Last Updated by Rick: 16 April 2026
Private jet charter companies fall into two main categories: operators, who own and fly aircraft, and brokers, who connect you with operators from across the market. Most of the platforms you will encounter online are brokers. Understanding the difference shapes everything about how you book, what you pay, and who is responsible for your flight.
This guide covers the full picture — how charter companies work, what to look for, which platforms are best suited for different types of travelers, and how to book safely.
Quick answer
Operators own aircraft and fly them. Brokers connect you with operators. Most online platforms are brokers. Always verify the operator’s safety certification before booking.
The quoted hourly rate is never the final price. FET, landing fees, and positioning can add 20% to 40%. Always request a fully-inclusive all-in quote.
Contents
What is a private jet charter company?
USA Operator Certifications (FAA Part 135)
All legitimate charter companies in the USA must hold FAA Part 135 certification. This is the single most important verification when booking a charter flight.
What FAA Part 135 certification means:
• Operator holds an Air Carrier Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration
• Aircraft undergo more frequent inspections than private Part 91 flights
• Pilots meet stricter training and experience requirements
• Mandatory drug and alcohol testing programs for crew
• Operational control procedures ensure every flight is monitored
How to verify Part 135 certification:
1. Ask the broker or operator for their Part 135 certificate number
2. Verify at faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airline_certification
3. Check for ARGUS Platinum or Wyvern Wingman ratings (third-party safety audits)
4. Confirm insurance coverage meets FAA minimums ($75M+ liability recommended)
Major USA charter operators:
• NetJets: 750+ aircraft, largest USA fleet, Gold ARGUS rating
• Flexjet: 300+ aircraft, strong East Coast presence, Platinum ARGUS
• VistaJet: Global fleet, USA expansion via XO acquisition
• Wheels Up: 300+ aircraft, membership model, nationwide coverage
Reputable brokers like Villiers Jets only work with Part 135-certified operators. This ensures every flight meets FAA safety standards, whether it’s a full charter or an empty leg.
A private jet charter company provides access to private aircraft for specific trips. You pay for the whole aircraft — not a seat — and it departs according to your schedule, from the airport you choose.
There are two types of company doing this work.
Charter operators own or manage aircraft and hold the legal certificate to fly passengers commercially. In the US, that certificate is an FAA Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate. Operators employ pilots, maintain aircraft, and are legally responsible for every flight. Companies like Volato, Clay Lacy Aviation, and NetJets are operators.
Charter brokers do not own aircraft. They act as middlemen, connecting clients with operators from a broad network. Most booking platforms — including Villiers Jets, Jettly, PrivateFly, and XO — are brokers. Brokers earn a commission of 5% to 15% on each booking they arrange.
For a detailed comparison of both models, see private jet charter services explained and private jet charter operators: who are they?
Operator vs broker
Good to Know
The key phrase to watch for on any company’s website: “access to” suggests a broker. “We operate” suggests a direct operator.
How do you book a private jet charter?
The basic process is straightforward, whether you book through a broker or directly with an operator.
The charter booking process
One important note on pricing: the headline hourly rate is not the total cost. Federal Excise Tax (7.5% on US domestic flights), landing fees, positioning costs, and crew overnight fees can add 20% to 40% on top. Always request a fully-inclusive all-in quote before comparing options.
For full pricing details, see how much does a private jet cost.
Which platforms are worth knowing?
The private charter market has dozens of established platforms. These are the ones most travelers encounter.
| Platform | Type | Best for | Review |
|---|---|---|---|
| Villiers Jets | Broker | UK/Europe, empty legs, first-time charters | Review → |
| Jettly | Broker platform | Technology-forward, membership pricing, wholesale access | Review → |
| PrivateFly | Broker | UK/Europe, jet cards, live pricing data | Review → |
| XO | Broker + managed fleet | US domestic, app-based, shared flights | Review → |
| NetJets | Fractional operator | Frequent flyers, 50+ hours/year, premium consistency | — |
| VistaJet | Global operator | International and transatlantic regulars | — |
For a full comparison of what to look for and which type of company suits different travel profiles, see best private jet charter companies.
Which type of company do you need?
How do you verify a charter company is safe?
Safety is the most important factor to check before booking any private charter. The legal minimum in the US is FAA Part 135 certification. But two independent audit standards go further.
ARGUS ratings run from Registered to Platinum. ARGUS Platinum means the operator passed a detailed on-site safety audit. Wyvern Wingman is a comparable independent audit. Operators holding both ARGUS Platinum and Wyvern Wingman ratings are among the most thoroughly vetted in the industry.
When you receive a quote through a broker, ask: “Which safety certifications does the assigned operator hold?” A professional broker will have this information readily available.
For a full explanation of how these certifications work, see private jet charter services explained.
Before you book
What does a private jet charter cost?
Charter costs depend on the aircraft category, the route, and the fees that apply to your specific trip.
| Route type | Aircraft | Approximate cost (whole aircraft) |
|---|---|---|
| Short domestic (1-2 hrs) | Light jet | $8,000–$15,000 |
| Medium domestic (2-4 hrs) | Light to midsize | $15,000–$35,000 |
| Cross-country (5-6 hrs) | Midsize to heavy | $35,000–$65,000 |
| Short European (1-2 hrs) | Light jet | $6,000–$14,000 |
| Transatlantic | Heavy to ultra-long range | $80,000–$150,000+ |
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These figures cover the whole aircraft. Divided across a group of six passengers, per-person costs on shorter routes can reach business class commercial territory.
For the full cost breakdown including fees, see how much does a private jet cost per flight. For strategies to reduce costs, see how to find empty leg flights and empty leg flights price.
Good to Know
A light jet at $10,000 shared across 6 passengers costs $1,667 per person. On short routes, that rivals a business class commercial fare.
What about brokers as a career?
Private jet charter is also a viable career path. Brokers earn commission on every booking, with salaries ranging from $50,000 at entry level to well over $200,000 for experienced producers with strong client bases. The role requires deep industry knowledge, operator relationships, and the ability to manage high-expectations clients on tight timelines.
For anyone considering the career: how to become a private jet broker and private jet broker salary cover both the path and the realistic income expectations.
What do travelers say about private jet charter companies?
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Positive experiences
Travelers who have used private charter for the first time consistently describe the FBO experience — no queues, direct boarding, five-minute processing — as the most surprising and tangible advantage over commercial aviation. Business travelers who fly regularly describe the productivity benefit of being able to work privately in the air, arrive rested, and skip the time lost at major commercial airports.
Common concerns
The most consistent frustration across aviation communities is the gap between the quoted hourly rate and the final invoice. FET, landing fees, and positioning costs can add significantly to the headline price on many routes. Always request a fully-inclusive quote. A second common concern is aircraft substitution — the aircraft shown at booking is not always the one that shows up. Ask the broker explicitly whether the assigned aircraft is guaranteed before signing.
Good to Know
Ask two questions before signing: is the aircraft guaranteed, and is the quoted price fully inclusive? Those two answers prevent most negative surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a private jet charter company?
A company that provides access to private aircraft for specific trips. Operators own and fly aircraft. Brokers connect clients with operators from across the market. Most online booking platforms are brokers.
How do I book a private jet charter?
Submit your route, date, and passenger count to a broker or platform. You will receive aircraft options with pricing. Confirm the aircraft, sign a charter agreement, and pay before the flight. Processing at the private terminal takes minutes.
What is the difference between a charter operator and a broker?
An operator holds an FAA Part 135 certificate and physically flies the aircraft. A broker does not own aircraft but sources them from operators. Most booking platforms and well-known names in private aviation are brokers.
How do I know if a charter company is safe?
Ask for the operator’s safety certifications. FAA Part 135 is the legal minimum. ARGUS Platinum and Wyvern Wingman are the highest independent audit standards. A reputable broker will verify this for every operator they recommend.
What is included in a private jet charter price?
The aircraft, pilots, and standard fuel. Not typically included: Federal Excise Tax, landing fees, positioning costs if the aircraft is based away from your departure airport, and crew overnight fees. Always get an all-in quote.
How much does a private jet charter cost?
Short domestic routes on a light jet cost $8,000 to $15,000. Transatlantic crossings on a heavy jet cost $80,000 to $150,000 or more. Costs vary by aircraft category, route, fees, and availability. Prices fluctuate based on availability, route, and aircraft type.
What is an empty leg flight?
An empty leg is a repositioning flight where the aircraft is already scheduled to fly your route without passengers. Booking it offers 30% to 75% off standard charter prices. The route and time are fixed.
Can I become a private jet broker?
Yes. No federal license is required in the US. Most brokers start by working at an established brokerage to build operator relationships and industry knowledge. See how to become a private jet broker.