A First-Timer’s Guide to Flying Private: Frequently asked questions
For many, chartering a private plane can be an exciting and equally intimidating experience. At ELEVATE we’ve built our name on demystifying the entire process and by taking the time to work with you. Our door is always open!
We’ve assembled answers to some of the most common questions we receive.
Tell me about aircraft safety and cabin cleanliness.
ELEVATE is an ARGUS aviation business (think of it as business aviation’s “Better Business Bureau”), meeting high standards of business conduct and adhering to industry best practices.
Each aircraft must at a minimum meet all government regulations and be commercially licensed to carry passengers for hire.
An independent oversight process vets your aircraft and pilots so you can feel confident.
Private aircraft are thoroughly cleaned between flights, and benefit from flying only a few hours per day.
Private aircraft are owned by individuals and corporations that have spent millions of dollars to have a safe, clean cabin environment when they travel. You benefit from this experience when chartering these planes by the hour.
We have written an entire piece on the subject of safety. Please find it here.
Do I pass through a terminal building?
Private flights operate from private facilities and favor smaller and less congested airports that are often more convenient to you.
When you arrive, you will commonly drive right up to your aircraft and board.
In most cases you will also have the option to relax in a well-appointed, relaxed lounge.
How close to departure time should I arrive and what if I am late for my flight?
Private aviation affords a degree of flexibility you may have never experienced before when flying. Please be considerate, however, as another customer may be waiting for the same plane in the next city.
As a rule, you may arrive up to 20 minutes prior to departure. This allows sufficient time for the crew to load baggage, finish final checks, and get the aircraft ready for takeoff.
Please let us know if you may be running a bit behind and we will inform the crew.
Some aircraft may charge wait fees if you are late by more than 20-30 minutes.
How does the typical private jet cabin compare to that of a commercial airliner?
While it is difficult to compare the two, the typical private aircraft cabin will be smaller but feel roomier in many ways when compared to a commercial jetliner given the absence of strangers and unique seating layout.
Seats are typically arranged in a “club style” layout with groups of facing seats on either side of the aisle. Cabin seating is flexible depending on whether you want to work, relax, eat, or visit with others.
Most seats have generously sized and sturdy fold out tables many times larger than an airline tray table.
Newer or refurbished aircraft types will also feature amenities such as Wi-Fi, power outlets, and entertainment.
Please find examples of cabin interiors in our aircraft guide.
What size and type of plane do I need?
There are essentially 6 main categories of private aircraft so named by the industry as: turboprop, small/light jet, midsize jet, super-midsize jet, heavy jet, and ultra-long-range jet. Simply put, each aircraft features increasing degrees of size and the range to take you farther.
A turboprop is the perfect solution for flights of up to an hour or two. It is particularly nibble at getting into smaller airports with short runways under 4,000-4,500 feet in length.
A light jet, so called due to its smaller size, will typically seat up to 7 people. As a smaller aircraft they have a lower cabin height, however they all have various amenities including a lavatory and are adequate for shorter trips up to a few hours’ duration.
A midsize jet is often chosen for flights longer than 3-hours to avoid an unnecessary stop for fuel. If you are a tall person you will want a midsize jet or larger.
A midsize, super-mid, or heavy jet will provide varying degrees of flexibility to stand, socialize, and move about comfortably on longer trips.
If your travel takes you from one end of the U.S.A. to the other, then a super-midsize jet is the best compromise between range, comfort, and price.
Find all the answers in our aircraft guide.
Is a meal served onboard?
In North America, a catered meal is optional, and we can arrange just about anything for your trip. You may also bring food with you.
Your aircraft will be typically stocked with beverages and snacks. Alcoholic beverages are normally available.
During Covid-19 some aircraft operators have elected to remove or modify the onboard selection.
Is there a flight attendant on board?
A cabin attendant is commonly included when chartering heavy jets and ultra-long-range jets.
On smaller cabins through super-midsize jets an attendant is typically not offered.
Is there a lavatory onboard?
Almost always, yes.
Except for a few smaller turboprops and smallest of the light jets, most private aircraft feature at very least a small lavatory. The presence or lack of this amenity will be described in your quote.
How much baggage can I bring with me?
Typically, small jets allow 2 suitcases and 1-2 personal items per passenger. Even some smaller jets may have ski-tubes or other stowage for sporting equipment. Larger aircraft will have much bigger baggage holds that are even accessible during the flight.
Please be sure to check with us before confirming your aircraft. We provide baggage volume information for each type in our aircraft guide.
Can I bring my pets?
Most aircraft are pet friendly and many animals need not remain in their carrier/ crate or the duration of the flight.
Some aircraft may have an additional pet fee for cleaning post-flight. We will let you know if the fee is not included in your quote.
What is included in the price of the flight?
We quote a single “all-in” price, which is made up of the hourly rate for the aircraft and crew, fuel, insurance, airport fees, a selection of beverages and snacks, and is inclusive of any fees and taxes.
What is not included in the price of the flight?
Nobody likes surprises so we are always up-front on costs and will never try to hide things from you.
Controllable costs consist of any meal catering you elect to have boarded, ground transportation we pre-arrange, and Wi-Fi or inflight phone charges where not complimentary.
Uncontrollable costs are mainly de-icing or hangar fees which are common in colder climates. These are often unknowns at time of booking as they are weather-dependent. We will keep an eye on things for you and try our best to give you some different options if this becomes a concern.
Do I need to tip my pilots?
Tipping is always appreciated but is not expected.
Ever wondered how much it costs to charter a private plane?
Read our blog article on private charter pricing here
Get a quick estimate for your trip here, or if you are ready to travel click on the button below.