Everything You Need to Know About Jet Chartering 

Busy professionals don’t have time to wait in long lines at the airport or circle the tarmac in a crowded airplane. That’s where jet chartering comes in. 

Jet chartering lets you personalize your trip to fit your schedule and your needs. This comprehensive guide will introduce you to the charter process, so you know what to expect, and you’ll learn why jet chartering often makes the most sense for your travel needs.

Overview of Jet Chartering

Jets are smaller than commercial aircraft, and they’re typically designed to provide a luxurious flight experience for just a few people. Chartering an aircraft can mean hiring a pilot and aircraft for a solo trip, or it can mean renting one seat on a small plane with just a few other people. 

People consider jet chartering for reasons like the following:

• Privacy: Celebrities, politicians, and sports stars can get mobbed in airports and on commercial flights. With jet chartering, they can travel with ease and discretion.
• Efficiency: Business executives can hold meetings and negotiations during the flight and skip long wait times in airports. 
• Luxury: Plenty of legroom, catered meals, and comfortable seating set jets apart. 
• Safety: Travelers reduce their germ and virus exposure potential by flying on a jet. This can be essential for business travel.

Jet Chartering: A Great Option for Flying 

Chartered flights were once the exclusive domain of the rich and famous. Now, more and more people are leaning on this form of travel. 

Chartered jets are built with your schedule in mind. That means no long layovers or overnight stays in airport hotels. Your itinerary is custom designed with your needs in mind.

Long lines in security are also a thing of the past when you charter a flight. A streamlined process gets you and your luggage on board quickly and easily. 

Since jets are smaller than commercial aircraft, they don’t carry a community of strangers. Fly alone or with a small group of friends, family, or colleagues.

Common Types of Jet Charters Available

Several options are available for your next trip. Whether you’re planning months in advance or need to fly tomorrow, there’s a charter pick made for you. This table can help you investigate your choices at a glance.

Charter type	Cost Structure	flexibility	best suited for
On demand	Pay per trip	High	Occasional flyers
Membership	Prepaid flight hours or fees (monthly to annual)	Moderate	Frequent flyers seeking both convenience and cost savings
Fractional Ownership	Shared ownership and operational fees	Moderate	Regular flyers who want ownership benefits without full ownership
Lease	Long-term payments	Moderate to low	Travelers who need exclusive aircraft access

On Demand

This structure allows you to book flights individually. You’ll have plenty of flexibility, as you’ll schedule trips one by one. You won’t be locked into a high price that demands regular travel. Instead, you can use it just once or twice as the mood strikes. 

Each on-demand trip is priced individually. If you schedule the flight during the peak season, you might pay more than you would during slow times. 

This type of jet charter is ideal for people who don’t travel often. You can use the jet when you need it without worrying about membership plans or the hassles of owning a plane.

Fractional Ownership 

This system allows you to share your aircraft with one or a few other investors. You’ll pool your resources to purchase and maintain your jet. You’ll share it with those owners and use it accordingly.

In addition to a monthly ownership fee, you might have a fixed hourly flight fee and fuel surcharges per trip. 

This type of program is ideal for people who travel regularly and want to learn more about owning an aircraft.

Leasing 

An aircraft lease allows you exclusive access to an aircraft to use whenever you need to travel. Typically, these leases come with long-term obligations, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy your jet and use it as often as you can. 

Leasing is less flexible than on-demand chartering. You’ll be locked into a commitment with a specific aircraft, so you can’t switch to a different jet size for different trips. 

You may face added responsibilities with a lease.

However, a lease gives you more control than fractional ownership, as you have full control over the schedule. 

People who travel regularly and need exclusive access often choose to lease.

Memberships 

Jet card memberships come with several benefits associated with aircraft ownership. For example, you can schedule flights quickly without talking with other owners and negotiating fees. 

While membership program details can vary, most allow you to switch from one size of aircraft to another depending on your trip needs. You can also buy time in bulk and save money on your flights when compared to on-demand plans. 

Jet card memberships are surprisingly affordable and a popular way to explore exclusive travel options. Element Aviation’s membership program simplifies access to quality equipment and makes pricing simple.

Charter Categories & Aircraft Types 

Several types of aircraft are available. Understanding them is critical whether you plan to fly just once or multiple times. The range of each plane and its average cost to fly per hour can vary.

Jet category	Average cost per hour	Maximum range (miles)	aircraft examples
Very light	$2,000 to $3,000	1,200 to 1,500	Eclipse 500, Honda Jet
Light	$3,000 to $5,000	1,500 to 2,500	Citation CJ3, Learjet 75
Midsize	$4,000 to $7,000	2,000 to 3,000	Hawker 800XP, Citation XLS+
Super midsize	$5,000 to $8,000	3,000 to 4,500	Challenger 350, Gulfstream G280
Heavy	$7,000 to $12,000	4,000 to 7,500	Gulfstream G550, Falcon 900
Ultra-long range	$10,000 to $22,000	6,000 to 9,000	Gulfstream G650, Bombardier Global 7500
VIP	$15,000 to $35,000	7,000 to 12,000+	Boeing BBJ, Airbus ACJ

Choosing a Jet Category & Aircraft 

What sort of aircraft will be right for your short-term and long-term travel needs? While your specific requirements might differ, we’ve found that people who choose a specific jet category often share characteristics. 

Here’s a list of categories, along with the types of people who typically choose them:

• Very light: This aircraft works best for short, regional trips of up to 800 miles with up to four passengers. It’s ideal for small teams who need cost-effective flights to business meetings in nearby cities. 
• Light: This aircraft works best for flights up to 2,500 miles with up to seven passengers. This option is typically best for corporate teams or celebrities who travel with an entourage. 
• Midsize: This aircraft can handle cross-country flights with up to nine passengers. It’s a popular choice for mid-sized businesses and sports teams, as well as those who want more cabin space and amenities. 
• Super midsize: This aircraft can also handle transatlantic flights, and up to 10 passengers can ride. It’s a good option for groups of luxury travelers who want a mix of range, speed, and comfort. 
• Heavy: This type of aircraft is best for long-haul international flights with up to 16 passengers. It’s a top choice for large groups, including government officials. 
• Ultra-long range: This aircraft is best for global travel with up to 19 passengers. These planes offer nonstop trips with plenty of privacy and luxury. They’re ideal for royal families and top executives. 
• VIP: These planes provide luxury cabinets and long-haul range. They combine the best of elite travel with plenty of mileage. This is a top choice for world-famous people touring with a group.

Cost Expectations for Chartering a Jet

Reporters suggest that it costs between $5,000 and $15,000 to charter a private jet. The reality is a little more complicated. 

Jet charter prices can vary by all sorts of details, including the following: 

• Aircraft type 
• Distance of the trip 
• Amenities included 
• Other passengers included (if you’re sharing the cost) 
• Lead time before the trip begins 
• Date of travel
• Destination airport size (and associated fees)

How to Charter a Jet 

Don’t be intimidated by the process of hiring a jet for your next trip. Just a few steps are required, and none of them take too long to complete. 

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Find the Right Charter Provider 

Plenty of companies can help you schedule your next trip. Ensure that your potential partner has insurance and a good track record of safety.

Perform basic checks, including checking the company’s website and customer reviews. Ideally, the company will give you the names and contact information of customers you can interview. 

2. Choose Your Aircraft

As we mentioned, the private jet market is vast and filled with all sorts of aircraft. Start by defining how long you’ll be in the air and the people who will travel with you. That data can help you decide on an appropriate plane for this trip. 

3. Book Your Flight 

Your charter provider should make this step easy. Once you’ve set the date and picked a plane, you’ll need to confirm details and pay for the trip. 

Ensure that you understand the company’s cancellation policy (if it applies to your trip). Once you pay your fee and officially book the flight, you could lose money if your plans change. 

4. Make Your Pre-Flight Preparations

Once again, your provider should help with this step. After you book, you should get an itinerary that includes your flight details. 

In most cases, you’ll arrange to arrive about 30 minutes before your scheduled flight to check in and prepare for the plane. Some companies will arrange travel for you. 

5. Choose Your Onboard Amenities 

Your aviation partner may provide a list of add-on amenities you can choose either before or during your flight. They can include things like onboard meal service, a drinks cart, movies, and more. 

Look over the list carefully and tell your provider about anything you’ll want during the flight.

Chartering With Element Aviation

At Element Aviation, we know our clients are busy. We’re revolutionizing the jet charter business by simplifying the booking process. 

Follow these three simple steps to book your next trip:

• Tell us about your specific travel requirements. 
• Choose your plane based on recommendations we’ll make for your trip. 
• Sit back and relax. We’ll handle all the logistics for you.

Safety, Regulations & Compliance Requirements for Chartering 

Flying on a chartered jet is safe. However, as a consumer, it’s smart to ensure that your charter partner is qualified to care for you while you’re in the air. These are a few areas to consider.

FAA Regulations & Operator Certificates 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for regulating civil aviation. That includes airport tasks (such as air traffic control), as well as certifying pilots and other air professionals. 

Two important regulations are involved. 

FAA Part 135 applies to companies that offer private jet charters. Operators must have a certificate that ensures they meet the requirements of this rule, including the following:

• Their pilots meet training and duty limits.
• They have insurance.
• Their aircraft is properly serviced and maintained.

FAA Part 91 applies to aircraft owned and operated privately. These rules call for less regulation and more flexibility. They also come with lower costs. If you lease or fractionally own an aircraft, these rules could apply to you. 

Training Standards 

Private pilots flying under FAA Part 135 rules have extensive experience and safety training. They’re required to learn much more than private pilots. 

A charter pilot needs the following:

• A commercial pilot license 
• More than 1,200 flight hours 
• Simulator checks every 6 months 
• More than 10 hours of rest between flights 
• A maximum of 8 hours per day as a single pilot

Safety and Ratings 

Many top-tier operators do more than meet FAA Part 135 rules. They go above and beyond by getting third-party safety certificates. 

These are some of the third-party safety certificates available:

• ARGUS: The certification evaluates pilot experience, safety techniques, maintenance records, and the company’s financial stability. 
• Wyvern: These certificates assess a pilot’s qualifications, procedures, risk management steps, and the company’s safety culture. 
• Air Charter Safety Foundation: The certification proves compliance with FAA and other safety protocols, including things like drug testing and crew testing.

Insurance & Liability 

Insurance is a critical detail to confirm before your flight begins. Ensure that your aviation partner has a robust policy that includes coverage for both the plane and the passengers. 

Your aircraft partner should provide proof of insurance before you book your flight. Don’t work with an organization that won’t give this to you.

Industry Trends & Innovations 

The private jet market exploded during the COVID pandemic, as people needed to travel without the risk of infectious disease. Researchers say the market should grow during the next five years. Rising discretionary spending will drive that growth. 

Some consumers are leery of private jets. They fear their trips have a deep environmental impact. Industry leaders are looking for ways to mitigate a flight’s environmental impact through steps like sustainable fuels and carbon trading. 

Other companies are looking for differentiators to attract more people into the market. Programs like fractional ownership and membership plans bring down the overall cost and allow more people to schedule private flights. 

Choosing the Right Jet Charter Provider 

Your aviation partner is a critical part of a successful trip. That’s why it’s worth taking your time to choose the right organization. 

The following key factors are critical when you’re choosing a partner:

• Safety and certification: Ensure that your provider has both FAA and third-party certifications. They should also have appropriate safety management systems. 
• Reputation and reviews: Your partner should have plenty of pleasant customer testimonials and online reviews. They should also have a long history in business. 
• Fleet and aircraft options: Your partner should have aircraft that meet your needs, and each one should be appropriately maintained. 
• Cost transparency: You should understand your costs and expect no hidden fees.
• Flexibility and availability: If your plans aren’t set in stone, your partner should be willing to accommodate last-minute changes. 
• Customer service: Ensure that your company provides around-the-clock care and a personalized flight experience. 
• Insurance: Your operator should have appropriate coverage and be willing to provide proof of it. 
• Legal compliance and transparency: Your pilot should legally own the aircraft or be legally able to operate it.

You could work with direct operators (who own, manage, or operate their own fleet). Alternatively, you could work with jet charter brokers (who don’t own or operate the aircraft). 

Direct operators may be ideal for those who want long-term agreements with a specific operator. Charter brokers are sometimes better for last-minute or one-way flights, as the broker can source good deals. 

If you choose a broker, ensure they’re reputable. ARGUS or Wyvern certifications are often critical.

Get Started With Element Aviation 

Element Aviation is an ideal partner for your next jet charter flight. We provide a membership program that lets you access our elite fleet of aircraft for a reasonable price. 

Whether you want to fly just once or create a long-term connection, we’d like to hear from you.

Contact us today to find out more about how we can handle every detail of your next flight for you.