Private Jet Charter Glossary

Identify the actual aircraft and ask the operator to establish its authorization.

What to ask

· What is the proposed registration?

· Is this aircraft authorized for the proposed charter?

A published figure is not a nonstop commitment for your route.

What to ask

· Is a fuel stop planned?

· What assumptions support the proposed routing?

Available capacity depends on the aircraft and flight plan.

What to ask

· Are our passengers and bags accepted?

· Are there weight or loading restrictions?

Compare actual dimensions and seats rather than relying on a category name.

What to ask

· Can I see the current seat plan?

· Which essential features are installed?

Range and route distances are often quoted in nautical miles.

What to ask

· Which units are being used?

· Is this routing distance or straight-line distance?

An hourly figure is only part of many trip quotes.

What to ask

· Which time basis is billed?

· What is the complete proposed trip total?

The time basis in your quote affects what you pay. Illustrative example: 10 minutes taxi out + 60 airborne + 5 taxi in = 75 minutes block time. Billing definitions can differ.

What to ask

· Is taxi time included in billed hours?

· Do minimum hours or rounding apply?

Your occupied legs may not be the aircraft’s only movements.

What to ask

· Are positioning charges included?

· Can the price change if aircraft positioning changes?

Availability depends on the underlying aircraft schedule, which can change.

What to ask

· What is the exact departure window?

· What happens if the underlying trip changes?

Time spent waiting between legs may still affect the total.

What to ask

· Which days attract a minimum?

· How is a multi-day itinerary calculated?

The FBO address is often the meeting point; confirm it for your flight.

What to ask

· Which FBO and address should we use?

· What arrival time has been agreed?

A slot does not itself confirm every operational permission or parking space.

What to ask

· Is the requested time approved?

· Are parking and other permissions arranged?

An airport’s access conditions can affect your itinerary.

What to ask

· Has the required permission been secured?

· What happens if our timing changes?

A stop adds time and may affect passenger or border arrangements.

What to ask

· Where and why is the stop planned?

· Must passengers leave the aircraft?

Airport suitability and document preparation matter on international trips.

What to ask

· Where will border processing take place?

· What documents and advance arrangements are required?

Establish the role of the party you are contracting with.

What to ask

· Who is the named operating carrier?

· What capacity is the broker acting in?

Operational responsibility and arranging a booking are distinct roles.

What to ask

· Which carrier operates each leg?

· Who provides operational updates?

A proposal should identify what is offered and what remains conditional.

What to ask

· When does this quote expire?

· What must happen to confirm the booking?

A hold can have conditions and may not be a confirmed booking.

What to ask

· When does the hold expire?

· What is reserved and what remains pending?

Check the accepted contract, timing thresholds and the reason for cancellation.

What to ask

· Which charges apply at each stage?

· How are refunds or credits handled?