Finding the best charter flight entails locating a company and aircraft that will meet your requirements in terms of departure times and on-board amenities. Before deciding on an air charter company, carefully consider your options and obtain quotes from a number of them. This will help you get the most value for the money you’ll need to spend to book a private flight. Number of pilots, cabin comfort, passenger capacity, weather conditions, destination access requirements, trip length, level of amenities, and how important the flight time is to you are all things to consider when comparing.
Jets have the quickest in-flight times because they can cover a greater distance in a shorter amount of time than other aircraft. A private bathroom, flight attendant, and a galley kitchen for gourmet meals are all common features of a charter flight by jet. The exact amenities are determined by the jet’s size and weight. Smaller jet aircraft carry smaller chartered groups, while larger jet aircraft have more luxurious cabins that are better suited to longer flights. Even larger planes are usually designed to land at smaller airports.
Business VIP jets are popular for extravagant, luxurious charter air travel because they provide the most comfort and amenities. This type of charter flight may include amenities such as hotel-style accommodations, a restaurant, office space with a boardroom, and entertainment such as a movie theater. This option is best for longer, executive business flights due to the typically high cost of such space and luxury.
If your charter flight will take longer than two hours but less than four, turbo aircraft, which can accommodate up to eight passengers, is another option. If you want a more comfortable cabin than single-engine or multi-piston planes designed for short trips typically provide, a turbo charter flight may be the best option. However, check with each airline to see what level of cabin comfort they offer.
A single-engine airplane, on the other hand, may be a good choice if your trip will be two hours or less and your traveling party will be no more than five people. These planes are usually designed to fly on shorter runways in a wide range of locations, but because they’re small and light, they’re not the safest option for flying in bad weather. If the weather is likely to change, book ahead of time and read contracts thoroughly before signing. A charter flight on a single-engine plane with both a pilot and a co-pilot can also be a good option for added safety.
A multi-piston aircraft with multiple pilots is frequently available for charter. For a two-hour or less trip, this type of charter flight can accommodate up to eight passengers. Multi-piston planes are frequently thought to be safer than single-engine planes. A helicopter charter can typically accommodate up to ten people for remote access and/or aerial photography of land. Helicopter flights for charter purposes have the distinct advantage of not requiring the use of an airport.
You should be able to schedule your flight with the air charter company of your choice, and you should not have to wait long before boarding time. If a company does not appear to be flexible in this regard, it is usually best to look for a charter flight elsewhere. Take into account the length of time a charter company has been in operation as well as its safety record.