Private Plane Charter Cost Explained: Factors That Impact the Price
When it comes to private plane charter cost, you pay for the entire aircraft, not for a seat on a flight. Many different factors influence the overall cost, such as the type of aircraft, flight distance, airport fees, timing, flight crew expenses, fuel surcharges, and more. Planning in advance, choosing the right aircraft, and utilizing smaller airports can all reduce your charter costs.
Many may have the desire to fly via a private plane charter, but understanding the costs and fees can be a challenge. After all, instead of paying a ticket price for one seat, you are booking the entire jet— and there is a long list of factors that will determine how much you pay.
Rather than feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of private jet pricing, gain insight into how it is determined. This will help you find the best fit for your travel needs while ensuring you are not overpaying for your flight. Let’s break it down.
Do Private Plane Charters Charge Per Passenger?
Booking a commercial flight online allows you to select your flight from a predetermined flight list and, if you are lucky, where you’d like to sit. In other words, buying your plane ticket means securing the seat.
Things are a bit different when securing a private plane charter, as they do not charge per passenger. When you book your flight, it doesn’t matter whether you are flying solo or bringing your whole crew; the cost will be the same.
Here are a few of the factors that influence the cost of booking a charter.
Aircraft Type and Size
Perhaps the most significant influence on cost when booking a private plane is the type and the size of the aircraft. There are so many different jets available based on things like the range they are capable of reaching, the number of passengers they can carry, and the luxuriousness of the interior.
Some aircraft, such as very light jets and light jets, are perfect for those who are taking short trips and only have a few passengers. These will generally come in at a much lower price point than a jumbo jet that is capable of transporting 50 passengers globally.
To optimize your cost and comfort, do not opt for the jet with the most luxurious amenities, but the one that meets your needs.
Flight Distance and Flight Time
The distance you are traveling will play a role in the amount of fuel the jet requires, the hours the crew will need to be available, and the general wear and tear of the aircraft. It is worth noting that time doesn’t just include actual time in the air, but also taxiing, repositioning, and even FAA-mandated rest.
All of these things will ultimately impact your cost.
Airport Fees
Airports require airplanes to pay them for things like landing on their runways, parking on their tarmac, and utilizing various services. These costs will be passed down to you.
On a positive note, private charter jets have access to many different airports, big and small. So when flying into a city like Los Angeles, you have the option to utilize the major airport of LAX or smaller, private airports and FBOs, such as Van Nuys.
Larger airports will usually have higher fees than regional or executive airports. This is why charter companies often use the latter to keep costs down.
Time of Booking
Most people are familiar with commercial airline tickets fluctuating based on certain times of the year. For instance, spring break, holidays, and summer are often big travel times. The law of supply and demand also influences private charter rates in this way, too.
Booking early is always a good idea, as last-minute bookings can come with higher fees. That is, of course, unless you score a deal with an empty leg flight, and you can save money.
One-Way vs. Round-Trip Flights
Unlike commercial flights, a one-way charter is not necessarily going to be priced as half of a round-trip because even though you may travel to your destination without the need for a flight back, the jet still needs to return.
Repositioning fees are common in this situation.
Crew Costs
When you book a private plane charter, you will have a flight crew that is responsible for getting you where you need to go safely and comfortably. They will need accommodations if overnight stays are involved, as well as per diem allowances for food and transportation, and extra pay based on hours.
The way flight crews are handled can vary from charter to charter, but it is important to note that they play a major role in your flight and will ultimately impact the cost.
Fuel Surcharges
You are not going to go anywhere on a flight without fuel. This is automatically calculated in the quote you receive from your charter company. However, because the cost of fuel can fluctuate, there are times when you may be assessed surcharges.
What’s more, if you have to stop to refuel, expect a higher-than-average fuel cost.
Catering or Additional On-Board Charges
Finally, any specialty catering or requests that go above and beyond the luxury amenities that are standard on private planes may incur additional fees to your charter cost. It is common for domestic Wi-Fi to be complimentary and for refreshments to be offered on your flight for no additional charge.
When booking, be sure to ask about what is included so that you can plan accordingly.
Book a Private Plane Charter with The Early Air Way
Are you new to the world of private travel and want to see what all the hype is about? Experience it for yourself when you charter a jet through The Early Air Way. Provide the details of your trip and receive a transparent quote for a plane that will get you where you want to go.
With a large fleet to choose from and highly-trained flight crews, you can feel confident that The Early Air Way has everything you need to provide you with a smooth, hassle-free, and next-level experience.
Get a quote today!
Conclusion
Private plane charters provide the perfect combination of convenience and luxury. However, it is important to know what is included in the cost so that you can navigate the booking process while making smart decisions.