Last Updated by Rick: 16 April 2026
A private jet charter service lets you rent a whole aircraft for a specific flight. You choose the route, the timing, and the aircraft type. The price covers the plane, crew, and fuel — and you share it with no one you did not invite.
This guide explains how private jet charter works, who the key players are, and what to expect from the booking process.
This article is part of our series on private jet charter companies.
Back to the main article: Private Jet Charter Companies: Complete Guide →
Quick answer
A charter service lets you rent a whole private jet for your trip. Operators fly the aircraft. Brokers connect you to operators. Most online platforms are brokers.
Price covers aircraft, crew, and fuel. Landing fees, taxes, and positioning costs are added on top. Always ask for a fully-inclusive all-in quote before comparing.
Contents
What is a private jet charter service?
When you charter a private jet, you are renting the whole aircraft for your trip. You are not buying a seat on someone else’s flight. The aircraft departs when you are ready, from the airport you choose, and flies to your destination without stops unless you want them.
Charter services are available on-demand. You request a flight, receive a quote, and book. Most flights can be arranged with a few hours’ notice, though booking further ahead gives you more aircraft choices and better pricing.
The price you pay covers the aircraft, two-pilot crew, standard fuel, and basic refreshments. Landing fees, Federal Excise Tax on US domestic flights, and any positioning costs are typically added on top. Always ask for a fully-inclusive quote before comparing prices. For a full breakdown of what drives costs, see how much does a private jet cost.
Good to Know
The quoted hourly rate is never the final price. Landing fees, taxes, and positioning can add 20% to 40% on top.
Who are the people involved in a charter flight?
Understanding the difference between the key players saves you time and confusion when booking. For a deeper dive into operators specifically, see private jet charter operators: who are they?.
The aircraft operator
An operator is a company that physically owns or manages an aircraft and is licensed to fly it commercially. In the US, operators hold an FAA Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate. This certificate means the FAA has approved them to carry passengers for hire. The operator employs the pilots, maintains the aircraft, and is legally responsible for the flight.
The charter broker
A broker does not own any aircraft. Instead, a broker connects you with operators who have the right aircraft for your trip. Brokers have relationships with thousands of operators and can source aircraft across multiple fleets. They handle the legwork, compare options, and manage the booking on your behalf. Brokers typically earn a commission of 5% to 15% of the charter price.
Why use a broker instead of booking direct?
A broker gives you access to a much wider range of aircraft than any single operator can offer. If the first aircraft has a mechanical issue, a good broker finds a replacement. A direct operator booking locks you into one fleet.
Most of the well-known booking platforms, including Villiers Jets, Jettly, and PrivateFly, operate as brokers. They connect your request to a network of certified operators. For detailed reviews, see Villiers Jets review, Jettly review, and PrivateFly review.
Operator vs broker
How do safety certifications work?
Safety is the first thing to check before booking any private charter. The two most widely recognized independent safety audit organizations in private aviation are ARGUS and Wyvern. Both audit operators against standards that go beyond the minimum FAA requirements.
ARGUS ratings range from Registered to Gold to Platinum, with Platinum being the highest. An ARGUS Platinum rating means the operator has passed a detailed on-site audit of safety practices, crew qualifications, and maintenance records.
Wyvern Wingman is a similar independent audit. Operators who hold both ARGUS Platinum and Wyvern Wingman ratings are among the safest 1% of operators globally, according to Jet Linx.
When you receive a quote from a broker, it is reasonable to ask which safety audit the assigned operator holds. A reputable broker will have this information readily available and will only work with operators that meet a minimum safety standard.
Good to Know
If a broker cannot tell you which safety certification the operator holds, that is a significant concern. Ask before you sign.
What does a charter booking look like step by step?
The charter booking process
What types of charter services are available?
On-demand charter
The most common type. You book for a specific trip with no long-term commitment. Pricing varies by market conditions, aircraft availability, and timing.
Empty leg flights
An empty leg is a repositioning flight where the aircraft is already scheduled to fly your route without passengers. Booking the empty leg offers 30% to 75% off standard charter prices. The route and time are fixed.
Ad-hoc group charter
Multiple parties share the cost of one aircraft. The price is split between the group members. Common for corporate travel and leisure groups.
Jet card and membership programs
Prepaid access at fixed rates with guaranteed availability. Better value for travelers who fly 25 or more hours annually. Covered in detail in private jet membership programs and private jet membership cost.
Which service type suits you?
Get a Private Jet Quote
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What do travelers say about private jet charter services?
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Browse live empty leg deals and save up to 75% on private jet charter. Routes update daily based on real-time availability.
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Find Empty Leg Flights
Browse live empty leg deals and save up to 75% on private jet charter. Routes update daily based on real-time availability.
Free to search · No commitment · 10,000+ aircraft
Positive experiences
Travelers who have used charter services for the first time consistently describe the FBO experience as the most surprising advantage. No queues, direct boarding, and processing times of under five minutes are cited repeatedly in aviation forums. Business travelers describe arriving rested and ready to work, which is the practical case for the premium.
Common concerns
The most consistent concern is the gap between a quoted price and the final invoice. Landing fees, FET, and crew overnight costs can add 20% to 40% to the headline rate on some routes. Aviation communities consistently advise requesting a fully-inclusive all-in quote rather than working from the hourly rate alone. A second common concern is aircraft substitution — the aircraft you are shown at booking may be replaced by a different model if the operator reassigns it. Ask the broker explicitly whether the aircraft is guaranteed before you sign.
For a comparison of the best platforms to book through, see best private jet charter companies.
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 service?
A private jet charter service lets you rent an entire aircraft for a specific flight. You choose the route, timing, and aircraft. The price covers the plane, crew, and fuel. Landing fees and taxes are typically added on top.
What is the difference between an operator and a broker?
An operator owns or manages aircraft and holds an FAA Part 135 certificate to fly commercially. A broker does not own aircraft but connects clients with operators across multiple fleets. Most online booking platforms are brokers.
How do I know if a charter operator is safe?
Look for ARGUS or Wyvern safety audit ratings. ARGUS Platinum and Wyvern Wingman are the highest independent audit standards. A reputable broker will only work with operators who hold recognized safety certifications.
How much notice do I need to book a charter flight?
Most flights can be booked with a few hours’ notice. Booking 24 to 48 hours ahead gives more aircraft options and more stable pricing. Last-minute bookings are possible but may be more expensive if aircraft availability is limited near your departure airport.
What is included in a private jet charter price?
The aircraft, two-pilot crew, fuel for the flight, and basic refreshments. Not typically included: Federal Excise Tax, landing fees, positioning costs if the aircraft is not based at your departure airport, and crew overnight fees.
Can I change or cancel a charter booking?
Cancellation terms vary by contract. Most charter agreements allow cancellation up to a certain point before departure with a partial or full refund. Late cancellations typically result in forfeiture of the deposit or full payment. Always review the cancellation terms before signing.
What is an FBO?
FBO stands for Fixed Base Operator. It is the private terminal where private jet passengers check in, wait, and board. FBOs offer lounges, catering, and ground handling. There are no commercial security lines. A brief ID check is standard for domestic US flights.
Is a private jet charter safer than a commercial flight?
Both are regulated by the FAA. Operators who hold ARGUS Platinum or Wyvern Wingman ratings have been independently audited against safety standards that exceed the FAA minimum. According to the FAA and NBAA, business aviation has a strong safety record. Always verify the operator’s certifications before booking.