Private Jet Charter - Frequently Asked Questions

Submit a request through the form on this page, call us on +442045773119 or send an email to [email protected]. A flight consultant will contact you within 5 minutes to clarify your requirements and present 2 to 4 aircraft options. The full process from first contact to confirmed booking typically takes 15 to 40 minutes. You can also start the process at our online booking page.

The four essentials are: departure and arrival airports, preferred date and time, number of passengers, and any specific requirements for the aircraft (cabin size, WiFi, catering preferences). Everything else - aircraft selection, routing, permits - we handle on your behalf.

Booking 1 to 4 weeks ahead gives the widest choice of aircraft and the most competitive pricing. For peak periods - Christmas and New Year, August Mediterranean season, the Monaco Grand Prix weekend, Wimbledon - 4 to 8 weeks is advisable as good aircraft are absorbed quickly. Urgent departures can be arranged within 4 hours in most cases.

When you book directly with a single operator, you only have access to their own fleet - typically 5 to 30 aircraft. A broker has access to the entire market: our network covers over 6,500 aircraft worldwide. This means we can find the aircraft best positioned for your route (reducing positioning costs), match the right cabin size to your group, and compare pricing across multiple operators. The price you pay is typically the same or lower than booking direct, because we can identify the most cost-efficient option across the whole market rather than within one fleet.

We prepare the charter contract, invoice and all flight documentation. You receive confirmation with the aircraft details, tail number, terminal address, crew information and handling agent contacts. Your consultant remains your single point of contact up to and including the flight itself and is available around the clock for any changes.

We accept bank transfer, credit card and cryptocurrency including Bitcoin and Ethereum. Payment is required before the flight departs. The price agreed in the contract is the final price - we do not add surcharges after confirmation.

Yes. We accept Bitcoin and Ethereum as payment for private jet charter flights, alongside standard bank transfer and credit card.

Yes. Cancellation with sufficient advance notice is free or subject to a minimal fee. Cancellation less than 24 hours before the flight typically incurs the full flight cost, as the aircraft, crew and handling are already committed. We will always work to minimise cancellation costs where possible.

Departure times, dates and in most cases routes can be amended after booking. Contact us as early as possible to allow time to rearrange permits, slots and handling at the new airports.

In most cases the charter price does not change if passengers are added, provided the total does not exceed the aircraft's maximum certified capacity. Some airports charge additional per-passenger handling fees. Please inform us of any changes as early as possible.

Yes, through our Jet Sharing service. This allows you to book one or several seats on a business jet, sharing the cost with other passengers on the same route. It is particularly available on popular routes with regular demand.

An empty leg is a sector where a private jet flies without passengers - typically returning to its base or repositioning for the next booking after dropping off clients. Operators offer these at significant discounts, typically 50 to 75% below the standard charter price, to recover some of the fixed costs. The constraint is that the route, departure airport and departure time are fixed by the primary charter and cannot be changed. See our empty legs page for current availability.

Yes. Through our partner network we can arrange yacht charter, hotel bookings, ground transfers and concierge services as part of a complete travel itinerary.

Aircraft categories range from very light jets (2 to 4 passengers, short European routes), through light jets (4 to 8 passengers), midsize jets (7 to 9 passengers), large cabin jets (10 to 16 passengers) and long-range jets (10 to 14 passengers for intercontinental flights), up to VIP airliners converted from commercial aircraft for large groups. The right category depends on your route length, group size and cabin preferences.

The main factors are: number of passengers, flight distance, whether you need to work or sleep on board, and any specific requirements such as WiFi, a shower or conference area. Our consultants will recommend the most appropriate category once they understand your requirements. You do not need to specify a particular model - we do that work for you.

Yes. Please specify this preference when making your request and we will prioritise options accordingly. We always include the year of manufacture in the information provided with each quote.

Yes. Real photos of the specific aircraft, including the cabin and exterior, accompany every quote we prepare.

A standard large or midsize jet crew consists of three people: captain, co-pilot and flight attendant. On light jets, the co-pilot may also perform flight attendant duties. VIP airliners have multiple flight attendants and an onboard engineer. All crew hold the certifications required by the operator's Air Operator Certificate and comply with EASA rest and duty regulations.

Each aircraft operates with its regular certified crew assigned by the operator. Flight attendants can be changed upon request. Pilots are assigned by the operator and must hold the specific type rating for the aircraft.

The time saving on a private jet is primarily on the ground rather than in the air. Cruise speeds are broadly comparable. The difference is that private jet passengers arrive 30 minutes before departure rather than 2 to 3 hours, there are no queues and no delays at baggage reclaim. For multi-city itineraries - for example London, Geneva and Milan in one day - private aviation makes journeys that are impossible commercially entirely routine.

Aircraft service life is measured in pressurisation cycles rather than calendar years. Jets used primarily for long flights accumulate fewer cycles per year and can remain in service for 20 years or more. All aircraft in our network undergo regular maintenance inspections regardless of age. We include the year of manufacture in every quote.

We prepare: the flight application, charter contract, invoice, service completion certificate and bill. All documents are provided before the flight. The contract specifies the final price, aircraft details, departure and arrival information and all terms agreed.

Business jets are subject to the same regulatory safety standards as commercial aircraft and are regulated in the UK and Europe by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and EASA. They typically operate with significantly lower utilisation cycles than commercial airliners, meaning less structural wear. Pilots in business aviation have more rest between flights than commercial airline crews and are subject to the same licence and recency requirements.

An Air Operator Certificate (AOC) is the regulatory authorisation issued by the CAA or equivalent authority that permits an operator to conduct commercial charter flights. It is illegal to carry passengers for reward on an aircraft without an AOC. All operators in our network hold valid AOCs from the relevant national aviation authority. You can verify any UK AOC holder on the CAA website at caa.co.uk/aocholders. We provide the operator name and AOC details with every booking.

IS-BAH (International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling) is a safety and quality standard for fixed base operators (FBOs) - the private terminals where business jets are handled. IS-BAH certified FBOs have undergone independent auditing of their ground handling procedures. Where available, we book through IS-BAH certified FBOs to ensure consistent handling standards at both ends of your flight.

ARGUS and Wyvern are the two main independent safety audit programmes for business aviation operators. An ARGUS Platinum or Wyvern Wingman rating indicates that an operator has been independently assessed for safety management, maintenance records, crew qualifications and operational procedures. Where operators in our network hold these ratings we include them in the proposal. We do not book with operators who cannot demonstrate valid regulatory compliance.

Yes. Insurance of the aircraft and all passengers onboard is a mandatory regulatory requirement for every commercial charter flight. This is confirmed before departure. The operator's liability insurance is specified in the charter contract.

Luggage loss is extremely rare on private jets as baggage is handled exclusively for your group with no mixing with other passengers' bags. All charter flights include insurance covering passengers and their baggage.

Any airport with an IATA or ICAO code, subject to runway length requirements for the specific aircraft type. Private jets have access to approximately 5,000 airports across Europe and North America that commercial airlines do not serve. This means you can often depart from or arrive at an airport closer to your actual origin or destination than any commercial option. Options at military airfields are also available in some cases.

Farnborough Airport is the most established dedicated private aviation airport, with specialist FBO facilities and direct ramp access for cars. London Luton is one of the five busiest private aviation airports in Europe. Biggin Hill, Northolt (particularly useful for West London), London City and Stansted all serve different parts of London. The best choice depends on where you are travelling to and the size of aircraft required.

Heathrow is not a practical option for private jet charters due to slot constraints and very high fees. RAF Northolt is the standard recommendation for clients needing to reach West London. Farnborough, Biggin Hill and Luton serve other parts of the city efficiently.

London City Airport is located in east London near Canary Wharf, making it the closest option for the financial district. Pilots require specific LCY approach certification due to the steep 5.8-degree glideslope, and some larger aircraft require advance approval to operate there.

Arriving 30 minutes before departure is sufficient for most private jet flights from UK airports. For international flights with customs requirements, 45 minutes is recommended. With pets or oversized luggage, arriving slightly earlier is advisable. This compares with 2 to 3 hours required at commercial terminals.

Yes, the same customs and immigration rules apply as for commercial passengers on international flights. The difference is that at private terminals (FBOs) the process is significantly faster and more comfortable, typically taking a few minutes with no queues.

At many private aviation airports, direct ramp access for vehicles is available - this is one of the distinctive features of dedicated private terminals. Please request this when booking and we will obtain the necessary permits. Availability varies by airport.

Yes. We arrange chauffeured car transfers to and from the airport at both ends of the journey. Helicopter transfers are also available at many locations for clients who want to minimise ground travel time.

Yes, within the constraints of the aircraft's slot and crew duty time. Private jets operate to your schedule. If you are running late, contact us as soon as possible and we will adjust the departure time where possible.

Yes in most cases. Contact us as early as possible to allow time to arrange any new permits, slots and handling at amended airports.

Yes. Multi-stop itineraries are one of the most significant advantages of private aviation. It is routine to arrange London - Geneva - Milan - London in a single day, or a week-long tour of several countries on one connected charter. We plan the most efficient routing for each itinerary.

This depends on the aircraft category. Light jets offer comfortable seating for 4 to 8 passengers with a small galley and lavatory. Midsize jets add stand-up cabin height and a more generous galley. Large cabin jets and long-range aircraft offer full flat-bed sleeping, dedicated work areas, conference configurations, showers on some models, and entertainment systems. We match the cabin to your specific needs for each flight.

Yes. Catering can be arranged from preferred restaurants or specialist aviation catering companies. Dietary requirements, allergies, specific cuisines and full meal service are accommodated as standard. For long-haul flights on aircraft with full galleys, meals can be prepared onboard.

WiFi is available on most larger business jets and on many midsize jets. If connectivity is important for your flight, specify this when requesting a quote and we will ensure the aircraft is suitably equipped. Satellite phone is also available on most large jets.

Yes, on almost all private jets. The exception is some very light jets in the smallest cabin class. All midsize, large cabin and long-range jets have full lavatories onboard.

Smoking is not permitted on the majority of private jets. If this is a requirement, please inform us when booking and we will source an aircraft where smoking is permitted.

Luggage allowance depends on the aircraft type and total passenger weight. Business jets typically have more generous hold capacity than commercial aircraft. For non-standard, oversized or particularly heavy baggage, inform us when booking so we can confirm the appropriate aircraft and any requirements.

Yes. Ski equipment, golf bags, bicycles, musical instruments and other oversized items can be transported. Please provide details of any unusual baggage when booking so we can select an aircraft with appropriate hold dimensions.

Yes. Pets travel in the cabin with you on private jets rather than in the hold. You need the standard pet travel documentation: a health certificate, vaccination records and import permits for the destination country. Different countries have different requirements - we advise on these as part of the booking process. Please inform us of your pet when booking.

If a pet fee has been paid in advance, standard cleaning and minor repair costs are covered within that fee. Significant damage will be invoiced separately. We recommend informing us of your pet in advance so appropriate arrangements can be made.

De-icing is a treatment applied to aircraft surfaces before takeoff in cold weather to prevent ice formation during takeoff and climb. It is a mandatory safety procedure when conditions require it. The cost is typically £500 to £2,000 depending on aircraft size and is included in your charter quote when applicable.

Yes. We arrange medical repatriation and patient transport flights with specialist medical equipment onboard and qualified medical personnel as part of the crew. An ambulance can be arranged at the arrival airport. A certificate from the attending physician or clinic is required. Contact us directly for medical flight enquiries.

A medical flight is configured with specialist stretcher or intensive care equipment for transporting patients who require lying-down transport or medical monitoring. The crew is supplemented by qualified medical personnel for the duration of the flight.

An extract from the patient's medical records and standard passenger travel documentation. We will advise on the specific requirements based on the patient's condition and destination.

Yes. Please inform us when booking so we can arrange appropriate assistance, escort and any necessary equipment onboard or at the airports.

We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For urgent departures all preparation - aircraft sourcing, crew, permits and handling - can typically be completed within 4 hours. In some cases, particularly from well-served UK airports with aircraft already on the ground, departure within 2 hours is possible.

Yes. We arrange cargo and freight charter flights for time-sensitive shipments, oversized items and specialist goods. Dedicated cargo aircraft are available for larger shipments. Contact us with details of the cargo for a specific proposal.

Yes. For minors travelling without their parents, a notarised parental consent letter is required. We advise on the documentation needed for each specific route and destination. Please inform us when booking.

Private aviation has a higher carbon footprint per passenger than commercial flying, which is an acknowledged reality of the industry. For clients with corporate sustainability requirements, we can discuss carbon offset programmes and access to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) through certain operators, which reduces lifecycle emissions compared to standard Jet-A fuel. We can include SAF options in charter proposals on request.

Jet Sharing allows you to book individual seats on a chartered business jet rather than the entire aircraft, sharing the cost with other passengers. Savings compared to a full charter can be 80 to 90%. It suits clients travelling solo or in small groups on popular routes, those who want to experience private aviation at a lower cost, or those for whom no suitable scheduled commercial flight is available.

Charter flights operate at times and on routes chosen by you, with the entire aircraft exclusive to your group. Scheduled flights operate on fixed timetables with shared cabins. Charter can serve destinations with no commercial airline service. For groups, charter is often cost-competitive with business class on a per-person basis - see our charter prices page for route comparisons.

To virtually any airport in the world with an IATA or ICAO code, subject to runway length compatibility for the aircraft type. Popular destinations from the UK include Geneva, Paris, Dubai and New York. We operate globally and can arrange flights to destinations not served by any commercial airline.

Prices start from approximately £3,700 for a light jet on a short European sector such as London to Paris. Long-haul routes such as London to New York start from around £62,000. The cost depends on aircraft type, route, group size and timing. See our full charter prices page for detailed route examples and hourly rates by aircraft category.

From 2 passengers on a very light jet to 50 or more on a VIP airliner. The most commonly chartered categories seat 6 to 16 passengers. The regulatory maximum for a long-haul business jet under EASA rules is 19 passengers.

Real photos of the specific aircraft are included with every quote. For clients making repeat bookings or chartering for extended periods, viewing the aircraft in person before confirming is possible subject to the aircraft's availability and location.

No. An insufficient number of passengers is not a reason to cancel a Jet Sharing flight. Your booking is confirmed regardless of how many other seats are filled.

A valid passport for international flights. For domestic UK flights, a passport or photo ID is acceptable. Visas are required for destinations where UK citizens need them - the same requirements as for commercial travel. We advise on entry requirements for each specific destination when booking.