Frequently Asked Questions about Private Jet Charter
Aircraft
One of the biggest challenges in the private jet charter industry is reliability. Mechanical problems can arise for various reasons. When a mechanical issue occurs, the aircraft maintenance team will first assess whether it can be quickly fixed. If an immediate repair isn’t possible, the aircraft will need to go into maintenance.
Occasionally, companies need to fly executives from multiple locations, or individuals need to transport several attendees to a party or gathering. InsiJet’s on-demand charter service enables you to secure multiple aircraft of varying sizes simultaneously. Our experts will recommend the best private jet for each mission to optimize efficiency and reduce costs.
When you charter an aircraft, it is technically owned by someone else. This owner must approve your booking before it can be confirmed. If they do not approve, you will need to consider other options. Under Part 135, most aircraft are owned by individual owners.
A floating fleet refers to multiple aircraft of the same type situated in various locations, typically owned by a single operator. For example, the operator might have several Gulfstream G-IVs, Citation Xs, or Challenger 300s spread across the U.S. Owning multiple aircraft of the same model allows them to avoid returning to a base; instead, they simply change the pilots and crew as needed.
When flying a round-trip flight in the USA, operators typically impose a daily minimum charge. This usually amounts to a two-hour minimum for super midsize jets and smaller aircraft, and 2 hours and 30 minutes per day for larger aircraft. Consequently, in some cases, it is more practical to book two round trips instead of keeping the aircraft at your location.
The primary advantage of using a helicopter is the ability to depart from a helipad, allowing you to fly in and out of tighter spaces and often land closer to your destination. The disadvantages are that helicopters can carry only a few passengers and limited luggage, and they are more dependent on weather conditions than fixed-wing aircraft.
Turboprops are versatile, typically requiring only a 3,200 ft runway, which enables them to land at more airports and closer to your destination. They also feature larger cabins that can accommodate more passengers than light jets. However, the disadvantages are that turboprops fly below the jet stream at a much lower altitude, making them more susceptible to turbulence.
There are many relatively new aircraft available for charter. For instance, we may be able to help you charter an aircraft that is only one year old. However, most brand-new aircraft are purchased by owners and made available for charter at a later date.
Yes, you can tour the aircraft before booking it. You can see what it looks like, step onboard, and even meet the crew. This helps establish a relationship between the operator and the client, building the foundation for a stronger future connection, especially if the client lives locally.
The two key aspects to consider are the size and performance of the aircraft. Additionally, you should think about your personal preferences. Perhaps you want a very luxurious jet, or maybe you’re flying solo on a short four-hour trip but still prefer a large jet with a flight attendant. Ultimately, it’s all about what you want.
All large and ultra-long-range jets feature flat floor cabins. Most super midsize jets also have flat floor cabins, but only certain light jets offer them. The alternative is a lower center aisle, or dropped aisle, where the center aisle is slightly lower than the seats, which sit on a platform.
Only certain midsize jets can carry skis, but all super midsize jets and larger can accommodate them. The Citation Mustang is the only private jet smaller than a midsize jet that has a ski chute.
To determine how many golf bags you can carry on an aircraft, consider two factors: the size of the aircraft and whether the golf bag is hard or soft. Hard cases take up more space, so you won’t fit as many on board, whereas soft cases can be packed more tightly.
As a rule of thumb, each seat on a light or midsize jet equates to one passenger and one item of luggage, with each item of luggage considered to be the standard 23 kilograms, or about 50 lbs. Large jets, designed for long-range trips, typically involve longer stays, allowing you to carry more than one item of luggage per person.
Many private jets do have Wi-Fi, and it’s increasingly available free of charge on U.S. domestic flights. On international flights, prices range from $3.00 to $8.50 USD per megabyte used. This means that opening social media sites rich in images and videos could quickly cost you $20, and downloading a feature-length movie could cost thousands!
The age of an aircraft is not a safety factor. However, if an older aircraft hasn’t been properly refurbished, it may cause some inconvenience for flyers, such as overheating, faulty air conditioning, or faulty plumbing in the lavatory.
There are many wheelchair-accessible aircraft, mostly large jets or larger, with straight aisles. Jets with zigzag aisles, like the Falcon 900, are difficult for maneuvering wheelchairs. You will also need the right type of wheelchair, as many motorized wheelchairs won’t fit and can’t be collapsed. In such cases, a smaller, temporary wheelchair is needed. Some aircraft operators provide smaller wheelchairs. Please speak with your Insijet private jet expert to review your aircraft options.
Private jets should be refurbished approximately every six years. For the best flying experience, look for a jet that has been refurbished within the past two years. Even with excellent care, a jet will experience general wear and tear over time, such as worn-down carpeting in the center aisle and chafing of the leather seats from constant contact with people and luggage.
On most private jets, you can access your luggage during the flight since luggage and passengers are situated on the same level. This contrasts with commercial airlines, where checked luggage is stored in a cargo hold. On large private jets, luggage is often stored in a compartment behind the lavatory, allowing for easy access to your bags.
Boeing Business Jets (BBJs) offer unique amenities that extend far beyond sheer size, often including 1-2 bedrooms and 2-3 bathrooms, with one or more bathrooms featuring stand-up showers. These airliner-based executive aircraft also have tall or ‘stand-up’ cabins, which are longer and wider than typical corporate aircraft.
If you’re taking a short flight of up to 400 miles, or around an hour or less, a turboprop may be the most cost-effective option. Light jets usually have a two-hour minimum charge per day, so even for shorter flights, you’ll be charged for the full two hours. Turboprops often have a 90-minute minimum charge, which is 25% less. Therefore, if your flight is around 45 minutes each way, a turboprop would be ideal.
Airport
A landing or takeoff slot refers to a specific time window allocated for your aircraft to arrive at or depart from an airport. These slots are necessary when flying to high-density airports in the United States or airports hosting special events with a large influx of aircraft. When flying internationally, landing and takeoff slots are required for major European cities. For specific route requirements, please consult your InsiJets Aviation Advisor when booking.
Private jet clients often have the option to be driven by a limousine directly to the private jet, or in some cases, they can drive their own car up to the plane. However, policies vary between airports, and not all airports offer ramp access. It’s advisable to discuss your specific options with your InsiJets Aviation Advisor for each trip.
Passengers on all international private charter flights are required to clear customs. In some countries, this may involve stopping at a designated port of entry; for instance, customs checks must be conducted in Tahiti when en route to Bora Bora. Similarly, when entering the U.S. from Mexico, passengers must stop at the first port of entry.
Yes, when you charter a private jet, you can use the same airports as commercial airlines. However, choosing major airports like Los Angeles International or London Heathrow is often less practical for private jets.
Broker
Using a private jet charter is akin to having a personal aviation assistant. They familiarize themselves with your preferences, requirements, and even your family dynamics, ensuring a customized flying experience. They also monitor your flight and attend to all the intricate details.
No, brokers do not compete against each other to lower prices. Operators determine the price of the trip, not brokers. Each broker approaching an operator will receive the same price quote.
Booking through a broker can be cost-effective and safer. When booking directly through an operator, you may encounter retail pricing and markups on additional services. Operators also limit quotes to aircraft within their own fleet, reducing your options.
Clients should always feel comfortable asking questions to ensure they’ve chosen the right charter broker for their needs. Here are key questions to consider when identifying potential ‘red flags’ that could impact your charter experience, along with the appropriate answers.
Charter
In general, the on-demand private jet charter model provides better value. This is especially true when your broker arranges a backup option for every trip, ensuring reliability comparable to a fractional ownership model but at a lower cost.
Private charter flights are indeed significantly more expensive than commercial flights. To estimate the cost of flying privately in the US, use the following formula: (Cost of a first-class commercial ticket x 4) x number of seats in the aircraft. For instance, if a first-class ticket costs around $500, multiply this by four to get $2,000. If a light jet has six seats, multiply $2,000 by six to get $12,000. It’s important to note that the cost remains the same for a private jet regardless of the number of passengers flying.
The primary challenge in private jet charter is finding a reputable broker. A trustworthy broker will prioritize honesty, prioritize your safety, and genuinely advocate for your best interests. This entails delivering exceptional service that includes having backup options available for your flight.
Yes, there are several ways to do this. You can ask your broker to request aircraft options from multiple operators. Typically, operators charge a two-hour minimum per day, translating to a 60-hour minimum for a 30-day month.
A charter flight is a flight that is not part of the scheduled agenda provided by airlines. When you charter a flight, you rent the aircraft for your exclusive use, and you dictate the schedule, including flight time and destination. This differs from commercial flights, where you purchase a seat on a pre-scheduled flight.
Generally speaking, it’s advisable to provide as much notice as possible when booking a private flight. Doing so enhances availability, which can result in better value and access to lower-priced aircraft. However, it’s notable that 75% of privately chartered flights are booked within two weeks of departure, which often limits the number of options available to clients.
The primary drawback of empty legs is their lack of flexibility. An empty leg corresponds to a specific aircraft flying at a particular time and date, which may not align with your travel requirements. Other disadvantages include fixed departure times, potential pricing issues, reliability concerns, and stringent cancellation policies.
Every aircraft consumes jet fuel and releases a certain amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. This environmental impact can be mitigated through various carbon offset programs, where private jet clients can purchase carbon credits to compensate for the emissions from their flights. A carbon-neutral flight is achieved when the carbon emissions generated by the flight are offset through a recognized carbon offsetting process.
For the safety of all passengers on a regular private jet flight, individuals needing medical assistance must be capable of walking up and down stairs independently. If you can maneuver in a wheelchair and there is an Ambulift available, you can fly provided the private jet is wheelchair accessible. If you are unable to walk or use a wheelchair and still need to fly, you will require an air ambulance for transportation.
The cost difference between larger and smaller private jets isn’t as significant as one might assume. Larger jets capable of carrying more passengers typically have a higher hourly charter rate compared to smaller aircraft with fewer seats. In addition to the base charter rate, there is typically a standard fee per passenger, which varies depending on the specifics of your trip.
Generally, unaccompanied minors can travel on private jets, typically starting from around 12-13 years old, although some operators may allow children as young as 7. Minors under 16 traveling alone usually require a legal guardian to complete a Chain of Custody form, listing an approved contact at the destination. The designated contact must present identification to the flight crew before the minor can be released into their care.
Price
Fuel surcharges for private jet flights are imposed when there is a significant increase in jet fuel prices. These additional fees became prevalent after Hurricane Katrina, which damaged oil refineries and caused a surge in fuel prices to as high as $7.50 per gallon. Previously, most business models in the industry were based on fuel costs ranging from $3.00 to $3.50 per gallon.
The international fee covers various costs such as handling fees, customs charges, and other expenses incurred when flying into certain countries. For instance, flying from the United States to a Caribbean island typically incurs a fee of approximately $1,700, while traveling to Mexico may cost around $2,500. The fee can rise significantly, up to $10,000 or more, when flying from the US to parts of Asia.
When you keep an aircraft overnight, you are responsible for covering the crew’s overnight costs. The specific amount varies based on whether the flight is domestic or international. For flights within the United States, these costs apply separately. However, when flying with a European operator within Europe, crew overnight expenses are typically included in the hourly rate of the aircraft, without additional charges.
Service
On average, a fuel stop for a private jet lasts between 45 to 60 minutes. Operators and pilots can expedite this process by pre-arranging for a fuel truck to be ready upon arrival. For smaller jets, a fuel stop can sometimes be completed in as little as 30 minutes.
Yes, flexible departure times are possible when flying privately. Operators generally provide a window of 30 minutes to two hours for departure flexibility. You can request a longer window, as long as it complies with crew duty regulations and does not conflict with their next scheduled flight. It’s advisable to confirm these details with your Insijet Aviation Advisor when booking your jet.
Generally, private jet flights can be arranged with as little as 4 hours’ notice. In some cases, we’ve managed to have the aircraft airborne within just 32 minutes from the initial client call to booking. Several factors influence this timing, including the pilots’ 2-hour call-out time, and whether the aircraft is already positioned at the airport or needs repositioning. Jet Card members benefit from quicker booking processes as they have pre-funded accounts and can confirm flights swiftly via email.
Yes, it is possible to fly with large sums of cash on a private jet. Private jet clients often travel with amounts up to $5 million in cash, provided that it is declared upon arrival through customs. For domestic trips within the same country, there is typically no limit on the amount of cash and no requirement to declare it.
Cabotage refers to the legal restriction on foreign operators from conducting domestic flights within a country’s borders. For instance, an aircraft registered in the United States (with an N-registration) cannot fly a route solely within Mexico, such as from Puerto Vallarta to Cancun. However, the same aircraft can legally enter Mexico to pick up passengers and then proceed to fly to another country outside of Mexico’s borders.
The insurance provided by the operator does not cover precious metals and gems. Clients often inquire about this when planning return flights to transport gold or other valuable items. While the insurance typically covers the aircraft and passengers, separate insurance is necessary to cover precious metals and gems during transport.
At InsiJets, we are dedicated to delivering personalized service to each client. Our mission is to educate our clients about private aviation, guiding them through every step of booking a private jet. Whether you have big or small questions, we are here to help you understand the process thoroughly. Our goal is to ensure you make well-informed decisions and have the best experience possible when booking a private aircraft through us.
In the United States, regulations mandate that large jets and above must have flight attendants onboard. In Europe, flight attendants are required on midsize jets and larger aircraft. Flight attendants have their own seats, typically including a jump seat near the cockpit on larger jets, which allows them to fulfill their duties while staying accessible but generally out of the main cabin area.
In addition to standard snacks and drinks, you can request local cuisine options for onboard catering. Essentially, any food that does not require cooking can be ordered. For hot food options, it must be pre-cooked and then warmed on board before serving.
Oxygen tanks can only be brought on board an aircraft if they meet specific certification requirements. Your broker can coordinate with the operator to determine if your particular tank is suitable for the flight. In some instances, you may need to acquire a different type of tank that complies with aviation regulations.
Crew members are mandated to have a minimum of a 10-hour rest period within each 24-hour cycle. Additionally, the maximum duty day allowed for crew is 14 hours, followed by a mandatory 10-hour rest period, typically at their accommodation. When planning flights, operators often schedule a 12-hour rest period for the crew instead of the minimum 10 hours. This additional time accounts for crew transit to their hotel, ensures they receive adequate rest, and allows them to return to the airport prepared for their next assignment.
When you fly privately with InsiJets Business Jets, you can enjoy a variety of luxurious in-flight services including custom catering with a selection of drinks, including alcohol, flat-screen TVs, access to over 10,000 films and series, newspapers and magazines, on-demand massage therapists, and a range of entertainment options available via Wi-Fi.
Private jets for organ transplants can be arranged on very short notice, often necessary when organs are urgently needed due to sudden deaths. Many organs must be transported within 6-10 hours to ensure viability and successful transplantation.
InsiJets Business Jets can accommodate all customers comfortably, including larger passengers who may be overweight. Options such as captain’s chairs, which are larger and more comfortable, or multi-seat couches can be arranged. It’s advisable to request a seatbelt extender through your broker to ensure a comfortable and safe flight experience.
Certainly! Advance notice is typically required, but most operators and aircraft owners allow pets onboard private jets. There may be a small cleaning fee in some cases. It’s important to ensure that your pet meets specific requirements, such as having up-to-date documentation and vaccination records. Additionally, pets must be at least eight weeks old and weaned when traveling within the U.S.
