7 Things You Need to Know Before Booking Your First Private Flight

If you’ve suddenly got the urge to book a private flight, you’re not the only one.

The private air travel industry has skyrocketed by 75% as people look for safer, faster, and more reliable alternatives to commercial flights.

With private jet charters, you’re in control.

Smaller terminals, minimal people onboard, and expedited screening make private air travel an attractive choice during a global pandemic.

Still, private travel is a completely different world than commercial. From pricing and booking to destinations and scammers, every aspect of the experience differs from what you’re probably used to.

What You Need to Know Before Booking Your First Private Charter Flight

It’s important to do some research before booking your first private flight. Plenty of shady brokers and operators prey on unsuspecting travelers who aren’t familiar with the basics. Plus, understanding how the process works ensures you’ll have an experience that exceeds your expectations.

1. You Have Access to More Airport Choices

You can only choose from about 500 airports across the US when you book a commercial flight. International travel makes flying even more restrictive.

Booking a private jet charter, however, opens your selection to tens of thousands of airports worldwide. Instead of driving to your usual commercial airport, you can board from the closest airport to your house. Plus, you can choose an airport closer to your ultimate destination.

Don’t think in typical terms as you book your private charter. Instead, type the exact city you’d like to depart from and choose the most convenient airport that meets your needs.

2. Who and What You Bring Matter

It might surprise newbies to learn that many private jets are much smaller than movies make them seem. However, you’re also in control of which aircraft you choose. This means it’s important to consider your fellow passengers, cargo, and pets before booking your flight.

If you plan to bring a friend, children, family members, or a beloved pet, that’s great – just make sure to include them when you request a quote.

Also, read and stick to the aircraft’s unique luggage limits. Small planes have strict weight requirements for everyone’s safety so what you bring matters.

3. Adjusting Your Dates or Destination Can Save You Money

Like commercial flights, supply, demand, and business costs all cause private flight prices to fluctuate. Flexible dates can help you save a few thousand dollars depending on the location, available pilots, and aircraft.

Flying private also gives you the chance to book empty leg flights which cost a fraction of typical bookings. When someone books a one-way ticket, the pilot still must return to his or her base with an empty plane. Pilots make these flights available at a reduced rate.

4. Scammers are On the Rise

The surge in demand for private travel has, sadly, expanded the market for shady, malicious, or even illegal charters.

Unregulated charters don’t abide by certain safety guidelines and pilot certifications, which is downright dangerous. They might also include hidden fees and nefarious fine print so you can’t recoup your financial losses in the event of a bankruptcy, cancellation, or disaster.

Always ask for a charter’s Part 135 certificate. If they brush off the question, go somewhere else.

Jettly strictly sources Part 135 operators to protect both you AND brokers.

5. Shopping Around Isn’t the Best Idea

It’s normal and smart to shop around for commercial quotes. Private flight charters operate differently so this strategy isn’t ideal.

Air operators can see when a customer submits multiple quotes across the internet – and they consider it spam activity. To operators, this is a sign you’re not a qualified lead and they might not even return your requests.

Still, it’s important to avoid hidden broker fees and commission. With Jettly, there’s no hidden anything – what you see is what you pay, promise.

6. Each Broker Offers Different Pricing Schedules

There isn’t a single streamlined method for booking private flights.

Some companies require you to purchase a jet card that comes with heavy flight restrictions. Others promote fractional ownership programs – a huge waste of money.

Meanwhile, some brokers charge outrageous commission fees or taxes hidden into the fine print.

Jettly isn’t called the Uber of private charter jets for no reason. With Jettly, you pay a flat monthly rate that meets your specific needs.

7. You Choose the Extras You Want

Don’t want to pay extra for catering or drink service? You don’t have to. Flying private lets you choose your amenities a la carte.

It’s important to consider this before you book your flight and aircraft. Most small aircraft won’t have attendants on board – just you and the pilot.

Make sure to factor COVID-19 and social distancing measures if you’d like to book service and attendants on your flight. Many operators might not even allow extra people aboard.

Book with Confidence

At Jettly, we’re committed to quality, safety, and transparency in every private flight. As a member of the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO), Jettly upholds strict consumer protection ethics. You can reap the benefits no matter where you live!

Jettly offers flexible membership options so you never pay for things you don’t need. Sign up for free now!