Private Jet Charter FAQ

GENERAL

Who owns the aircraft I will be flying in and why is it available for hire?

Private charter jet aircraft are usually owned by corporations or wealthy individuals. Often, the owner of a jet does not have a need to fly the aircraft beyond a certain number of hours each month or year. By offering the private jet air charter for hire, the owner obtains revenue that lowers the cost of ownership.

How safe is a private jet charter?

The private aviation industry has the same safety standards as commercial aviation. It is under regulation and supervision of the FAA, the same federal agency that regulates commercial aviation. Charter jets are specifically regulated by FAA Part 135. And, because private aircraft are largely insulated from conflicts and terrorism, jet air charters are generally regarded as a safer alternative to commercial travel.

What is an empty-leg (one-way)?

An empty-leg is a trip that the aircraft makes without having scheduled passengers for it, such as when the aircraft must return to its base after a trip. Empty-legs are, by definition, one-way trips and they can be booked at a lower cost – but they do not offer the same flexibility as a regular charter trip that is fully based on your own scheduling needs. To view our current empty leg availability, visit the empty leg flights page.

Can I purchase just one seat on a personal or corporate charter jet flight?

No. Unlike commercial flying, when you book a private charter the entire aircraft is at your disposal. Privacy and the ability to select your fellow travelers are among the most sough-after benefits when you rent a private jet.

What are representative jet charter rates?

The cost to charter a jet must be analyzed taking into account the value you place on your personal time, comfort and privacy. Our quote system will give you an idea of the representative jet charter costs for your trip.

BOOKING

Who selects the private charter jet aircraft I will fly on and how is it chosen?

For every trip, our on-staff charter flight experts can present you with several customized options and make educated recommendations on which type of private jet charter is best suited for your needs based on the information you provide to us relative to the flight distance, number of passengers, amount of luggage and other key factors. From there, you will make the final selection.

How far in advance do I need to make a reservation to rent a private jet?

Presidential Aviations charter department operates 24/7/365. Our private jet charters can depart with as little as 2 hours notice. As a general rule, it is a good idea to begin planning the private charter flight at least 1 week in advance.

How do I pay for my private jet charter flight?

All personal and corporate executive jet charter trips with Presidential Aviation require prepayment via a wire transfer at least 48 hours prior to departure. Under special circumstances, we can accept a major credit card.

Does the cost to charter a jet vary with the number of passengers?

No. When you charter a private jet for personal or business use, you rent the entire aircraft – the price does not vary with the number of passengers. Utilizing the full capacity of the aircraft greatly renders private jet air charter trips more cost-effective.

To what destinations can I fly on a private jet air charter?

In the United States, you can utilize a jet charter service to fly to over 5,000 airports as opposed to just over 500 available through commercial airlines. Chances are that there is a private charter flight airport much closer to your actual destination than the airport required for commercial aviation. Internationally, the ratio varies by country but the same general rule applies worldwide.

Can private charter jets fly into major airports?

Absolutely. Landing or taking off next to an Airbus A380 or a Boeing 747 is a very exciting thrill that makes for a conversation piece. It can be one of the special experiences realized with jet air charter travel.

Can I change my schedule or itinerary once the trip has begun?

Yes. Our private charter flight experts work in tandem with the pilots of your charter jet and will take care of all the arrangements on your behalf. You simply need to make your wishes known to them and they will handle it seamlessly.

How many seats are there on a personal or executive charter jet aircraft?

The number of seats varies by type of charter jet you book. As a rule of thumb, light charter jets can carry up to 6 passengers, mid-size jet air charters up to 10 passengers and heavy private jets up to 18 passengers.

Are there trip cancellation fees?

Yes. If you cancel your jet charter flight very close to the scheduled departure you will incur fees. You will be made aware of the trip cancellation policy before you book your jet charter flight and you will receive a copy of it with your trip confirmation.

BOARDING

Where do I need to go to board my private jet charter plane?

When you depart from one of the thousands of small airports serving private aviation, you will benefit from the services of a terminal called fixed base operator or FBO in private aviation parlance. These are small facilities that are extremely accessible and user-friendly. Ground personnel expecting you will greet you and escort you, often on foot, to the private charter jet aircraft for boarding. When your private jet charter departs from a large commercial airport, you can expect to use a similar facility away from the hustle, bustle and headaches of the main terminal. Passengers on commercial aircraft rarely ever even know these elite FBOs exist.

Is ground transportation included in the price of my private jet air charter?

It is up to you. Upon request, our flight charter experts will gladly make arrangements for private car service at either side of the trip and include it in the jet charter cost.

What documentation do I need to fly on a private jet charter aircraft?

Exactly the same as you would on a commercial aircraft.

How long before my jet charter flight do I need to be at the airport?

The aircraft is ready to take off upon your arrival at the FBO facility,

How much luggage can I bring aboard a private jet charter?

It depends on the type of aircraft you charter. As a general rule, you can bring one bag per passenger on light aircraft and one small suitcase for a mid-size jet charter flight. The luggage compartment of heavy jets is appropriate to handle reasonable luggage needs for long-haul trips. Please be sure to let our charter jet flight experts know in advance if you are bringing any unusually large items such as skis or golf clubs.

FLYING

What kind of in-flight experience can I expect with a private jet air charter?

You can expect to travel in a luxurious and extremely comfortable environment with all of the provisions you desire and in total privacy, surrounded only by those you choose to fly with you.

What meals will I be served?

For short-haul jet charter flights, all aircraft have a selection of premium snacks and refreshments. For long-haul flights, full meals are served according to your requests. Upon demand and at an additional cost, we can provide several-course gourmet meals with wines or other premium beverages to match based on your preferences.

Is there a flight attendant on board the private jet charter flight?

Usually not for light and mid-sized aircraft, although one can be made available upon request. For heavy aircraft, Presidential provides a flight attendant for all flights, unless otherwise requested.

Do one or two pilots fly the charter jet aircraft?

Always two no matter the size of the jet charter equipment. For heavy jets on long-haul flights, a second crew is made available when necessary.

What are the standard polices, including that for pets and smoking, on board a jet air charter?

They are different on every aircraft because the policies are based on each owners preferences. If you are planning to smoke cigarettes or cigars or carry a pet on board the jet charter flight, we ask that you notify us when requesting the flight so that we can identify a suitable aircraft for your needs.

What happens when I arrive at my destination?

Upon arrival at your destination, you will be met by the ground personnel and personally escorted inside the exclusive FBO terminal where your luggage will be hand delivered without delay. If you have asked us to arrange for car, limo or helicopter service, your vehicle will be waiting for you in advance of your arrival.