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If you have never chartered a plane before, rest assured that you are in the same group as many others. However, with Investopedia reporting that doing this costs between $100 and $13,000 per hour, getting the process right is imperative to prevent you from making a simple, if costly, error. So, where do you start?
Below, you will find a comprehensive guide that runs you through the steps on how to charter a plane, including:
Finally, learn how Jettly simplifies the process and offers several options to make charter flights as seamless as possible.
So, whether you're a seasoned traveler or this is your first private flight, keep reading to learn how to plan the whole process yourself.
One of the first steps you need to take before you can even consider chartering a flight is to assess precisely what you need. Think about the details, such as:
The above list is not exhaustive. If you can think of anything else, remember to write it down so you can mention it to your concierge later.
Once you have all the essential details, you will want to look into possible global charter providers to find the best fit for you. Look into where they go, what they cost, and whether they have the right aircraft for your needs. A larger chartered flight company is likely to have more options and better contacts you can leverage to guarantee a more luxurious experience and ensure they have the extra services you need.
If this is your first time chartering a jet, having a personal concierge for support tends to make the process much smoother.
The concierge can evaluate your needs, offering updates on how realistic each request is if they are more extreme. They can then work for you to get the flight right where you need, when you need it, with as many requested amenities as they can organize.
If you are unsure how to proceed with any area of the flight chartering process, they can help by either offering advice or performing the task themselves. So, ensure you maintain clear and up-front communication channels with them at all times for updates and further support.
If you have not chartered a flight before, it is possible that you do not know the difference between it and a commercial flight.
Chartering a private jet means the flight is there only for you and anyone else you allow onboard. People choose to charter flights as they allow for:
When chartering from Jettly, you can select from various aircraft, from very light jets to heavy airliners and even helicopters. Your choice will depend on your group size, how far you wish to travel, and how quickly you want to get there. For example, the following are some of the top options for different categories:
Fastest aircraft: Citation X+ (610 mph)
Largest passenger capacity: Boeing 737-500 (189 passengers)
Longest range: Gulfstream G650ER (12,000 miles)
Highest Cruising Altitude: Gulfstream G650ER (51,000 feet)
Each of Jettly's aircraft comes with the following to help you ensure that every second of your flight goes by as smoothly as possible:
It is important to remember that Jettly offers more than one way to leverage charter flight services. In addition to individual charter flights, you can also choose to utilize Jettly's Jet Card or Fractional Ownership programs.
These diverse options have different cost structures based on how long you fly for and the flights you choose, so ensure you understand them before you sign up. When you charter a flight, consider whether these would help you long-term.
These offer prepaid access to Jettly's fleet, guaranteeing the availability of an aircraft. Standardized hourly rates also prevent confusion when all you want is to get from A to B.
These cards can lead to significant cost savings compared to ad-hoc chartering, so ensure you understand their complete offering. They also come with other benefits, such as free empty-leg flights, so ensure you check out the full range of services for cardholders.
While many people may wish to purchase a jet, not everyone has the funds to do so or to afford upkeep. Fractional ownership involves purchasing a share in a specific aircraft or, in the case of Jettly's offer, a share in their fleet.
Owners of this share have access to Jettly's aircraft for a set number of hours annually, sharing maintenance and crew costs or other expenses with the other fractional owners.
Owning a portion of the aircraft offers potential tax benefits and the possibility of later resale. However, you may want to speak with your accountant before choosing this option.
As your concierge offers you additional information on your flight and your travel time gets closer, remember to inform them of any personalized service you require. Such services could include:
The list is almost limitless, so discuss the nuances with your concierge to determine what they can do for you.
When you charter a flight, you will have access to a private terminal, where you will find exclusive amenities alongside other charter flight users. Ensure your concierge communicates where the dedicated parking is for this location to help you get closer to the terminal entrance.
The terminal will enable expedited check-in, lower wait times, and offer complimentary refreshments to help you relax before the flight. Alternatively, if you need to use the time to handle business, many terminals also offer meeting rooms for private discussions.
Unlike on a commercial flight, the flight crew or a dedicated representative of the flight will offer you legally required safety and operational information. They can also discuss with you extra details as you need them, but often inform passengers of:
The briefing will also allow the crew to confirm any last-minute questions about your needs to ensure the flight is as comfortable as possible.
Once you are on the flight, you can use all the food and entertainment options you requested and relax in a spacious area designed for maximum comfort.
If you have any requests during the flight, you should feel comfortable asking the crew to fulfill them. Whether they contact people on the ground and pass on messages, create meals, or report on in-flight information, they are there to provide you with a seamless experience.
Remember that you are in charge of the cabin. As such, adjust the lighting and temperature to your comfort, and coordinate with the crew to let them know when you plan to rest or sleep so that you do not face interruption.
Alternatively, set up a mobile office during your flight to ensure you do not miss out on work as you are in the air. While you may occasionally need to inform the in-flight crew if you need the equipment ahead of time, the crew should be able to help you with anything you need, including:
When you plan to focus, inform the crew so they do not interrupt you and so you can make the most of your time in the air.
Once you land, you will probably want to vacate your aircraft and enter the terminal as soon as possible. Jettly's processes include ensuring a swift exit from your chartered flight and assisting the crew in handling your personal belongings before any other items to prevent anything from remaining behind.
Jettly will also coordinate with ground staff to ensure you are transported straight to the destination airport's private terminal, getting through customs and immigration processes as quickly as possible. They will then deliver your bags to you or to your final destination before you arrive.
If requested, your Jettly concierge can also help you understand the specific customs regulations of your destination country. Thus, you won't have to worry about any delays caused by taking specific items over the borders.
Once you have completed the ground processes, Jettly's pre-arranged luxury transport can whisk you from the terminal to your destination. Speak to your concierge about your options. They will likely be able to find transportation that aligns with your schedule and destination, including chauffeured cars or helicopter transfers if necessary.
If you have any extra ground transport requirements, such as additional food or drink or additional vehicles for a security detail, your concierge should be able to handle them for you.
When you arrive in a foreign country, comply with customs declarations and procedures. While your concierge can provide information about visiting another location, you should also ensure you understand what is in your suitcase.
The customs and security services are not beholden to Jettly's requests, and you must follow their instructions when you check in and land.
Make sure you also travel with all the correct documentation, too. These should include:
Not having these could cause delays at the terminals before and after the flight, and the crew has the right to refuse to fly if you do not have the correct documentation.
Take extra steps before and after your flight to get the most value out of your experience. The following are a few options to help you get better charter rates and ensure flights are available when needed.
Look into the pricing trends of any chartered flights. Choose an aircraft and destination that offers a competitive rate, then compare different companies to see which offers the best deal.
Be open to adjusting your departure time, as specific flights may offer a lower time or even larger or traditionally more expensive aircraft for a reduced price. If you fly frequently enough, however, consider a Jet Card or Fractional Jet Ownership to get the most out of your trip and ensure guaranteed availability.
No matter what else you do, plan your flight as early as possible. You can adjust the flight details later, but early planning and swift booking give you a wider range of options for your trip.
Before you embark on your private jet journey, remember that Jettly offers more than simple transportation. Our flights offer a higher standard of travel with more flexible and personalized services from your door to your destination.
Whether you're a frequent traveler or have no idea how to charter a plane, Jettly's solutions offer an easy process without additional stress. Contact us today to learn what else we can do for you and how straightforward chartering a flight with us is today.
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