Choosing a Jet Charter
Jun 3rd 2008FTCAviation Articles
With the economy seeing some difficult times, there are still some who are not affected by them. If you can afford it, extravagant vacations are still taken and for some, the hassles that come along with normal flying are no longer worth the trip. Busy security lines and lack of standards on commercial jets also add to the horrors of what traveling has become.
But wait… There is an alternative for those who don’t want to take the typical flight path. Many people are choosing to charter planes rather than fly commercially. Below are some tips when choosing a jet charter to take.
1. Find a good charter company. In order to find a quality charter company, do not simply look in the phone book or on the Internet. Locating a charter broker is your best bet. They will rate the quality of chartering companies and can set customers up with reliable chartering companies.
2. Check customer service ratings. You want to make sure the charter has an excellent customer service history. One person in the charter company should be assigned to you and remain on call for you as long as your plans with the company still stand. They should be available day or not and handle your travel accommodations.
3. Pick your plane. Insist on either seeing your craft of choice in person or that you speak to others who have flown in the particular craft. Your broker should be able to make such arrangements for you. Also, be sure to select a craft that will be comfortable enough for you and your travel companions. Do not choose something too big or two small. A chartered plane that is too large may be more money than need spending, however a plane too small will obviously be uncomfortable.
4. Make sure your pilot is credible. Of course, most quality chartering companies will only provide the best pilots for their clients. However, look into how many hours the pilot has logged to ensure they have recently flown in the type of craft that you have chosen to charter. Your pilot should have around 3,500 total flying hours, and some of them should be in the specific craft that you chose.
5. Of course, check the price. After outlining your travel plans, but before confirming, get an estimate on the price of your charter. Make sure the price is within your budget, and allow for a 5% fluctuation. This will prevent confusion and arguments with your chartering service when you are billed at the end of your trip.
