How to Hire Private Plane

Gulfstream jet

Flying the friendly skies by private jet may be a fleeting option, even for hedge fund CEOs, but if you are looking to charter a private flight, think safety before price. It’s a costly venture no matter who’s piloting the craft, but it shouldn’t cost you your life. If your company is brokering the next big deal off Wall Street, the speed and flexibility of charter flights may well be worth the investment to you. Invest your time as well; take a few days to do the research and check the references of the companies you are considering, and then fly away in style and safety.

Instructions

1. Choose a departure and arrival city and how many people will be traveling. Locating a charter company isn’t difficult, but locating one convenient to you will save you money.

2. Contact several companies before settling on a single charter outfit. Visit their websites and, if possible, go to their physical location and inspect their sites and aircraft. The way they run their business and their planes may be evident even to a layperson.

3. Ask if they are members of the Wyvern and Q-Star programs. These industry organizations require that their members adhere to exacting standards of safety, operations, maintenance and administration. Visit the websites below to view some of the many requirements of affiliate airline operators.

4. Consider using an air travel broker. If time dictates a speedy departure for you or your employees, you may want to forgo your own research and settle on a broker whose expertise is choosing companies and crafts suited to individual needs. Several are listed below.

5. Contact your local airports for a list of area operators, or go to the air charter guide below and enter your state for a listing of private airplane operators near you. Contact the outfits directly for airplane and pricing quotes. Prices vary greatly depending on your chosen aircraft and destination.

6. Choose passenger number and aircraft type and click on price quote to begin your search. Once you have an estimate, contact the provider via its website or email to arrange a visit to its location to finalize payments and travel arrangements.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask about bundle packages. The operators may offer discounts if you will be a repeat client.

Resources

• Air Charter Guide: Trip brokers
• Q-Star
• Wyvern
• Air Charter Guide: Charter by state