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Questions and answers
Pricing, aircraft, operators, pets and paperwork. If your question is not here, add it to the notes of a quote request.
Do you own or operate the aircraft?
No. Compare Private Jets is an air charter broker. We compare aircraft and arrange your trip with FAA Part 135 operators (or foreign equivalents) that hold operational control of the flight. Your quote names the operator before you book.
How accurate are the specs on this site?
They are typical figures based on manufacturers’ published data, rounded for comparison. Seating, range and speed vary with each aircraft’s configuration and with the conditions of your flight, so your advisor confirms the figures for the specific aircraft quoted.
What does an all-in price include?
Flight time, repositioning, crew costs, landing and handling fees, and taxes: the 7.5% federal excise tax and segment fees on US domestic trips, and international taxes where they apply. Anything that can only be priced on the day, such as winter de-icing, is explained in the quote.
Which spec should I compare first?
Start with passengers and distance. Range decides whether the trip is nonstop, cabin height decides whether you can stand, and baggage space matters more than the seat count once every seat is filled.
Is there a membership, deposit or sign-up?
No. Asking for a quote costs nothing and commits you to nothing: no membership, no deposit, no account. You pay only if you book, under the charter agreement for your trip.
Can I bring my dog?
Pets are welcome on many aircraft with operator approval. Tell us the size and number of pets when you request, and your options will only include operators that accept them.
Can you arrange international and multi-city trips?
Yes: one-way, round-trip and multi-city, worldwide. International trips need passports and sometimes visas or permits, and your advisor tells you what each country requires.
How far ahead should I request a quote?
As early as you can for holidays and big event weekends, when the right aircraft can sell out. For ordinary dates, a few days’ notice usually leaves good choices, and short-notice trips are often possible.
What is an empty leg?
An empty leg is a repositioning flight sold at a discount, often 25–75% off. The route and time are fixed, and it can be cancelled if the original trip changes, so it suits travellers with flexible plans.
How are operators checked?
Every US charter must be flown by a carrier certificated under FAA Part 135. Beyond that, we look for third-party audits such as ARGUS, Wyvern and IS-BAO, and you can ask for an operator’s audit status before you book.
Why do two quotes for the same category differ?
Repositioning is the usual reason. An aircraft based near your departure airport costs less to send than one flying in from across the country. Age, interior, Wi-Fi and the operator’s daily minimums also play a part.
What happens if my plans change?
Changes and cancellations follow the charter agreement for your trip, which sets out any fees and deadlines before you sign it.