Private jet use and charter flights are more popular than ever, and it’s easy to see why. When it comes to traveling in style, nothing beats booking a charter flight.
But booking the right charter flight can be tricky business. After all, you don’t want to end up paying too much or with the wrong plane, deal with unexpected delays, and other issues that can crop up. That’s why, in this quick guide, we’ll take a look at some common mistakes people make when selecting and booking a charter flight.
Read on to maximize your enjoyment of this thrilling flying experience.
Common Mistakes When Booking a Charter Flight
Booking a charter flight can be a great way to travel; however, there are some common mistakes people make when booking that could lead to an expensive and frustrating experience. It’s important to be aware of these errors to find the best deal without added stress or extra costs later on.
Being informed as to what’s included with the booking, such as meals and other amenities, as well as double-checking all booking details can prevent any miscommunications or booking errors from occurring. All in all, being knowledgeable about your booking ahead of time ensures a smooth experience so that you can fully enjoy your charter flight free of worry.
To help you avoid these common pitfalls, here are nine of the most common mistakes people make when booking a charter flight.
Not Understanding Charter Flight Costs
While charter flights are usually seen as an exclusive or expensive way to travel, they don’t have to be. The key is understanding charter flight costs. There is an array of costs associated with charter flights, including things like aircraft selection, crew and meal costs, plus taxes and landing fees that can vary depending on location.
Understanding these costs and what they cover helps charter flight travelers like yourself prepare to make a well-informed decision about their trip. So before you start booking flights online, take the time to learn about charter flight costs and you’ll be on your way to a more affordable and enjoyable charter flight experience.
Not Creating an Itinerary
When you book a charter flight, you’re paying for convenience and exclusivity. However, you’re not paying for someone to plan your entire trip for you. This is something many people seem to not understand as they head to the airport with no itinerary in mind or activities planned for their trip. Don’t do that!
Without planning out the details of your excursion, you run the risk of not taking full advantage of your charter flight experience. Not having an itinerary means potentially missing out on activities and experiences that would have added to your journey. An itinerary helps by providing a clear structure to your vacation or business trip and can help save time, energy, and money in the long run.
Whether you create a basic outline or create a detailed plan, ensuring you create an itinerary before booking a charter flight is essential.
Not Booking Enough In Advance
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when booking a charter flight is to book too late. This is especially true if your trip is during the peak season or a holiday like Christmas. If that’s the case, it’s essential to book at least 10 weeks in advance or even more if possible.
Why so far in advance? Similar to booking regular flights online, booking in advance will help you avoid expensive rush rates, as well as ensure the availability of desired flight options and airports. For special events such as weddings, book your charter flight as early as possible (meaning six months in advance) to secure the right aircraft for that special occasion.
Not Comparing Charter Flight Operators
Despite offering the same basic service, different operators can vary hugely in terms of price and reliability. When comparing operators, good things to look out for include the:
- Range of destinations offered
- Flight options
- Safety record
- Customer reviews
- Charter flight pricing
Companies with competitively priced flights may be worth considering. However, bear in mind that if they’re too cheap there may be hidden costs elsewhere or a lack of certain items included as part of the overall package. Ultimately, taking time to compare your choices thoroughly can save you money and ensure you end up with a charter flight suitable for your requirements.
Pro Tip: Be sure to compare pricing, sure. However, it’s also helpful to compare their available aircraft options. Not all types of aircraft offer the same level of comfort.
Not Packing Wisely
Packing for a charter flight is of utmost importance if you want to avoid unnecessary costs and hassle. People are often misled by myths that they can take unlimited baggage, but the reality is that charter flights still have an established weight allowance.
It’s important to pack wisely and consider what you need for your trip to ensure that you can transport all of your items at an affordable cost. Reading up on the specific regulations of each charter airline can save you money and help make your flying experience much more enjoyable.
Not Bringing ID
Booking a charter flight should be a breeze, but many people make the mistake of forgetting to bring their ID. With all the excitement of flying privately, it can be easy to overlook such an important step. However, passengers must bring their official identification with them on their journey.
Even though you won’t have to pass the same security measures as you would in a commercial airport, bringing your ID is still mandatory. Not having a valid form of ID when showing up for your flight could lead to difficulty boarding and other potential issues that could be easily avoided.
So, when you’re making your packing list, remember to pack your ID (and passport if you’re traveling internationally!).
Not Prioritizing Safety
It can be tempting to prioritize monetary value over safety when booking a charter flight, but it is important to prioritize safety above all else. The most important thing is to ensure the aircraft charter company you are considering is reputable and has a strong track record of safety.
Researching ratings and reviews online, talking with previous customers, and checking accreditation can provide an overview of the company’s safety standards. Taking these extra steps may take time in comparison to selecting the cheapest option, but it will give you peace of mind that your journey is as safe as possible.
Not Negotiating Flight Deals
One of the biggest mistakes (and we mean biggest here) is assuming that charter flights have set prices like commercial flights. That’s not always the case. Be aware that some of the best deals are only available if you negotiate.
At Jackson Jet Center, for example, we offer discount programs for travelers who want to save money on the cost of their flights. From reduced-rate empty-leg flights to other specials, there are several ways that savvy travelers can save on their charter flight when they book with a discount program or take advantage of other specials.
Not Customizing Flight Options
Charter flights offer travelers an array of options and customization that traveling by public carrier does not. From the size of the plane to the departure time and route, chartering a flight allows for ultimate flexibility that can take your travels from ordinary to extraordinary.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when booking a charter flight is not taking full advantage of customizing their trip. Take your time when booking a charter flight and explore all the options available, from different aircraft carriers to unique and sometimes shorter routes.
With the right planning and customization, charter flights have the potential for a superior travel experience.
How to Avoid Mistakes When Booking a Charter Flight
As mentioned, booking a charter flight can quickly become an expensive mistake if you don’t know the right questions to ask and the right information to check.
First, research the company thoroughly before making any contractual agreements. Ideally, look for companies with solid reviews and avoid any that are unproven or lack key licenses. Additionally, understand the full cost of your trip. What’s included and excluded from the quote?
It also helps to select a flight plan that is both cost-effective and safe for everyone onboard. Lastly, double-check all details of your booking before paying for it; avoid making assumptions or leaving anything out as last-minute changes can be difficult or costly.
Following these steps will help avoid unnecessary mistakes when booking a charter flight. If you’re still not sure how to avoid the most common pitfalls, follow these three pieces of advice.
Understand the Flight Booking Process
Understanding the flight booking process for charter flights is an important step when it comes to planning your flight. This process can differ from regular flight bookings. You can’t just go to the company’s website, select a flight, and pay online as you might with an airline like Delta or American Airlines.
So, it’s important to know what you should expect so that you will have a successful flight experience. It also helps give you peace of mind; knowing that all of your details are accurate and in order, such as flight times and any special needs or requests you may have.
Ultimately, the more knowledgeable you are about the flight booking process for charter flights, the more prepared you’ll be for the flight. If you have questions about how to book a charter flight, reach out to the company you’re interested in! Many offer custom quotes specific to your trip and needs.
Speaking with one of their associates will also ensure you understand more than just the flight booking process. They’ll help you make sense of their baggage allowance and boarding procedures, too.
Compare Options for Charter Flights
Comparing charter flight options when booking a charter flight is the next important step to ensure you are finding the right deal for your trip. Commonly, flight times, routes, amenities, and prices can vary greatly among charter flight companies. That’s just the nature of this business.
By taking the time to compare the different offers available to you, you can get the most value for your money. For example, you might be able to find an operator with a shorter route or greater convenience. So whether you’re looking to save money or find a more comfortable journey, comparing different charter flight options is a great way to make sure your trip meets all of your needs.
Look Into Special Offers for Flights
Finally, when booking a charter flight, it is important to inquire about special flight deals and offers that may be available. These special deals can help lower the cost of plane rents and fees, allowing you to save money for other travel needs.
Most charter plane service companies have special offers for certain events or seasons, so it pays to do some research and ask about current special offers that could give you extra savings when reserving your flight. Doing so will maximize your resources and leave you with more money in your pocket.
For example, if you visit our empty leg flights page, you’ll see that we have open spots on private charter flights that haven’t been filled yet. We offer these spots at discounted prices for travelers able to travel within the specified dates and times.
Travel With Jackson Jet Center
Booking a charter flight has never been easier with the Jackson Jet Center. Our world-class private BOI FBO and PHX FBO terminals feature an impressive 9,400 square-foot lobby and pilot services facility, complete with on-site aircraft maintenance and management in addition to over 100,000 square feet of private hangar space.
You can rest assured that booking your charter flight through us will provide you with the opportunity to travel anywhere within Idaho, Canada, or the United States with ease. Let us help make your next booking of a charter flight an enjoyable one. Get in touch for a custom quote or assistance.
