According to the most recent data from the Air Transport Action Group, there were over 35.3 million flights in 2023 alone. That’s over 9 million air trips.

It’s one of the most popular ways to travel, but what if there were a better way? What if you could fly across miles but be almost as comfortable as when you’re sitting at home? Charter flights offer this and more.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about them, starting with “what is a charter flight?”

What Is a Charter Flight?

In general, charter flights refer to any aircraft trips that occur outside of a commercial schedule. They’re a more personalized and private way to fly.

Individuals or groups book individual seats or even the planes themselves. They can bypass commercial airline constraints and enjoy customizable:

  • Schedules
  • Destinations
  • Amenities

When it comes to describing how charter flights work, it’s a customizable process. You choose the type of plane that’s best for your needs. Do you want an ultra-light jet? Do you need an ultra-large jet with wide space for multiple cabins? The right charter service will get you set up.

The aircraft will leave from an FBO or fixed base operator. These small terminals are often right next to an airport. You’ll pass right through normal security checks.

In certain cases, you can even drive right up to the plane. Staff will be at the ready to help with your bags. It’s a far cry from the discomfort and hullabaloo of standard commercial flights.

Types of Charter Flights Options

There’s more than one answer to the question what is a charter flight because there’s more than one form of charter flight.

They can be public or private. Groups can also choose affinity flights, and even cargo can be charted.

Public Flight

Public charters allow travelers to buy single seats on an aircraft, making them the most affordable option.

These seats are sold by tour operators. Most use them to attract travelers to popular tourist destinations. Not all of these destinations are served by traditional commercial airlines, so they may be the best way to have your dream vacation.

Private Flight

Private charter flights involve renting an entire aircraft instead of seats on a plane. 

Most of them are chartered by a single entity, such as a family or a corporation. They allow for comfortable, customizable vacations and business trips.

Affinity Flight

Affinity charters allow seats on an aircraft to be reserved for specific groups. They could be:

These are the best private flight options for groups because they allow everyone in the group to arrive at the same time. They offer everyone the same level of comfort and customization.

Cargo Flight

Cargo charters are used to transport items instead of passengers.

They’re ideal for oversized or time-sensitive goods. They’ll be delivered faster and more securely. Having a secure area keeps them from jostling around during the trip.

Benefits of Charter Flights

One of the biggest benefits of charter flights is that they remove all the unpleasant parts of boarding a plane. No more long security checks or inflexible departure times.

They also improve the experience on the plane. No more scrunching into tight seats. Pleasant amenities will ease you through the trip, and you’ll be landing before you know it.

Flexibility

Charter flight experiences are completely customizable. You can choose everything about them.

The split between those who call themselves early risers and night owls is even at 25% on each side, with the rest falling in between. You can customize your departure time to whenever you and your family. No more rushing to the airport to catch a flight when you aren’t ready.

You can choose your own plane from the charter company’s fleet. You can even customize its route to choose a faster path to your destination.

Streamlined Experience and Amenities

Charter planes can depart from FBOs instead of traditional terminals. This allows passengers to get through security faster and depart sooner. You won’t have to deal with long TSA lines.

You’ll also get streamlined routes to your destinations. Charter planes can land you closer to your destination sooner without layoffs or other distractions that could take you off course.

Personalized service begins once you’re on the aircraft to make the experience comfortable. This includes amenities such as:

  • Wi-Fi
  • Catering
  • Smartphones
  • Big-screen TVs

Privacy and Comfort

Charter flights are single-use. You don’t have to share your cabin with anyone. You have all the room within to stretch out comfortably and enjoy yourself.

This is more than an introvert’s dream. It’s also ideal for business trips where you hope to get work done. You could even hold a confidential meeting in the air without worrying about being disturbed.

How the Booking Process Works

Before you work to book a charter, identify your needs. What type of plane do you need? Where are you going? How many passengers will there be?

A charter broker can help match you with certified operators. Only use licensed airplane charter services with an up-to-date FAA Air Carrier Certificate.

When you find the right one, get a quote. It’ll cover all the costs of the trip based on your requirements.

The flights are more affordable than you’d expect. They can even save you money compared to commercial flights. 

Accept the quote and confirm your trip. Don’t worry about needing to make any last-minute changes. Charter flights are so customizable that it won’t be a problem.

Get the Best Charter Flight Experiences Today

Answering a question such as, “what is a charter flight” can start by defining what it isn’t. It’s not a commercial flight on the traditional system. That means it isn’t held up by long security check-ins or inflexibile schedules. Instead, it’s a private way to rent a plane to travel in customizable comfort.

Presidential Aviation offers top-notch airplane charter services. We have a team of seasoned, licensed professionals and a fleet of short-distance, short-range, mid-range, long-range, and ultra-long-range planes. Contact us to book your charter flight today.