Let’s look at some of the most important tips to consider when evaluating private jet offers before booking online.
What Do You Really Want?
This might sound almost too simple, but you’d be surprised how many people overspend when booking a private jet because they don’t think about what they need. If you’re a couple flying from London to Paris, why book a Cessna Citation X when you can book a Mustang?
All we’re saying is to take the time to define your travel requirements clearly. Where are you going? Who’s travelling? How long are you away for? That’s all it takes. Once you’ve clarified these questions, narrowing down the type of aircraft best suited to your journey is much easier.
Additionally, think about your desired level of flexibility. Are you looking for a one-way trip, a round trip, or a multi-leg itinerary? Understanding this will give you the best foundation for tackling the next stages.
Do Your Homework
This tip might be the most important when booking someone you can trust. It’s easy to get stung by dodgy websites offering unrealistic prices and services, but there are a couple of things you can keep an eye out for to ensure a top-rated operator. For starters, research each company’s track record, customer reviews, and certifications. In the private jet industry, the bare minimum is for a company to have either an ARGUS or Wyvern rating. When it comes to checking online reviews, Trustpilot can be your go-to.
Once you’ve narrowed your search to two or three providers, don’t hesitate to call them and ask about their experience, years in business, and fleet size. If they’re confident about their service, they won’t be fazed by even the trickiest questions. This is also a great way to gauge the quality of their customer service.
Not All Jets Are Created Equal
Selecting the right luxury plane charter is key to your private jet search. Begin by assessing the aircraft’s size, age, and features. If an offer seems too good to be true, it often is. Maybe the aircraft is a much older model than you’d expect, with fewer amenities and less comfort. Look for features such as spacious seating, Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, and catering options. Additionally, consider the aircraft's range and speed to ensure it can accommodate your route without unnecessary stops.
But remember, this isn’t something you need to do alone. A good charter company will give you all the advice based on your needs, so don’t worry too much about this.
Find the Right Price for You
One of the best things about private jet hire is the variety of pricing structures available. If you take more than twelve private flights per year, a membership programme or co-ownership scheme might suit your needs best. For those looking to add an extra sense of luxury to a special holiday, for example, a simple one-off charter, billed hourly, might be more your style.
For the most accessible offers, look for empty-leg offers. These are private flights where the crew must take it from one place to another without any passengers. These can be more affordable, but be aware that since the scheduling and destination are fixed, you’ve got to be pretty flexible to make them work.
One key tip to keep in mind while looking at the varying pricing models is that the least expensive deal isn’t necessarily the best. When it comes to high-cost purchases like this, it’s worth paying a little more to ensure the highest quality and service.
Customer Service Is Everything
When hiring a premium product, such as a sports car, private island, or private jet, it’s absolutely critical that you get world-class support if your car breaks down, your island floods, or your jet isn’t the one you initially booked. That’s why ensuring that your luxury plane charter has twenty-four-hour support, responsive staff, and an eagerness to resolve any queries as soon as possible is absolutely essential.
Let’s think of a hypothetical. You find an offer that seems too good to be true. You check reviews, look at their accreditations, and it turns out it’s real. For your next step, call up or send an email query to test their responsiveness. If it takes over twenty-four hours for them to get back to you, it’s not good enough.
Effective communication ensures that any issues or changes to your travel plans are handled smoothly and professionally, beginning as soon as you inquire about a possible booking.
Now You’re a Private Jet Booking Guru
It might sound extensive, but large purchases such as these require care, attention, and detail. You might be lucky enough to have a personal assistant who can take care of all this for you, but if you don’t (or they happen to be on holiday), just follow these steps, and you’ll be in excellent hands