Step-by-Step Charter

Step 1 - Request a quote

Please have the following basic information at hand:

• What is your point of origin and final destination? Bear in mind that many capital cities have more than one airport, one of which may be closer to your final destination.
• Do you know the dates or time of year you wish to travel? Exact dates are not critical.
• How many passengers?
• How much luggage?
• Do you have a budget for this trip?
• Do your passengers have any disabilities or special needs?
• Do you have any aircraft type preferences? (e.g. jet, turboprop or helicopter)

Step 2 - The quotation

The charter company should be able to offer you a variety of quotes that suit your budget enabling you to compare aircraft and explain differences in performance and comfort. 
Additional questions to ask:

• What is included in the price? (passenger taxes, catering, airport surcharges, crew accommodation etc.)
• Ask for the quote in writing unless you only want a price guide this can be given over the telephone.
• Consider the aircraft you have been offered - age, size and suitability for the task. 
  Ask for specifications and photos or even look at the aircraft itself, if possible. Ideally the charter operator should be offering pressurized, twin engined, 2 crew operations.
• Consider the crew - experience, nationalities, languages

Step 3 - Making your booking

Once you are happy with the quote, the charter operator will provide you with a flight confirmation agreement to sign. This contract should include the following:

• All the flight details as they appear in the quote
• Full breakdown on what the quote includes
• Standard terms and conditions. It is important to consider and understand the cancellation terms prior to signing the contract.

• Full passenger list and passport numbers, if applicable
• VISA and health requirements, if applicable
• Transportation arrangement details to and from the airport
• Contact details for handling agents at departure and arrival airports
• Catering or dietary preferences
• Meeting points
• Some destinations require a local sponsor. 
  Providing the operator with details of sponsors in each country will assist in obtaining clearances.

Step 4 - The flight

It may be useful to ask the following questions concerning the flight itself:

• Can I change the schedule at short notice?
• How far in advance of the flight should the passengers arrive?
• The passengers are very high profile - how can they avoid unwanted attention at the airport?
• Are luggage security checks conducted?
• What can I expect on board?
• Can I use a laptop and/or mobile during the flight?
• How do I know when the passengers have arrived at their destination?
• The charter I have arranged is for a promotion, can you put our logo on the aircraft?

Prior to take-off, the crew should provide a comprehensive safety demonstration encompassing emergency exits and the use thereof, ditching procedures and pressure loss protocol. Information should also be provided on flight time, weather en-route and at destination, and on-board cabin amenities.

Step 5 - Post-flight

The charter operator should contact the client after the flight and establish whether all arrangements were satisfactory, note any feedback and thank the passengers for their business.