Differences Between Regular & Private Charter Flights, and How to Charter a Private Plane

Charter flights offer far more flexibility than their scheduled counterparts, serving virtually any destination around the world, with itineraries that are tailored for every flight. They are unscheduled and are not available as part of the regular routing offered by commercial airlines. Instead, the schedule is created around you.

There are many differences between scheduled commercial flight and private aircraft charters, but for brevity’s sake: it’s when you rent an entire aircraft, choosing the dates, times, aircraft, and airports used for your flight.

No waiting in line. No security screenings. No baggage claims or malfunctioning carousels. You don’t have to arrive hours before your flight, either. Simply choose the date & time you wish to depart, show up 15 minutes before your flight, pass through your local airport’s private terminal, and board for takeoff.

And, as seen above, many private airports allow you to pull your car alongside your plane on the tarmac.

Flight crew members from the private terminal at the airport (FBO) or seaplane base will load all of your belongings on board, along with any amenities, catering, or other prearranged services. All you need to do is sit back, relax, and prepare to experience the best way to fly.

You can choose between renting a large or small plane, and your flight can either be one-way, or you can arrange for a round-trip. You can book just a private flight, or you can add services including ground/helicopter transportation, catering, and yacht rentals to complement your business trip or luxury vacation.

Types of Charter Flights

Private Charter
Also defined as private aircraft charter or air charter, it’s when an individual rents an entire aircraft (chartering) as opposed to purchasing individual seats on a commercial airline (purchasing a first-class ticket through any major commercial airline). Flights can range from individual travel on small planes, to group flights of up to 100 or more passengers using regional and VIP airliners. Also known as single entity, an individual or company must cover the entire cost of the flight; the cost can be split and collected afterwards accordingly, but the initial payment for these flights must be billed to the individual named on the contract.

Public Charter
These types of flights are frequently offered by air carriers on a seasonal basis, operating on limited schedules (once or twice a week) depending on the time of year. They’re popular among European holiday travelers in places like the UK and Germany to reach tropical getaways in Sicily, Sardinia, Malta, and Palma de Mallorca. They can include operators from low-budget airlines to regularly scheduled carriers. Public charters may also come from tour operators renting an aircraft, then advertising and selling seats to members of the public, either directly or through a travel agent.

Shared Flight
Provides affordable resort transfer – up to 35% off on regular charter rates, and if space and weight remain available, we reserve the right to sell any remaining space.

Cargo
Passengers aren’t the only thing private planes are used for. Need replacement parts ASAP? Moving precious cargo? Perhaps your items aren’t authorized for commercial travel, or you’re conducting a humanitarian mission. Whether your cargo is valuable, perishable, dangerous, or just in large quantities, cargo planes are available to transport anything from currency, antiques, and donated goods, to live animals, blood samples, even human organs.

Benefits of a Private Charter Flight

You Choose When & Where to Fly
Since a private charter flight is unscheduled, you’ll depart at the date & time you want. You can also choose which cities & airports, island, resort you fly to/from, and enjoy direct non-stop flights between any two locations. Private flights provide even more convenience when flying to a destination that requires multiple airline connections, ground transfer or layovers before finally reaching your destination.

Depart from a Private Terminal or Seaplane base
Privacy is one of the main advantages of chartering a private plane. Unlike a commercial flight, where travelers are herded through a crowded airport, having to undergo an intrusive security screening, passengers depart from a private facility known as an Fixed Base Operator or seaplane terminal. At most private airports, passengers can pull their cars right up to the plane.

Unparalleled Comfort
Private charters offer superior comfort, from in-flight meals to Wi-Fi and entertainment. Instead of being tossed a bag of peanuts, you’ll have the chance to design your meals, including catering from local gourmet restaurants and delis. Many private aircraft offer a variety of entertainment options, from WiFi and high-end stereo systems with iPhone/Android connectivity and/or satellite TV.

It’s Not Where You’re Going, But Who You’re With
One of the biggest benefits of private charters is the ability to travel with whoever you want – bring your family, your friends, your co-workers, even your pets! Once onboard your chartered aircraft, you’ll have the choice between relaxing in a comfortable cabin or taking advantage of the privacy needed to conduct your business.

How to Charter a Private Flight

Chartering a private flight is the most comfortable, luxurious, and secure way to travel anywhere around the world. There are more than 15,000 planes available to be chartered around the world, flying privately to and from more than 100 times the number of airports available with scheduled commercial flights.

What was once something reserved for celebrities, executives, and HNWI’s has now become more available (and affordable) than ever before.

Although aircraft clubs and fractional programs offer new ways to fly private, the easiest and most economical way to get into a piston aircraft, turboprop, or private jet is by chartering on-demand. This doesn’t require the same upfront payments as private jet cards and fractional ownership. All that’s needed to charter a plane is to put down a deposit.

Renting a private plane is nothing like flying commercial. Whether you’re relaxing and laying down on a plush divan or sitting around a conference table conducting business midair, charter planes provide unsurpassed levels of comfort, privacy, and security. So how do executives, HNWI’s, and affluent travelers arrange their flights? Read more to learn how to charter a plane for your next flight.

What to know when Chartering a Private Plane 

Looking into chartering an aircraft for your next flight? Here’s are some things you should know before requesting a quote for your private plane charter.

Where You’re Going

You choose the destination when renting a private aircraft, along with the date & time of your departure. Don’t worry about scheduling your day around your flight – charter flights are scheduled around you. You won’t have to waste hours at busy commercial airports, either. Private terminals allow you to quickly board your plane without dealing with long security lines and baggage claims. Just show your ID to the pilots and you’ll be welcome on board, departing in as little as 5-15 minutes. You’ll also have access to private airports and regional, county, and municipal airports that allow you to fly closer to your home, office, or preferred destination.

Who You’re Going With

When you book a private plane, you get to decide who comes with you, whether it’s family, colleagues, close friends, or your entourage. You can even rent a pet-friendly plane to bring your dogs, cats, and other pets!

What You’re Bringing

Knowing what you’ll bring with you on-board your flight will help determine the appropriate aircraft when booking your flight. Each plane offers different configurations in terms of baggage space, passenger amounts, fuel capacity, weight totals, and more. If you’re traveling heavy with up to 10 passengers, you may need to move up to the next size aircraft. Likewise, calculating passenger weights, luggage amounts, and flight distance may save you thousands by hiring a smaller size airplane.

Ask Questions

There are some questions you should always ask, regardless of who you’re working with.

Ask if there are two pilots or one

We always recommend two pilots for added safety, although single pilot operations may be available for short flights on smaller planes.

Are there any daily minimums?

Daily minimums and taxi fees can quickly double the cost of shorter flights. With a $9,000 hourly rate, you would assume a 40-minute flight could cost $6,000. However, if there’s a daily minimum of 1.5 hours, the cost rises to $13,500, plus taxi time.

Safety First

Never be afraid to ask your broker, operator about their safety standards. Reputable providers will prominently display their safety standards and accreditation, and are more than happy to answer any of your questions regarding pilots, aircraft, operators, or incidents.

Ask for an All-Inclusive Quote

Once you’ve decided upon all of the parameters for your flight, ask Horizon Sun Charters for an all-inclusive quote, with photos of the aircraft you’re renting if available. Have any more questions before you charter a private plane? Contact us!