Private Jet Charter

This is step one. Figure out where you want to go. The distance between your home base and the destination will help you decide a lot of things. Distance helps you determine the size of the aircraft. Private jets come in different sizes.

So they all have a nautical mile capacity along with fuel tank limitations. Once you know where you’re going, you can pick the destination. Then there’s the question of who to take along.

We’d say this is step two but if people are more important than the place, you might want to do this first. For every category of private jets, there is a capacity limitation. It can only handle a certain number of people and their bags. So work out the guest list and according to the final tally, pick a suitable aircraft. If you’re doing a destination first, pick a place, find a jet that can comfortably cover the distance and then decide who can come along.

Here’s how you decide before you charter a private jet. If you’re flying for business and need to prep a bit, you want to decide on the size of the jet because you already know where you’re going and you need some quiet time. It’s also likely you don’t need an entire posse flying along so capacity and luggage won’t be an issue. If you’re doing this for pleasure, you want to pick your pals first and then figure out where to go which will narrow down your jet choices.

Almost every service provider gives you the option of light jets, midsize jets, super-midsize jets and heavy jets. Some also provide ultra-long-range jets and luxury jets, among others. What’s the difference? Let’s see.

• Compact or Very Light jets

These are petite planes that are great to fly a short distance. They are cheaper than the bigger planes, require shorter runways which means they have access to more airstrips than their larger counterparts. This could also help you reach remote areas. These aircraft usually do not accommodate too many cabin attendants because their maximum capacity ranges from four to seven passengers. They can go a distance of 1,800 nautical miles without having to stop for refueling.

Examples: Embraer Phenom 100, the Eclipse 500, and the Cessna Citation Mustang.

• Light Jets

These are commonly preferred by those flying for business. They can manage a flight time of two to three hours, which also comes up to 1,800 nautical miles and are cost effective. They can carry six to nine passengers without a cabin attendant. Since they are short-distance flights, they fly at a low altitude and that takes more fuel.

Examples: Hawker Beechcraft Premier 1A, Cessna Citation CJ4, and Dassault Falcon 10.

• Midsize Jets

This is the next level. There are different models that are capable of different speeds. They are more fuel-efficient and bigger than the basic jet. They have a flight capacity of seven hours which means they have up to 200 cubic feet space for baggage. They can carry eight to ten passengers and go as far as 2,500 nautical miles without a pit stop. These planes allow for a few luxuries like a fold-out divan and storage space for large bags.

Examples: Cessna Citation Latitude and the Hawker 800XP.

• Super Midsize Jets

These aircraft are great for trans-continental travel. Their flight capacity depends on the model of the plane but they can carry from eight to 12 passengers. They can also go faster than the smaller and midsize jets.

Examples: Bombardier Challenger 350, Gulfstream G200 and Cessna Citation Sovereign.

• Heavy Jets

As the name indicates, these are big jets and can take you as far as 4,000 nautical miles without a break. These planes are preferred by bigger groups traveling from one continent to another. They can carry up to 18 people and their baggage. So you can afford to get a few cabin attendants. They have first-class seats and pull-out tabletops. Some of them even come with private sleeping zones.

Examples: Bombardier Global 5000, Gulfstream GIV, Gulfstream II and Challenger 605.

• Ultra-long-range Jets

These are heavy jets that can travel from 6,000 to 6,500 nautical miles. They have a lot of space for passengers and their baggage. They have flatbeds, stand-up cabins and enclosed bathrooms. These are the favorite choices of some of the rich and famous around the world.

Examples: Gulfstream G550, Bombardier Global 6000 and Dassault Falcon 7X.

• Luxury and Beyond

The most expensive ones, of course, are called biz liners. They come with all the above facilities and then some, like conference spaces, dining areas and private suites – they’re the best of the best and the prices can get really extravagant.

Examples: Airbus A318 Elite, Embraer lineage 1000 and Boeing BBJ.

For the most part, to charter a private jet means shelling out a few extra bucks when compared to a commercial aircraft. Naturally, the invoice looks different too. And here’s what you will find on it.

There is a federal excise tax of 7.5% on all flights. The US government also levies segment fees which is about $4 per passenger and per trip (one-way or round trip). The cost of a private jet itself depends on how long it’s in the air. These are your billable flight hours. And it might start before you even enter it.

Each of these jets is parked at the home base of the company. If you want it to pick you up from the nearest airport, you will have to pay for that journey. That’s an hourly charge and is called (re)positioning fee.

The cost of the jet rental itself ranges from $2,000 to $10,000 depending on the size. And there are a few more variables when you charter a private jet. The age of the aircraft is also a factor with newer planes costing more, but they’re also safer. Apart from that, fuel is another variable – it depends on the market and there isn’t much you can do about it.

If you’re going on a one-way trip, it is called an empty leg. The jet will have to return to the home base empty and you will have to pay for it. But many services are now offering discounts on empty legs to boost sales.

If you’re on a round trip, you will have to think of the waiting time. The time that the jet spends on parking is on you. The service provider will have to pay the airport for parking, using a hangar depending on the weather conditions.

Every flight comes with landing charges levied by your destination airport. That’s different from each airport and depends on the size and weight of the jet. It is usually between $150 to $500.

The Fixed Base Operator which are organizations that coordinate with the airport and your jet company take care of ramp and handling fees for when your jet is stationary. This is about $100 to $500 per visit.

If you’re hiring cabin crew, you have to pay for their food. If it is a round trip then add lodging to the invoice. If you want to use the in-flight phone or Wi-Fi that’s extra too. At the end of the trip, you might also have to pay for cleaning and any damage you have caused.

If you’re traveling internationally, there is a separate fee for customs and permits, etc. And if it’s a smaller plane that stops midway for refueling, some of these charges add to the destination airport charges. So keep that in mind.

Last but not the least, before you charter a private jet, find out if they are smoking and pet friendly. It could be for you or one of your fellow travelers.