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What Does “Charter Flight” Mean? Private Flights Explained

by Joe Nickdow

Flying private is the epitome of luxury. If you’re just beginning to explore the idea of flying private, you may be asking, “what does charter flight mean?” You’ll naturally have a lot of questions and want more information about how the process works and about the different options you have. Some people who fly private choose to buy their own aircraft; this is a more common option if you also happen to have your pilot’s license as well, but most people prefer to have someone else handle the flying. After all, one of the best parts of flying private is the opportunity to kick back, relax, and enjoy yourself. They say getting there is half the fun, but arguably, when you fly private, it’s the best part of your entire trip.

The main downside to buying your own airplane is the financial commitment. Depending on the size of the aircraft you want, it may just not be an affordable option, or may not be worth the significant expense. Private jets, which are the types of aircraft that provide the luxury experience that so many are after, can cost millions to purchase. There is also the cost of maintenance and staffing, such as a flight crew and pilot, to factor in. When you consider all of these factors, the purchase of a private jet is typically only something the ultra wealthy opt for, and even then, many still prefer other options for flying private.

What is air charter?

Chartering a private flight, simply put, is renting an entire plane for yourself. It gives you all the same benefits of ownership, but without the added stress and hassles, and also gives you the option to fly in a different plane each time you travel. Unlike flying on a commercial airplane, chartering your own flight puts you in control of several aspects of your trip. If you’re traveling alone, it gives you the ultimate secluded experience and spares you from the cramped and uncomfortable seating setup of a commercial flight. Although charter flights are popular amongst public figures and celebrities, they are becoming more common options for everyday travelers looking to upgrade their flying experience. If you’re already accustomed to flying first class or business class, flying private may also be an accessible option, and it provides a truly unique experience. Once you charter your first private flight, we guarantee you’ll never look back.

Chartering a private flight

Chartering a private flight is a simple, stress-free experience. Just let us know where you want to go, where you’re coming from, and when you want to leave. You can charter a round-trip flight or just charter one way. You can pick a large jumbo jet to enjoy with a group of friends or family (or just yourself), a medium-sized aircraft for a smaller group (or, again, just for yourself), or you can stick to a small plane, depending on the distance you’ll be traveling. If you don’t know the airports you want to fly in and out of, we can help you determine what airports will offer best access to and from your point of departure and your destination. One of the many perks of flying private is that you have access to just about every airport around the world; often, smaller airports that are conveniently located are not equipped to handle larger commercial jets, and they are available only to smaller planes and private flights. The first step is to reach out to a charter broker, such as Luxury Aircraft Solutions, to organize the entire trip for you.

Using a charter broker

Charter brokers work as your point of contact for chartering a private flight from beginning to end. They are an invaluable resource that gives you access to every private aircraft available that meets your needs and scheduling preferences. They finalize all the arrangements on your behalf, so all you have to do is focus on the more fun aspects of preparing for an upcoming trip. When selecting a charter broker, you’ll only want to work with someone who knows the industry inside and out. At Luxury Aircraft Solutions, we have been in the business of charter brokerage for many years, so you can be assured you’re in good hands.

Overlooked benefits of flying private

There are a lot of obvious perks to flying private, but if you haven’t had the opportunity to do so yet, you may not be aware of some of the other (often overlooked) advantages. The list is almost endless, but just some considerations:

Flying private allows you to bring your pets on board (crate-free!) without worrying about size restrictions or cargo hold requirements.

The limits of what you can bring onboard extend beyond your pets, too. Commercial airlines impose baggage limits for all passengers, including the allowance for what you can put in the cargo hold. Flying private, however, provides a significant amount of leniency when it comes to what you can bring on board and how much you can bring.

Flying private saves you a significant amount of time, and this goes beyond avoiding that connecting flight since you’ll be flying direct. When you charter a private plane, you can arrive at the airport just before take off. No need to worry about checking in your baggage, or picking it up when you land. Security measures are also extremely simplified, and depending on the airport you’re flying out of, you may be able to drive right up to your boarding flight on the tarmac!

Overall, your experience is customizable and your onboard crew will cater to your needs and preferences. From your favorite meal and beverages to the onboard entertainment of your choice, your flight is guaranteed to be relaxing and enjoyable.

Jet membership benefits for frequent flyers

If you plan on flying private often, explore the many benefits of the jet membership we offer, which provides wholesale charter rates to travelers. We also offer a jet card program that gives travelers the opportunity to secure private flights at a fixed hourly rate.

Charter a private flight today

If you’re ready to get started on chartering your first private flight, or you have more questions about the process, contact Luxury Aircraft Solutions. We are standing by and available to help. If you have flown private in the past and want to know more about our jet membership and jet card programs and how they can help you to elevate the way you travel, reach out to us today and we will be happy to provide you with more information.

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