Wondering how much it costs to charter a private plane? The answer, of course, is that it depends. But here’s an initial guide.
The benefits of chartering a private plane
Chartering a private plane for a special occasion is a brilliant way to get the festivities underway. Not only are private jets almost completely hassle-free compared to regular airlines, but there are also a ton of additional benefits.
If you are planning a special event and want a private jet charter to be part of it, here are a few things you should remember. Plus, how to answer the all important question. How much does it cost to charter a private plane?
When should you book
Unlike a regular flight, the price of a private jet charter can fluctuate greatly. Whereas a regular flight will have changing prices depending on the time of year, private jet prices change for many different reasons.
Because of this, booking your flight a month to five weeks in advance will not only give you some of the best rates but will also give you enough time to cancel if you find a better deal or need to cancel the trip completely.
Price
When it comes to the price of a charter, most companies will charge per hour, and the price will be more or less depending on the jet; therefore, the further you go, the more expensive it is. However, there is a very easy way to make the flight much more affordable.
If you choose a bigger jet, while it will be more expensive, you will have more seats you can put guests in. Splitting the price of the journey is one of the best ways to make private jet travel more affordable.
Travel flexibility
It is important to remember that a private jet charter is much more flexible than a regular flight. While it should be discussed beforehand, it is possible to extend your use of the jet and change destinations.
This is particularly helpful if you are somewhere near Nevada and want to jet to Las Vegas for a weekend or in South Africa and want to go from Cape Town to the Kruger National Park.
Destination flexibility
A standard aircraft can’t land anywhere that doesn’t have the right infrastructure, hence why you never see a Boeing 747 landing at a random airfield. However, private jets are far more flexible and only need a runway and ATC tower to land.
This gives you, as the guest, far more choice when it comes to destinations. There are thousands of islands, towns and locations all around the world that are only accessible by small or private plane, and you can visit any of them if you want.
Plane type
The next thing you will need to decide is the type of plane you want to travel in. While there are quite a few to choose from, you can make it simple by splitting them into large and medium/small size planes.
Each can only carry a certain number of passengers, but the bigger the plane, the more features it will often have. More often than not, the bigger the jet, the more likely it will have beds, a fully functional kitchen and bathroom, etc.
Onboard services
When it comes to what services can be offered to you on board, it will vary from operator to operator. For a price, you can have a fully stocked bar, meals and snacks, as well as bathroom and kitchen facilities.
You can also choose to have a jet that is equipped with a meeting room, big screen TVs, a stereo system or cabin crew who can tend to your and your guests’ needs.
Charter company services
Many charter companies will also offer several other services to make your journey that much easier. Shuttle and airport transfer services and access to a private lounge at the closest airport are very common.
Private jet benefits
Finally, there are several major benefits to traveling by private jet. The first is that you get to avoid all of the hassle and stress of using the airport. Most airports will have a separate entrance and waiting area for those using private jets.
One benefit that many people love is the very relaxed luggage rules. Unlike regular flights, where you are limited to one or two bags, you can bring several bags onto a private jet without any problems.
As mentioned already, many chartering companies and airports will have private lounges for their clients. These lounges usually have WiFi, TVs and complimentary drinks and food you can enjoy before your flight. Some of these lounges also feature bathroom and spa facilities, allowing you to freshen up and relax before your flight.
Finally, a lot of charter companies are more than happy to let your pets on board. While you still need to ask and find out, as long as your pet is house-trained, they will more than likely be allowed onboard.
More Tips on Flying
Check out our ultimate guides to flying more comfortably here:
- 21 Long Haul Flight Essentials – fall in love with flying again
- The Ultimate Travel Packing Checklist – it’s all here
- The Best Carry On Luggage – find the right suitcase to fly
- The Ultimate International Travel Checklist – does what it says!
