Private Jet Charter Checklist: What to Ask Before You Book

Use this checklist before you book a private jet charter. It covers what to prepare, the questions that protect you, how empty legs work and the warning signs to watch for. It is general guidance, not legal or safety advice; your operator's written terms always apply.

Before you ask for quotes

Your dates and times, and how flexible they are. Flexibility is what makes empty legs possible.
The exact number of passengers, including children, and any pets.
Luggage: how many bags, and anything bulky such as golf clubs, skis or prams. Luggage often decides the aircraft size, not seats.
Your preferred departure and arrival airports. Smaller airports can be closer and quicker, but some have short runways, curfews or seasonal rules.
One way, return, or multi-city. On a return, ask whether the aircraft waits for you or flies home empty in between.
Anything special: catering, dietary needs, Wi-Fi, a car at the aircraft, accessibility needs.

Questions to ask before you pay

Who is the operator? Ask for the name of the company that holds the operating certificate (for example a Part 135 certificate in the US, an AOC in the UK and Europe, or an NSOP in India). A broker should tell you.
Which aircraft exactly? Ask for the type, year of manufacture or refurbishment, and photos of the actual aircraft, not a brochure.
Does the operator hold a third-party safety audit such as ARGUS, Wyvern or IS-BAO? Ask which one and when it was last renewed.
Is the price all-inclusive? Check for positioning, landing and handling fees, overnight crew costs, de-icing, catering, taxes and any fuel surcharge.
What are the payment and cancellation terms? When is the deposit due, and how much do you lose if your plans change?
What happens if the aircraft has a technical problem? Ask whether a replacement aircraft is arranged and who pays for it.
How much luggage really fits, by weight and by bag size?

Empty legs: how they work

An empty leg is a flight the operator has to fly anyway, usually to reposition an aircraft. It can cost much less than a full charter.
The route and time are set by the original booking, so you need to be flexible.
An empty leg can be moved or cancelled if the original client changes plans. Always have a back-up plan.
Ask to be told about empty legs on your route rather than searching once.

On the day

Bring a valid photo ID, or a passport for international flights. Check visa and entry rules for every passenger.
Ask the operator what time to arrive. Private terminals are quicker than airline terminals, but timings vary by airport.
Confirm the terminal or private aviation building and the meeting point the day before.
International flights still go through customs and immigration, arranged by the operator.

Red flags

A price far below every other quote for the same aircraft and dates.
A broker who will not name the operator or the aircraft.
Pressure to pay the full amount immediately, or by an unusual payment method.
No written quote with the full price, terms and cancellation policy.

Questions people ask

What should I ask a private jet broker?

Ask who the operator is and which certificate it holds, which exact aircraft will fly, whether the price is all-inclusive, the payment and cancellation terms, and what happens if the aircraft has a technical problem.

Is an empty leg flight reliable?

Empty legs can be very good value, but the route and time are set by the original booking and the flight can be moved or cancelled if that booking changes. Keep a back-up plan.

What is usually not included in a private jet quote?

Depending on the operator, positioning flights, landing and handling fees, crew overnight costs, de-icing, catering, taxes and fuel surcharges may be extra. Ask for an all-inclusive written quote.

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