Guide to Air Charter Services

If you're the jet setting type and can afford personal air craft services, there is no shortage of air charter services available to you. Whether you need an international charter flight, a flight to air charter cargo, or you want to travel domestically, you can find a number of air charter operators who would be happy to have your business.

Flying air charter services is efficient, private and flexible, and it offers you a great solution whether you are an executive, the cast of a new movie, or a seriously ill patient being transported from one hospital to another.

To find the appropriate domestic or international charter flight for you:

1. Submit your trip request through any of the online charter service companies.

2. Compare prices based on your need.

3. Select the best flight based on your budget.

4. Purchase your ticket.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Price out the players in the global air charter industry

Check out Executive Jet Management, labled "Best Charter Service" from Professional Pilot magazine the last 10 years in a row for their global air charter services. Virgin Charter offers international charter flights and domestic services, and they act more as a broker for other flight companies.

I recommend: Executive Jet Management has an ISO 901:2000 certification, and the long term stability of being backed by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway company. You can request a quote online or simply obtain a quick estimate. Virgin Charter lets you find flights directly from their website, or you can check out their hot deals on their one way empty leg flights. Global Charters specializes in global jet charters, and you can sign up to receive their empty leg newsletter for discounted flights.

Find one-stop comparisons for air chartering services

Much like travel websites Expedia and Travelocity, you can also look up and compare prices for charter services.

I recommend: The Air Charter Guide lets you see what’s available via their flight planner services. They also have a free e-newsletter available if you plan to make air charter travel a regular thing.

Send your gear via air charter cargo flights

Companies such as National Air Cargo offer you air charter cargo services, or you can run a search for other companies by state and/or country.

I recommend: National Air Cargo offers you door-to-door Charter Services as well as international charter flights for cargo. They specialize in hazardous and sensitive materials, and they have no weight or size restrictions for what you are shipping. The Air Charter Guide helps you find domestic or global cargo charter flights.

Book a broker to look out for your best interests

If you don't have time or don't want to worry about your trip details, you can hire a broker to handle those arrangements for you. Whether you are looking for a global air charter or planning to take a domestic trip, a broker may be the perfect person for you to turn to, especially if you are inexperienced in looking up your own air charter services.

I recommend: For a directory of US and international brokers, check out the Air Charter Guide’s list by state and country.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Consider gourmet catering for your flight.
• Let your broker not only handle your trip arrangements but your contingency plan as well. Inclement weather can easily ground an airplane, and you need to make sure that you have backup arrangements.

The official source of Air Charter Services is the Air Charter Services page at Business.com