How to Charter a Jet

Guide Note

Hoping to avoid the cattle call-like experience of flying commercial? How to Charter a Jet will help you choose the best option for your next private flight.

Table of Contents

Charter Jet Tips

  1. If you're a frequent flier, more than 50 hours a year, fractional jet ownership may make sense.
  2. Try chartering "empty leg" flights from jet owners who are sending home empty cabins while they travel.
  3. Consider buying a seat on a chartered jet instead of renting out the whole aircraft to save money.
  4. If you really want to splurge, look into luxury jet charters that will provide in-flight yoga classes, spa treatments, and gourmet food.

Introduction

(Creative Commons photo by Bill Cunningham)
(Creative Commons photo by Bill Cunningham)
  • Whether you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime adventure or are just sick of flying commercial, becoming a jetsetter—on your own private jet, no less—is not impossible. With companies like NetJets emerging to fill the gap between those who can afford to own a jet and those who would like to be able to take one out every so often, it's becoming increasingly popular to charter private flights, particularly if you're in a certain line of work.
  • If a jet share isn't in the offing (a 1/16th "fractional ownership" will still run you about $400K, plus monthly management fees and actual flying time), there are other creative ways to avoid the masses. Whether you are able to charter an "empty leg" from a jet owner or simply charter a single flight of your own from a participating charter service, you'll be traveling in style in no time.

Step 1: Get a Share

(Creative Commons photo by [http://www.flickr.com/photos/magneticmediafed/2269556192/ RecoilRick)
(Creative Commons photo by [http://www.flickr.com/photos/magneticmediafed/2269556192/ RecoilRick)
  • What companies who specialize in shared jets call "fractional ownership," a jet share is a means of owning certain rights to a private jet you use at your discretion, while you spread the burden of ownership.
  1. Fractional ownership is great for those who will be flying up to 50 hours a year and do so at peak times, meaning that it's worth the cost of ownership to dictate when and where to go.
  2. Probably the most well known fractional ownership jet company is NetJets, which started in 1986 to help individuals make the leap to the realm of private jets without shelling out the many, many millions necessary for full ownership and maintenance.
  3. Example costs of fractional ownership with NetJets of a Hawker 400XP:
      • Cost of 1/16 jet purchase price: $406,250
      • Monthly management fees: $6,820
      • Cost per hour of flying time: $1,554
  4. Another company, Skyjet, also offers fractional ownership, in addition to jet cards (see Step 2) and individual charters.

Step 2: Get a Jet Card

(Creative Commons photo by moaksey)
(Creative Commons photo by moaksey)
  • Jet cards work like debit cards for flight hours—start by putting an amount on the card and then deduct flights as you go. It's one step down from fractional ownership but provides terrific access to chartered flights.
  1. A company called Marquis will let you buy "jet cards" that are redeemable for flying time on NetJets. You can choose from multiple planes, fly at any time, 365 days a year, without the commitments of jet ownership.
  2. Jet cards are great for flexibility and access, but you will be charged by the hour, no matter where in the world you're traveling or when.
  3. Sentient Jet is another company operating on the same principle, issuing a debit card to use for flight hours. There is no expiration date on your hours, so you don't have to use them all up in a fixed period of time.
  4. Both companies require an initial deposit on your jet card of between $100,000 and $115,000, so you'll want to be sure that you plan to charter enough flights to make that investment worthwhile.

Find Down Time

  • Private jet owners can't possibly be in the air at all times. You may be able to charter a jet that would otherwise be flying home empty.
  1. Companies like OneSky will act as negotiators between you and jet owners or companies to find "empty leg" flights, known as "deadheads"—flights that are returning empty to their home base or elsewhere to pick up someone else.
  2. Bluestar Jets, which offers typical charter service around the clock, can also help you try to find an empty leg flight.
  3. If you're flexible and usually fly between major destinations, you could save a lot of money flying these types of charters.

Step 3: Book a Single Trip

(Creative Commons photo by Cridland)
(Creative Commons photo by Cridland)
  • If you want to be able to jet off for a particular trip but don't see chartering a jet becoming a regular occurrence, you can find wings-for-hire.
  1. Whether it's your honeymoon, a special event, or a multi-stop college tour for Junior, you may want to charter a jet instead of flying commercial.
  2. You'll need to determine what airports near you and your destination will accept charter flights. Some airports are trying to ban jet landings that come in at high speeds, many of which are traditionally used for charter flights.
  3. You'll also want to think about what you're looking for in a charter flight so that when you call to book, you can highlight your priorities:
      • Spaciousness: how big of a cabin are you looking for? Just roomy enough to be comfortable, or do you want to feel like you might as well be headed to bed in your own master suite at home?
      • Ability to cover distance: certain types of jets are better able to take long trips; ask your charter company representative about what he recommends for your particular trip
      • Speed: is speed a factor? All jets are going to be speedier than what you may used to on a fully packed commercial flight, but if you want the fastest, you'll need to make that a priority
      • Capacity: how many people will you be traveling with? Do you want a romantic atmosphere or room for a guys' weekend of travel?
      • Bonus Perks: exotic meals, in-flight yoga, wireless internet, and spa treatments are all available if you so choose
  4. There may be regional companies offering jet charters, but a few well known national companies include:
  5. Also try using RSVPAir, which is a directory of chartered flights you can find all over the country.
  6. If you're hoping to save a little money, you might try using a company like Avion Private Jet Club, which allows individuals (typically frequent-flying business execs) to share a jet with a stranger or two to defray costs. Basically, you're paying for a seat, not the entire plane in this case. You'll still have luxe service and private tarmac, so this option could be worth a try!
  7. Soon enough, JetBlue will be offering jet flights for $3,500 an hour, which is about half of the typical fee for a jet of that kind, all in an effort to rival first class ticket prices and add convenience for travelers.

Conclusion

  • It's no surprise that chartering a jet is an extravagance, particularly with rising fuel costs. But it's also widely accepted that flying commercial is one of the worst customer experiences out there. So if you have the funds to put towards a jet charter, it could be well worth it—allowing you more time on vacation, more time with family, or simply less time waiting in line.

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Resources for How to Charter a Jet

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