5 Tips for Booking Private Charter Flights
When your company cannot afford to delay flying to another city, booking a charter flight can be a great option. There are no tickets to reserve because you will book a plane for the number of people flying to your destination. These tips can help your company book a charter flight.
Double Check Departure Times
The primary advantage to booking a charter flight is flying according to your schedule. However, some charter companies have set departure times, so before booking a charter plane, double check departure times with any companies with whom you speak.
Book the Correct Plane
Before calling for prices for charter flights, determine the exact number of people in your party. Unlike flying a regular commercial airline, you’re not paying per person, but per jet.
Knowing how many people will be taking the flight is important because it will dictate what type of plane your party will need.
If there are two to three people on the flight, then you may want to book a light jet that seats five. However, if there are six or seven people from your company going to the meeting, then a midsize jet that sits nine may be more appropriate.
Be Careful with Price Negotiations
Private charter flights are becoming more in demand as commercial ticket prices keep rising, so it can be more difficult to negotiate the price of a flight. If you’re not willing to pay what the charter service is asking, they can always find someone who is willing.
A private charter may be more economical than first-class or business-class tickets, depending on how many from the company are traveling and the length of the flight. A private jet cost for five people is $2,000 to $3,400 per flight hour depending on the type of plane that is booked.
The cost of business-class tickets could easily exceed that amount. Also, the rest of the flight could be crowded, making it difficult for your personnel to get any work done on their flight.
With a private charter, they can move around the cabin and discuss their business as they fly to their destination.
Check Insurance Coverage
It is always a good idea to check the insurance coverages and policies of charter flight companies. At a minimum, light jets should carry $50M Combined Single Limit policies.
Mid-sizes jets should have $50M to $100M CSLs, and heavy jets should carry $100M to $200M CSLs.
Check Safety Records
Another precautionary check is on the safety record of a private jet company. You don’t want to risk flying on a plane that isn’t well maintained or has a questionable safety record.
Several online resources exist where people can check safety records, although they charge a fee for that information. Also, ask to see their documents to make sure they are current, and they carry the certifications necessary to fly passengers.
These documents include insurance policies, air operations certificates, and their pilots’ qualifications. If the charter service seems reluctant to show these documents, find another company with which to book flights.
Although private charter flights may seem like an extravagant luxury your company cannot afford, it could be less expensive than business or first-class fares.
It also gives companies the option of flying to their destinations when they need to go instead of being held hostage by the schedules of a commercial airline.
