There are many charter companies to choose from. Find out how to research private jet charter companies to find the perfect fit.
All charter companies are not created equal. Whether you have never been on a private jet before, are a first-time flyer altogether, or have been an avid private jet traveler for the last few decades, there are a few things you need to consider when finding private jet charter companies.
In the connected world that we live in today, anyone can say anything about anyone — and it can be found online with the right search terms. And sometimes, relying on things like Google reviews can lead you down the wrong path. Sure, reviews can give you an idea about a company, but they should never be your determining factor.
If you want to look for a charter company that takes safety, convenience, and customer satisfaction seriously, then you need to take a deeper look at some specifics, like these:
Trustworthiness, Transparency, & Reputation
You will step onboard a private jet and let a stranger carry you 40,000 ft into the sky. You want to make sure there is a level of trustworthiness before those wheels leave the ground. Ask around about a charter company. Find those who have had an experience and ask them about it. Find out how it was and if they would use the company again.
You should be able to reach out to the charter and ask to see documents, such as the FAA Air Carrier Certificate or a D-085 that will list the tail number and any other certifications that relate to safety. Ask about maintenance and safety records. If the charter company is not transparent and open to sharing this information, you may want to go elsewhere.
Reputations are important for charters. Now and then, a company may have a customer who didn’t get the ideal experience, resulting in a negative rant online, but you shouldn’t see a lot of negativity. If you do, this could indicate a company’s poor reputation – and red flag.
Accreditation is important when it comes to maintaining a high level of trust and a good reputation. For instance, having an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) makes a huge statement. And, for charters, being Wyvern accredited holds even more power as it reflects a high level of safety compliance.
The History
New charter companies may be popping up. And they could even be enticing. But there is something about charter companies that have been in service for years, even decades. To make it this long, they have to be doing something right.
Charter companies that are established can reflect a high level of safety and maintenance of their fleet. Because you want someone who is transparent, you can ask them about this safety record over the years, too.
And, while we are at it, why not ask about clientele and repeat travelers? Those who stick with a company through the years are a good indication of a high level of service.
The Fleet
If you are looking for private jet charter companies, you need to feel confident that the company you choose will have the type of jet you need. And not just one of them, either.
Private travel means having jets all over the world at any given moment. Therefore, you will want to look for a company that has a broad fleet size – and variety. That way, when you need to travel, you will feel confident to have access without any issue.
The Dedicated Crew
Your pilot should be fully trained and receive additional training regularly. The cabin attendants should be well-versed in customer service and onboard safety. And the entire crew should be friendly, respectful, and dedicated to giving you an on-time, safe, yet luxurious travel experience.
The Price
Obviously, the price will vary greatly based on the type of aircraft you are seeking, the amenities needed, the distance you want to travel, and so forth. But your charter company should be well in line with other charter companies in their offering and their charges.
The Support
A lot can happen when you travel. If you have ever spent much time on social media, you have likely heard the horror stories and seen the videos of travel nightmares. What will happen if you are at your destination and find yourself without a pilot or a jet? What if you miss your flight time and need to reschedule? What if you have an emergency and need to get home sooner? Or what if you need to fly out today?
Whether you are an experienced traveler of private jets or you aren’t too sure what you are talking about, you should feel confident that the private jet charter companies you chose will help you get through whatever it is you need without too much frustration.
Questions to Ask
On your quest to find the best charter company, you may have to ask a few questions – especially as you begin the booking process. Though, if you are new to private travel, you may be unsure of where to start. So, to help you out, below you will find 8 questions that you should always ask before you finalize your booking.
- Who owns the jet? Keep in mind each jet will likely be owned by a different company, so this is one to ask when you decide on which you will be flying.
- Is the jet insured?
- Are there any surcharges?
- Have there been any accidents or issues with the jet?
- Is the aircraft refurbished or upgraded?
- How often does the crew – especially the pilots – go through training?
- What happens if something happens to the jet? Is there a replacement?
- Are there any pending lawsuits, or have there been any citations filed?
Once you have the tail number of the jet, you can actually go on the FAA’s website and learn all sorts of information about the jet, such as the owner, manufactured date, and so on. The more information you can gather, the safer you will be in all ways.
Now you have all you need to book your private jet charter!
