GrandView Aviation: How to Charter a Private Flight
Human flight has come a long way since the Wright Brothers first launched their plane off a hill in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Commercial aviation makes it easy to travel the world in hours instead of days, but no one wants to pack into a standard commercial airliner like so many sardines.
Chartering a private flight can be a great option for both convenience and comfort. If you’re new to chartering flights, what do you need to know?
Booking a Private Flight
Before you start booking a flight, there are a few steps to determine which flight is best for you. Start by figuring out where you can charter a flight.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, you could charter a private flight from 500 airports around the globe. Now, there are more than 5,000 airports that are accessible to private flights. If you can be flexible with your departure and return dates, it can help you save some money. You may be able to book as soon as 24 hours in advance, but booking earlier can help you cut costs.
Make sure you factor in your desired experience in your selection. Do you need catering, or are standard snacks and beverages acceptable? Do you need Wi-Fi? How much cabin height and legroom are you looking for?
Finally, learn who to contact to book your flight. Pilots and operators often work for companies that give you the tools to book online or over the phone.
The next step is to determine the kind of plane you’ll need. The type of aircraft will likely be determined by the charter company you choose and your travel needs.
A private jet can travel between 600 and 6,500 nautical miles, depending on the size of the jet, and will carry between 4 and 20 people.
Helicopters are a great choice for short-range trips. They carry up to 12 people but are limited to trips of 250 miles or less.
Understanding Costs
Finally, when it comes to charting a private flight, it’s important to understand the costs. Chartering a private flight will be more expensive than flying on a commercial airliner, but the personalized service can be worth the upgrade.
A light jet that fits between four and six passengers can cost between $4,000 and $5,500, while medium jets that carry between six and nine passengers usually cost between $5,500 and $9,500.
Heavy jets are a great option for larger parties but will cost between $11,000 and $20,000.
Jet membership cards can be worth the upfront cost for anyone who flies more than 15 hours a year. These cards allow you to earn reward points that you can use for flight credits or catering. Depending on the charter, they may also offer the flexibility to schedule and cancel flights and may even offer automatic discounts on all flights.
Booking Your First Private Flight
If you’re interested in booking a private flight, contact GrandView Aviation online or by phone for more information or to charter your first flight.
