Whether it’s the flexibility, the service, the privacy, the feeling, the image or the convenience, it’s a great idea to charter a private jet. There’s so much diversity when it comes to flying privately and it makes it so much easier. No crazy airports and security, no delays because someone else is late or the forgot to put the engine in the plane, no crowded flights or annoying passengers; just you, the staff and who you choose to allow to fly with you. If you want to charter a private jet but aren’t exactly sure how to go about it, this article will give you some helpful things to think about before you jump headlong in research.
Determine What You Want
Think about what you need why you want to charter a private jet. Sure, jet charter services are fun, but this can’t be the only reason you charter a private jet.
- Do you want the plane to be just for you?
- If not, how many passengers are you comfortable with?
- How much room will their luggage take up?
- Do the departure and arrival times and dates fit your schedule?
- Where do you want to travel through?
- Do you want to make any stops?
- Are you traveling one way or round trip?
- Is this a one time affair or will it be a regular thing?
Think About a Charter Broker
If you are only flying a few times a year, it might be a good option for you. Typically, there is not a upfront expense to use a charter operator unless you are flying more than 25 hours each year. If you are a frequent flyer, you might want to find out about jet cards instead in order to be more cost effective. These are particularly good for one way trips.
If you do decide to use a charter operator, a charter broker can help you decide which one to go with. They can whittle down your options of jet charter services because they have access to a large amount of aircraft as well as helpful knowledge about the industry. A charter broker would be very helpful when it comes to paperwork and such things.
What to Ask a Charter Broker
Charter brokers don’t have to be licensed and aren’t formally regulated so you’ll have to be careful about which company you decide to go with. Here are a few questions that you can ask to determine the legitimacy of a company.
Background
- Is the charter operator FAA-certified? How long has he been an operator?
- How many aircraft and crew does this charter operator have? Has action ever been taken by the FAA against him?
- Is the crew experienced? How many flight hours do they have?
- What types of aircraft is the operator certified with?
- Have any major refurbishments been done on the aircraft? When?
Safety
- Has the operator had any accidents?
- How did he overcome them?
- Has the charter operator ever been audited? Were there any findings?
- How do you enforce security screening procedures for passengers?
- Is training conducted for the crew? What training? How often? Where?
Customer Service
- Does everyone undergo customer service training?
- What is your customer satisfaction rating? Do you have documents to support that claim?
- How close to the departure time is the plane readied?
- Who should any concerns or complains go to?
- Do you have a 24 hour answering service?
Insurance
- Who do you have aviation insurance with?
- what is covered and what are the limits?
- Are there any additional insured?
- Do you have documentation of your insurance policies?
Having these questions ready will help you not only to get answers but to see the reaction of the broker. If they are having a hard time answering questions so quickly you may want to reconsider using their company. Also, never be afraid to ask for documentation or polices or proof of any kind. If the broker will not produce it, do not use their company and move on to the next. Better to be safe than sorry.
Private charter plane services may be a fun and sophisticated way to travel, but you should not feel unsafe or at risk at any point during your travel plans. Even if you have a round trip plan set out, if you fly one way and something just doesn’t feel quite right, do not hesitate to simply cancel your flight back and either fly commercially or find another way home.
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