)

Bring the following documents for an international flight:

• Valid passport 
• Visa (if required by the destination country) 
• Confirmation of the flight from the charter company
• Health and vaccination certificates 
• Pet travel documents (if you’re bringing an animal with you)

In some cases, you may need permits for equipment or goods you’re bringing on the trip. Your airline partner should help you understand what you need.

Setting Foot on Your Private Charter 

After moving through a quick security and customs check, you’re ready to walk onto your aircraft. Your trip is about to begin. 

Cabin & Amenities

Your crew will greet you when you walk through the doors of the aircraft. You’ll be guided through the various spaces and amenities available. 

Most chartered jets come with plenty of perks, including roomy seating, workstations, sleeping areas, and eating areas. All of these spaces are designed to keep travelers comfortable throughout the trip. 

Your aircraft could also come with amenities, such as the following:

• Entertainment systems
• Wi-Fi 
• Customizable lighting 
• Clean linens

Catering Services 

Many chartered flight companies offer gourmet meal options for their clients. The company may create a personalized menu based on your favorite foods and keep your preferred beverages on hand and ready. 

You can enjoy gourmet snacks to full-course meals to enhance your travel experience. All of them can be custom-tailored to your preferences.

What to Expect During Your Flight 

While you travel to your destination, you’ll have access to the ultimate in luxury and amenities. Your experience is unlike anything available on a commercial flight. 

Crew Assistance

Your crew is onboard to make your experience as pleasant as possible. They’ll start by greeting you warmly, and they’ll be available throughout the flight to provide you with anything you need. 

Your flight crew will walk you through the safety measures and features available on your aircraft. Your pilot will ensure the flight is as smooth as possible and arrives on time at your destination. 

Built for Business 

Business professionals are heavy users of chartered jets. They need the convenience of tailored itineraries and reduced time spent in line. A chartered flight offers these key benefits. 

A busy executive could schedule several meetings at locations around the state, attend all of them, and return home in time for dinner. The time that would be wasted on connections can better be spent in meetings. 

The onboard experience makes life easier for business professionals as well. Aircraft comes with connectivity and privacy, so executives can have sensitive calls and meetings while they fly. 

Arriving at Your Destination 

All good things must come to an end, including the time you spend on a chartered jet. When you arrive at your destination, expect the same smooth experience you had when you came onboard. 

Disembarking Off Your Charter

After a commercial flight, you must wait for others to gather their luggage and move down a narrow aisle. A custom charter is different. You’ll walk off in one smooth step with no lines. 

Your aircraft partner could arrange for ground transportation to meet you after the flight. If this happens, a car will be ready at the airport to take you where you need to go. 

Customs & Immigration 

If your destination is in a foreign country, you will pass through customs and immigration services before leaving the airport. With a custom charter, this process is quick and efficient. 

Since most chartered flights land in smaller airports, you won’t face long lines and delays. With the appropriate paperwork in hand, you’ll be done quickly. 

Other Considerations 

A chartered flight can be customized to meet your needs. Sometimes, those adjustments require a little bit of preparation. 

Pet Travel 

Many charter companies will allow travelers to bring their pets along for the trip. Instead of placing the pet in a carrier in the cargo hold, the pet can sit in the cabin with the rest of the passengers. 

The Federal Aviation Administration allows airlines to set their own policies for pets in airplanes. That means some companies may have more flexible rules than others. It pays to discuss your plans about a pet long before you book your flight. 

Depending on your destination, your pet may also need proof of health and vaccines. Your charter company should explain these rules before your fight date arrives. 

Family 

If you’re bringing several people on your trip, your flight company should know in advance. Tell the company the names and ages of everyone who will fly with you. 

Younger family members, including babies, may need special seats or equipment during the flight. If you know about these needs before you fly, talk to your team about them. 

Special Requests 

Don’t be afraid to talk to your air charter company about anything that might make your flight more pleasant. Requests involving food, drinks, linens, flowers, and more can almost always be accommodated. 

Start Your Charter With Element Aviation 

Element Aviation makes booking your next jet charter flight easy with predictable pricing and capped rates. 

Just tell us where your flight originates and ends, when you want to leave and arrive, the aircraft you prefer, and the passengers expected. We’ll match you with the right plane, provide a quote, and get your flight booked. Our customized approach handles everything for you.

Contact us today to get started on your ultimate jet charter experience.