Commonly voiced charter-aircraft misunderstandings include:
Chartering a prop, turbo prop, or private jet aircraft is incredibly expensive.
Charter firms have only a few aircraft so you won't have much of a selection.
Charter planes only have access to a limited number of airports.
Unless you enjoy standing in long lines at airport security points, you'll love bypassing all of these and heading right to your aircraft.
While the question, "Do you really enjoy airline food?" rarely applies currently, you can have the food you wan--be it snacks or a multicourse meal--on your chartered plane.
If you're not overly fond of two-hour shuttle rides to your accommodations or home from a major airport, you'll be able to access up to 500 airports, one of which should be close to your final destination.
Enjoy superior audio or video? You can select the level of music, TV, movies, sports or other entertainment you want on your private aircraft.
You can charter almost any aircraft available, from a small single prop to a Boeing 747. Luxurious turbo prop aircraft are wonderful for shorter flights and are quite fuel efficient. All variations of private jet aircraft, from sleek, fast Lear Jets, to larger cabin Gulfstream aircraft are at your disposal. Should you have a short trip planned or need to cross a large city for a business meeting quickly, charter helicopters are excellent choices.
When considering a charter executive flight, your checklist should include the following:
Where are you going?
When do you have to be there?
Is there a local airport near your destination so you have a short ride from airport to accommodations?
How many people will be traveling with you?
Can you get the aircraft you want, when you want it?
Can you find an "empty leg" (vacant) flight to save up to 50 percent of flight costs?
The beneficial effects of chartering planes often help make them cost effective. For example, a Chicago businessperson needs to attend an important meeting in Seattle. Two choices are available. A long commercial flight, preceded by long lines, embarrassing security checks, no food, and waiting for luggage awaits you. All this is followed by an hour ride (or longer) on a shuttle or limo to downtown Seattle from SeaTac airport. Or--you could choose a local airport, no security lines, a private jet charter with luxurious leather seating, excellent food, and landing at a close-by airport (like Boeing field in Seattle), finished by a short ride to your hotel. An easy choice if your business budget is sound.
