A first-timer's guide to private charter
If you have never chartered before, most of the confusion is vocabulary. This is the short version: what the cabin classes actually mean, how a private terminal works, and what happens on the day.
The cabin classes, smallest to largest
- Turboprop: 6 to 9 seats, short legs, and the only category that reliably uses very short or unpaved runways
- Very light and light jets: 5 to 8 seats, roughly 2 to 3 hours of range, the workhorse of the day trip
- Super light and midsize: 8 to 9 seats with a stand up cabin and a proper lavatory, comfortable to about 4 hours
- Super midsize: 9 or 10 seats, wider cabin, full baggage capacity, transcontinental in good conditions
- Heavy jets: 13 to 19 seats, a cabin you can work and sleep in, and the realistic floor for coast to coast both ways
- Ultra long range and VIP airliners: intercontinental range, or a cabin that is part of the occasion
What actually happens on the day
-
You arrive about fifteen minutes before
No check-in desk, no security line and no gate. You park, walk in, and in most cases walk straight to the aircraft.
-
The terminal is called an FBO
Fixed Base Operator. It is a private terminal on the same airfield, usually with parking a short walk from the ramp.
-
Luggage goes on with you
It is loaded at the aircraft rather than disappearing into a system, which is why bag counts matter to the aircraft choice.
-
The crew know who you are
Two pilots on every flight, briefed on your trip, your catering and anything you have asked for.
The things people ask us first
- Do I need a membership? No. There is nothing to join and no deposit to place. You pay for the trip you book, which is the whole point of on-demand charter.
- Can I bring a pet? Usually yes, in the cabin rather than a hold. Policies vary by operator, so we confirm it in writing before you book.
- What if my plans change? Departure times move all the time and the aircraft moves with you. Cancellation terms vary by operator, and your advisor sets them out before you commit.
- Is the price per person? No. You are chartering the whole aircraft, so the figure covers the trip regardless of how many seats you fill.
Still not sure what you need? That is the normal starting point. Describe the trip in plain terms and your advisor will translate it into an aircraft.
Your quote, in minutes
Tell us where and when. We’ll return tailored aircraft options with all-in pricing. No membership, no hidden fees, no waiting on hold.
- Transparent, all-in pricing
- Vetted aircraft & crew, every flight
- A real advisor, reachable 24/7
Request a charter quote
- 1 Tell us your route, date and party size
- 2 Leave your contact details
- 3 We source options across 7,000+ aircraft
No obligation. A dedicated advisor replies within the hour, 24/7.
Loading the quote form