How Private Jet Booking Actually Works
Booking a private jet is fundamentally different from booking an airline ticket. There is no seat inventory, no fixed schedule, and no standardised pricing. You are chartering the entire aircraft for your specific route on your specific date. Here is every step of the process.
Step 1: Define Your Requirements
Before contacting any broker or operator, know the following: departure airport, arrival airport, date and time, number of passengers, any special requirements (pets, medical equipment, large luggage, meetings on board). The jet class — and therefore the price — follows from these inputs.
Step 2: Contact Multiple Brokers
A charter broker sources aircraft from a network of operators and presents options. Always contact at least three brokers — pricing varies by 20–35% for identical routes depending on which aircraft are available near your departure. Brokers are paid by the operator (typically 10–15% commission), not by you.
Step 3: Review the Quote and Charter Agreement
A professional charter quote includes: operator name, aircraft type and registration, departure and arrival airports, departure time, all-in price with breakdown (base rate, fuel surcharge, handling, taxes), and cancellation policy.
The charter agreement (Charter Party) is a legal contract. Check: payment terms (typically 100% upfront or 50% deposit + 50% 48h before), cancellation penalties, rebooking rights, and force majeure clauses.
Step 4: Payment and Confirmation
Most European charter operators require bank transfer (SWIFT). Credit card payment is accepted by some brokers but adds 2–3% processing fee. Payments go to the broker or directly to the operator — confirm which entity holds your funds. Reputable operators are IATA accredited or members of EBAA (European Business Aviation Association).
Step 5: Day of Departure
Arrive at the FBO terminal 15–20 minutes before departure. Bring valid passport (even for Schengen flights — private aviation uses separate passport control). Your ground handler will manage baggage directly to the aircraft. There is no security scanner for carry-on luggage (though operators may conduct their own checks).
