Charter Or Commercial: Which Is Right For You?

 

At any given time on any given day there are thousands of airplanes in the sky taking people to thousands of destinations throughout the world. Some of these planes are commercial airliners that carry hundreds of people at a time to vacation spots, on business trips or on trips home each day, and some of them are charters, specifically rented out to take people on vacation, on a business trip or home again. Charter jets and commercial airlines both do the same thing, but it is how they do it that can make the choice of which way you want to travel the next time you leave home an easier one.

When you fly commercial you have to leave whenever the plane is scheduled to leave. If it is delayed you have to wait, and many airlines have specific rules regarding when you should be at the airport ready to go, sometimes these include waits that are measured in hours, not minutes. Furthermore, at major airports you will find thousands of people and tons upon tons of luggage, do you know where your bag will end up?

When you fly commercial you are packed into a plane that usually lacks head, leg or elbow room and that is after you have gone through security lines that have taken what seems like days to get through. All of this stress, worry and waiting to get to your destination. And then there is the charter option…

Chartering a plane means that you are the boss. You can schedule when you want to leave and when you want to return and you can choose how many ‘plane-mates’ you wish to accompany you on your trip. Charter jets come in many sizes so you can pick one that has the seating configuration that you like the most, or change it to suit your needs and you are always assured of ample leg, elbow and head room because you won’t be packed in the aircraft like sardines.

Chartering also means you will always know where your luggage is since it’ll be on your plane and only your plane, usually in the onboard luggage compartments that so many of these jets boast. And security? Yes, there is some, but nothing like what you find at the major airports around the world. Best of all you won’t likely have to be at the airport hours before your scheduled takeoff.

A charter jet for business or pleasure can take the stress out of getting to your destination, and makes getting there half the fun!

Commercial Versus Charter Flights – Which Is Right For You?

Whether for business or leisure, once a month or once a year, travel is taking people farther away from home than ever. Over the years, the commercial airline experience has changed to accommodate travel of the masses. At the same time, companies providing business air charter services and private charter flights have grown to fill a niche in the air travel industry.

Stick To The Schedule

One major benefit charter flights have over commercial airlines is the convenience of setting your own schedule. Booked in advance, business air charter services will cater to your needs by accommodating your schedule and travel needs. Many higher end charter services even have 24-hour concierge scheduling services and can have a plane waiting when you arrive at the airport – day or night. This is particularly useful for fast-paced business travelers who must often travel at a moment’s notice.

Commercial airlines, on the other hand, have stringent schedules that you must book your travel around. However, because the industry has grown by adding more locations, more airlines, and more planes, there are often more times to choose from as well. So if you don’t have a tight schedule to stick to, a commercial flight might fit the bill.

Money is No Object (Or Is It?)

If private charter flights cost the same as commercial, everyone would be flying solo. But they don’t. Travelers who choose private flights pay a premium for a reason. From the flexibility of setting your own schedule, to the convenience of flying anywhere in the world without changing planes four times, to the personal service and attention to details you receive, travelers pay extra for the experience.

Depending on the type of plane you wish to charter, the number or passengers, and the distance you’re traveling, expect to pay anywhere from $700-$7,000 per hour. This cost typically does not include the crew, overnight layovers or certain airport fees.

If you’re keeping a close eye on your purse strings, a commercial flight is the more budget-friendly option. If you’re flexible with your schedule, you can watch for airlines to release specials. Sometimes you can find flights for a little as $50 each way.

What’s On The Itinerary?

Your travel plans can also affect your decision to fly commercial or private. Business air charter services are ideal for getting executives and VIPs to their destination together and on time. Charter flights may also be an option for large family vacations, or a romantic getaway for two.

Today, you have more options than ever when it comes to air travel. Business air charter services offer travelers convenience, flexibility, and the ultimate experience, while commercial flights are ideal for travelers on a budget with a flexible schedule.