With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to affect different regions around the world, airlines were forced to shut down their operation. For this reason, private aviation becomes the only option for people who need to go somewhere and can afford the high price.
Commonly, the prices for a one-way flight on a private plane ranges between $5,000 to $15,000 per hour based on the capacity of the private plane. The prices also vary depending on where you are coming from and heading to. You also have to note that ferry fees or empty flights to get your rented plane to the client or back to its base after dropping you off are also a factor in the quote.
It is only natural for travel advisors to cater to the needs of their clients. For this reason, booking private flights seem like a normal inclusion of the services they offer. However, even if private charter bookings are a part of the travel industry, the knowledge that a person must have in order to do it is comparable to the differences between various doctors and their specialization.
To help you sort out these differences, below are some of the things that you need to know:
Know Who You are Talking To
You have two choices when booking a private plane. The first one is going directly to a charter operator while the second one is consulting a charter broker. Charter operators are the companies that actually fly the plane. They operate under the FAA’s Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 135.
In the United States, there are 575 Part 135 operators. They have a fleet of under 4,000 business jets, not including turboprops and helicopters. No more than 200 operators have fleets of over 25 private jets and over 300 fleets operate only one to three jets. To make the long story short, there are a few major players and the rest are small.
Charter operators can also act as brokers. When the private plane they are operating does not fit the needs of the customers, they can broker their client to another operator’s fleet.
On the other hand, pure brokers do not operate the aircraft. Rather, they work with other companies where they can book private planes, choosing the right aircraft and operators to the desire of their customers. True enough, there are regulations where disclosures brokers must make fall under. However, brokerages and individual brokers are not certified or registered by the Federal Government. For this reason, no one knows the exact number of brokers existing in the U.S.
What Clients Need to Know Before Hiring A Broker
Apart from the pick-up point and destination, customers need to know the number of passengers that will ride the plane. The amount of luggage is a factor, as well. A private aircraft may have enough seats to accommodate all the passengers. However, there will be instances when there will not be enough room for luggage, especially for oversized baggage like surfboards and skis. The total number of weight the plane will carry is also a factor in choosing a private charter. Also, if you are traveling with your pets, it is important to note that not all charter operators allow pets.
Needless to say, your aviation broker must be able to provide you with the most convenient options.
Is Hiring A Broker A Preferable Option?
Many operators operate at a higher level standard than Part 135. For example, two similar aircraft can have different prices due to several factors. These factors include where the two planes are positioned, whether the flight crew is a freelance or a staff from the operator, and when the aircraft was last refurbished. A good broker must be knowledgeable of all these factors.
In addition, a knowledgeable broker is aware of whether an operator has ever had FAA enforcement actions and has followed proper crew training standards. A broker must also know how much insurance is provided by the operator as well as the other important details that you might not know to ask about.
What Are the Standard Policies For Payments and Cancellations?
Let us get straight to the point. No, there is no refund and cancelation terms vary especially during peak seasons. Credit card payments are often accepted. However, if you are a new customer, there are some operators that require wire transfers. In addition, the terms for quotes may differ even if it came from the same operator. The reason is that many operators do not have their own jets ad only manages them for UHNW families and companies. Meaning, they only rent the aircraft when the owners are not using it.
Are There Extra Payments?
Deicing, catering, and other airport and terminal payments are considered as extra charges. There is also a 7.5 percent Federal Excise Tax for flights within the U.S. that end or originate within 200 nautical miles of the border.
On the other hand, deicing can amount to up to $10,000 if you are renting a larger plane.
How You Can Find A Good Broker
The best and most effective way to find a good broker is by asking someone who flies privately on a regular basis. Talk to someone you know who has knowledge of renting private aircraft and ask them for recommendations. Some owners of private planes also rent a different aircraft when theirs is on repair or they need a particular type of plane for specific trips. You can also talk to your colleagues so you can find out who you can go to when you need to rent a private plane.
The range of private planes, even if they are of similar models can significantly vary. For this reason, finding a good broker is important. Your broker must be able to find you the right aircraft for your flight needs. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau and other online review sites for you to have broker recommendations.
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