Things are way different between private jet travel and commercial flights. So, you may find navigating the ins and outs of private jet travel a little difficult. Do not fret. This list should help you get in the know. Carry on to learn tips and gain some useful knowledge concerning private aviation.
Partner With A Trustworthy Company
Like in any other service, you should know about the company’s reputation you are partnering with. It is a must-do, especially in aviation, be it commercial or private. You would not want to board an aircraft when your safety is not ensured.
There are many companies that offer private flights and memberships. So, how would you know which are the reputable ones? First, research how long they have been operating. That would give you an idea about their expertise. After that, ask for legal registration documents. The document could be FAA Air Carrier Certificate, EASA Certification, Air Operator Certificate by CAAC, or others, depending on your location.
Know Your Options
As mentioned above, companies offer private jet memberships. What are these? And when would it be best to buy a membership?
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Single or One-Off Charter
Here, you can book flights one by one. It uses “dynamic pricing,” meaning each trip is priced individually.
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On-Demand Membership
By getting this type of membership, companies would usually allow you to charter any aircraft in the fleet, any time. Flights will also have transparent, fixed costs.
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Fractional Membership/Ownership
Here, you will be required to purchase equity in a specific aircraft you want to fly on. On top of that, you will also have to pay an additional operating cost for every flight.
On the good side, you can enjoy the private jet experience without the stress of owning the whole aircraft.
Fractional contracts are three to five years.
Through What Entity Are You Booking Your Flight?
You can book a private flight through an operator or a broker. Both will do the job, but there are differences between their services that you should be aware of.
The main difference is operators directly manage while brokers act as middlemen between operators and customers. Operators will let you rent an aircraft from their own fleet. Meanwhile, brokers will source aircraft from operators based on your price and preferences. Of course, that means prices are marked up when booking through brokers. They add commissions on top of operator quotes.
Safety First
Private jet travel should make you feel relaxed, not frightened. You should not have a constant fear of the plane crashing while flying. To ensure that would not happen, learn about the private aviation company’s safety standards. Ask for its safety rating as well as the aircraft’s safety management system. Furthermore, do a background check on the pilots. Ask about their experience and total hours flown.
Ask Their COVID-19 Protocols
Like many others, COVID-19 could be the very reason why you moved to private aviation. Private jet travel offers better protection against the virus. With that said, it is necessary to know how safe you will be on your flight. You have to get your money’s worth.
Have the companies tell you about their specific sterilization methods. Also, ask what their emergency protocols are and what medical services are available on-board. Furthermore, ask if they are offering passenger screenings.
Access To Different Types Of Aircraft
Your flights will not always be the same. For example, the number of passengers who you need to fly with you could vary. So sometimes, it would require a different aircraft than the last one you boarded. Knowing this, you should ensure your membership does not limit you to one type of aircraft. You should have the freedom to choose one that suits your needs.
It would be best if you look at the company’s portfolio of products and services available. Then, determine which solutions are best for your needs.
Availability Of Aircraft
Private jet travel is known for its convenience and flexibility. When booking a flight or buying a membership, make sure that these are present. The company should always be able to get you a plane whenever you need one.
Of course, to do that, they should have a large fleet. Ask about the company’s network as well. Furthermore, ask for the guaranteed availability of aircraft outside of typical booking deadlines. This will ensure you can immediately get to fly when there is an emergency.
Cabin Services
In popular belief, flying via private jets means you will have people take care of you, and there will be a feast. While some companies – the most pricey ones, as you might expect – offer that, most do not.
There are no set standards for cabin services, so it is different for each company. Some will provide you with a cabin host/hostess, while some will not. Likewise, some offer fine dining menus, while others will provide packaged snacks and drinks. Aside from crew and food, there is also Wi-Fi connectivity. Some do not offer Wi-Fi connectivity, some charge for it, and some let you connect for free.
If you want to have these to maximize comfort during flights, be sure to check if the company offers such services.
Look For Empty Legs
Before you book a flight, check for value options, a.k.a. “empty legs” or “one-way flights.” These are passengerless private jets that are already scheduled to fly to a destination either to return home or to reposition. If their destination matches yours, they could be your ideal ride. It will save you some money.
Estimates from FlyXo say 30% to 50% of the private jet charter fleet often flies empty. That means there is a high chance you can book a flight at an amazing rate.
Cancellation Terms
You should take into account what would happen should you need to cancel your flight. Check how you will be covered when you cancel your flight at the last minute. Discuss the terms before you sign your contract.
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