January 10, 2023

A Step-by-Step Guide to Chartering a Private Jet to San Francisco

private jet to san francisco

Every day, the FAA handles an average of 45,000 flights. If you’re looking to forego commercial travel, then you’re probably wondering what’s needed to book a private jet to San Francisco. 

Whether you’re interested in a first-class experience, want to avoid long wait times at crowded airports, or simply want to bring pets with you in a comfortable, convenient way, the best option is chartering a private jet

Airports are also known for canceling or delaying flights, making private jets an optimal choice. For example, Newark Liberty International Airport has on-time flight arrivals only 75.71% of the time. If you’re looking to arrive in San Francisco in style and without delay, then you need to charter a private jet. 

However, the process of securing this type of flight might seem daunting. This article discusses how to charter a private jet, along with the countless benefits and projected travel expenses, so be sure to keep reading for the best travel information. 

Charter Flights vs Commercial Planes

Commercial planes allow you to purchase a seat, while a chartered flight to San Francisco affords you access to an entire plane. There’s no long-term commitment when chartering a jet to San Francisco, unlike fractional jet ownership or jet cards. You can simply book a one-time flight if that’s all you need. 

Charter flights are accessible by any type of aircraft and vary in length depending on your departure point. 

Your charter operator has to be licensed just as a minicab or taxi driver would be, and a certified air carrier must operate your private jet.

Consider Your Needs

Before you charter a private jet, consider your needs. Consider the following:

  • Number of passengers
  • How much luggage you’re bringing
  • Airport restrictions

You’ll also want to ask yourself the following questions:

  • Are you flying to San Francisco for business or pleasure?
  • Is your flight last minute?
  • Do you need a bed, on-flight Wi-Fi, or a cabin for standing?
  • Are you flying direct?

These questions will determine the best private jet to charter. Let’s take an in-depth look at each consideration so you can choose the best private jet when flying to San Francisco or other popular destinations

Number of Passengers

How many people you’re flying dictates how you charter a private jet. For example, turboprops and heavy jets can accommodate anywhere from four to 18 people. You’ll also need to consider how tall everyone is, the jet cabin’s layout, and how much space you’ll need. 

Luggage

The more luggage you’re bringing, the larger the jet you’ll need to charter to San Francisco. Certain jets don’t allow for more than one to two carry-on luggage pieces.

Consider how much luggage you’ll need to transport, along with any equipment. You can speak with your private jet operator so they know how much luggage you intend on bringing and can help you book accordingly. 

Are You Flying Direct?

With charter flights to San Francisco, you need to consider the flight distance. If you’re not looking for stops or don’t want to refuel, then you’ll need a larger private jet with the appropriate type of fuel autonomy. Additionally, long flights might require the need to sleep, so you’d want to charter a private jet that has convertible sofa beds. 

Airport Restrictions

Consider the airport you’re flying to San Francisco from. Ensure its runway can accommodate the private jet you decide to charter. You’ll also need to ensure that operators follow industry standards and adhere to ARGUS industry standards

Once you consider your needs, you can book a private jet to San Francisco. 

Book Your Aircraft

There are two ways you can book a private jet. You can charter a flight through operators or a broker. 

Operators physically manage and oversee a fleet of jets. Brokers, on the other hand, serve as middlemen between brokers and clients, making operators advantageous as you can book through them directly.

Once you select the private jet for your trip to San Francisco, you’ll need to sign a contract. This is done via e-signing or in person. You can typically pay by credit, debit, or wire transfers. 

Car transfer charges are additional and calculated in your final bill. However, the cost of chartering your private jet is typically paid upfront. You can expect your initial quote to include airport fees, catering, fuel, and tax. However, catering may be additional and billed upon arrival at your San Francisco destination. 

If delays forced your jet to land outside the operating hours of an airport, or if you land at a completely different airport than originally anticipated, additional costs may be incurred. If you use the jet’s Wi-Fi or telephones, you can expect to pay an additional fee.  

Private Jet Travel Cost

If you’re only an hour outside of San Francisco, you might pay as little as $200 for a quick trip on a commuter jet. However, if you’re across the country on the East Coast, you might pay as much as $50,000 for a plane all to yourself. 

The size of the plane and how many hours you’ll use it determine the cost to fly privately. However, there are averages you can follow if you’re looking for a rough estimate of what you’ll expect to pay. 

4 to 6 passengers (light jet): about $4,000 to $5,500

6 to 9 passengers (medium jet): about $5,500 to $9,500

16 to 19 passengers (heavy jet): about $11,000 to $20,000

If you’re looking to reduce costs, you can invest in a shared charter with other travelers. In this instance, you may be able to pay $5,000 to travel from the East Coast to San Francisco. 

Trip Details

As you schedule your trip, it’s important to consider factors such as catering preferences. Are you or your guests allergic to any type of food, or is there a food preference? If so, make these restrictions known ahead of time. 

Your private jet may also come with a cabin attendant. If you’d like one present, be sure to request an attendant ahead of time. 

Regardless of flying on a private jet, you still need all appropriate travel documentation for security purposes. Private jets don’t require tickets, but you’ll receive an itinerary with crucial travel information.

It includes route details and booking preferences, along with other essential flight information. You may find contact information for your crew, departure time, and your aircraft’s tail number.

If you require ground chauffeur services, be sure to request them ahead of time. You can hire a private chauffeur to pick you up from home and take you to the airport, with luxury vehicles available for your comfort and convenience. They often greet you as soon as you step off your private jet. 

Booking in Advance

Although it’s not mandatory, the earlier you book, the better. However, it’s not uncommon for clients with charter flights to San Francisco to book a week in advance. 

Although you can book within a few hours’ notice, it’s best to provide at least 24 hours when possible. Keep in mind that if your operator is popular or if you’re flying during a busy time of the year, the more notice you can give, the better. 

Accessing Your Private Plane

The majority of airports have private terminals for private jet traffic. These facilities are equipped to quickly transition from airport arrival to departing the aircraft. Private jets allow access to local and regional airports, many of which are closer and more convenient for those visiting San Francisco. 

Benefits of Private Jets

There are countless benefits of private air charters, from fewer high-risk contact points to custom flight plans. Here’s why you need to charter a private jet for your next trip to San Francisco. 

Pet Friendly

Private jets are much more pet-friendly than commercial flights. When you fly commercial, you may only be able to bring a dog 35 pounds or less if it can sit on your lap. Otherwise, you need to buy them their own seat. However, when you charter a private jet, you get the entire plane to yourself and can bring your furry friends with you. 

If you’re interested in traveling with your pet, be sure to let your account manager know ahead of time so they can make accommodations. Additionally, some planes come equipped with care kits, menus, sleep mats, and courses to help pets with flying phobias. 

Fewer Risks

Many people opted to fly privately during the height of the pandemic. When you fly commercial, you have to go through various touchpoints, including security processes, waiting in a general plant terminal, and sharing a plane with many other individuals. 

Private jets, however, have fewer touchpoints as they typically depart from private terminals. Security screenings are faster, there are fewer passengers to interact with, and you may even encounter plastic sneeze shields in between each seat. 

Customizable Flight Plans

It’s common for private charter companies to fly out of regional airports, helping travelers avoid traffic and crowded flight lines that accompany commercial terminals. You may even be able to choose your origin and departure points for a customized flight plan that best suits your needs. 

Personalized Service

Are you looking for personalized service akin to flying first class? If so, then you need to charter a private jet. Unlike flying on a commercial plane, there’s no need to arrive at an airport two hours prior to your flight’s departure in an attempt to check bags and make your way through security before your flight leaves. 

When flying private, you simply arrive at the private terminal, relax in the plane-side lounge, and only have to interact with other travelers sharing your flight. 

You Choose the Aircraft

When chartering a private jet, you choose the type of aircraft and its interior. You can choose from leather seats, sofas, satellite phones, LCD screens, entertainment centers, and more. 

Get Close to Your Destination

When you charter a private jet, you can your departure and arrival terminals. You can depart from a small private airport if you live close to one, avoiding traffic jams. You can even land at smaller airports closer to your destination. 

Alleviates Long Intermediate Stops

When chartering a private jet, you don’t have to worry about lengthy airport stays when waiting between flights. When chartering a private jet, you’re taken directly to your San Francisco location. 

You also don’t have to worry if you’re a few minutes late for your flight, as it waits for you. 

You Choose the Departure Time

Are you flying to San Francisco for a business meeting? If so, you can select your departure time as there’s no fixed flight schedule. You’ll select a departure time that works for your busy schedule, and not the airlines, as you would with commercial flights. 

Privacy

Chartered jets allow you complete privacy. You can host conferences, work without being interrupted, or enjoy your friends and family with complete privacy. 

Book Your Private Jet to San Francisco

If you’re looking to book a private jet to San Francisco, begin by considering your needs, how many people are traveling with you, how much luggage you plan on taking, and whether or not you’re bringing any pets with you. From there, you can select the best private jet for your trip. 

Jackson Jet Center offers everything from discount programs to an impressive fleet complete with personalized concierge service. Contact us today for a safe, reliable, and convenient way of traveling. 

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