Corporate F/A Dispatch

When you’re planning a long distance trip, you have two options when it comes to air travel – you can travel by commercial airline or you can charter a private jet. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages, and this article will help you decide which is best for your travel needs.

Commercial Air Travel

Commercial air travel has been the norm for many years; so much so that many people don’t even consider traveling by charter jet. And indeed, there are many advantages to traveling commercially. Typically, there are more flights traveling to your destination and at all hours of the day. You can easily book a ticket online, and there are also refundable tickets available if you’re unable to travel.

Typically, the tickets are far cheaper for commercial air travel. This can be very beneficial for companies that fly their employees to several different locations during a work week. However, commercial travelers don’t have to be content with cramped coach seats. For travelers that prefer more extensive service, there are also business class fares now available on many flights with amenities that rival first class.

There are disadvantages to flying commercial, however. Navigating the complicated and ever-changing of airport security can be a hassle – it can take up to two hours to get through a security checkpoint. You may have problems with your belongings or carry-on luggage if you didn’t pack correctly. There is also a limit on the amount baggage you can take with you, unless you want to incur certain fees. There’s also the issue of lost luggage that occurs quite frequently on commercial flights.

There are also seating issues on a commercial flight. You never know who will be seated next to you and the seats are usually small. And while there are a few amenities offered on commercial flights, such as beverages, liquors and – on some flights – meals, these are quickly being dropped to save costs. You’ll also find in-flight movies, but the movies aren’t your choices and you may be required to pay for headphones just to hear them.

Finally, on a commercial flight, you may have one flight attendant for fifty passengers and the bathrooms are notorious for being small, cramped, and dirty.

Charter Flights

A charter flight is a private plane that is hired to travel to a specific destination. A medium size plane will usually hold around eight passengers, although there are larger and smaller options as well. This type of plane has many advantages and some disadvantages as well.

When you schedule a charter flight, you won’t have to wait in long security lines at a crowded airport. You won’t be so limited in the number of baggage pieces you can bring with you, and seldom is your luggage lost.

The seats are usually large and comfortable, and you won’t be subjected to the unpredictability of your fellow flight-mates. You’ll usually find that the service is impeccable and the food and drink are of the finest quality. There is usually a selection of movies to choose from and the bathrooms are not nearly as small as on a commercial flight.

There are disadvantages to private charter flights, however. The cost is usually the biggest drawback for most flyers. A charter flight not only requires the flyer to pay for the flight costs, but also the landing fees, international fees, and any overnight fees incurred if the plane remains on location for you. Once all is said and done, these fees can easily run into the tens of thousands of dollars.

Fortunately, though, many of the charter flight services are now lowering prices to try and lure business customers away from commercial flights. As the commercial airline fares continue to rise and service continues to plummet, charter flight services may become a viable alternative for many business travelers.

So, you’ve decided you want to charter a private jet. But where do you go from here? Fortunately, if you schedule your trip with the help of a private jet charter agency, you won’t have to do too much work. The agency will handle all of the details, while you’ll be able to sit back and enjoy the flight.

First of all, you’ll need to determine your destination. Many charter services only operate in a specific region, so this will narrow down your choices of charter companies.

Next, you’ll want to have an idea of when you plan to travel before you begin contacting charter jet agencies. You don’t have to have specific dates. In fact, if you’re flexible with your travel dates, you may be able to find a cheaper rate. As with commercial airfare, it’s usually cheaper to fly during the week than the weekend.

Most people learn about charter jet agencies by checking the phonebook, searching online or gathering recommendations from friends and relatives. Research all of the possible charter agencies you’re thinking about using before you contact them. You can search online for the companies’ websites and also look for review sites. Pay attention to the comments about customer service and the condition of the airplanes. From your list, choose two or three services that look like the best fit for you.

Call each service and ask questions about what services they offer. You should also ask about safety procedures and what you can expect for service. Also ask about any additional fees, such as landing fees, international fees, and overnight fees. Find out if the chartered plane will remain at your destination or return home, as you may be expected to cover the costs associated with this.

Once you’ve chosen the private jet charter agency you wish to use, determine your exact travel dates. If you have some flexibility, consider asking the reservation agent if some days are less expensive than others. This can save you a lot of money in the long run.

If you’re planning to travel internationally, ask if your charter jet agency will handle all of the required permits to enter another country. A good agency should, so that you don’t have to worry about all the associated paperwork. If you’re planning to leave the country, be sure your passport and the passports of those traveling with you are current well in advance. Passport turn around times may be as long as three months, and you certainly don’t want these delays to interrupt your travel plans!

Determine which amenities you will require on your trip. With most agencies, catering services are almost always available on a chartered jet, as are in-flight movies, although these services are usually optional. If you’re looking to reduce your costs, ask if you can decline in-flight catering and pack your own snacks for the trip. Whatever your request, be sure to get a breakdown of the exact charges you’ll incur to avoid any hidden fees later on.

Once you’ve completed your itinerary and outlined the amenities you’d like, ask for a completed quote before you pay for the service. You should also ask if travel insurance is available and purchase it if possible. This will allow for a refund – or at least a partial refund – if you’re suddenly unable to travel. It will also protect you if the company can’t complete their end of the contract as well.

A week or so before your departure, call the company again and confirm your reservation. Be sure to go over your itinerary again, and your desired amenities. This should eliminate any chance of errors. Now, pack your bags and get ready for a terrific time aboard a private, chartered jet!