Whether you are a seasoned corporate flyer or a first time user of private air charter service, please feel free to come to us with any concerns that you may have. Through the years of working in private aviation, we’ve been able to assemble a list of some of the most frequently asked questions about air charter services.
In addition to the list below, our staff is ready to answer any questions that you may have. Just give us a call or send us an email and we will happily assist you!
General Questions
When can I reach you?
No matter what time zone you are in or traveling to, someone will be available to assist with every detail of your trip. We work day and night, in all time zones, 24/7/365.
Do you offer Supplemental Lift for Aircraft Owners?
Yes! We’ve worked with several corporate flight departments to fill-the-gap when a replacement aircraft is needed, whether an additional jet is needed due to simultaneous trips or a trip requires a jet with a larger operational range than their current fleet allows. We can arrange flights in as little as 4 – 6 hours, giving you peace of mind in the event your plane becomes unavailable due to mechanical problems or other issues. Fractional owners can also benefit from supplemental lift by chartering a flight outside of their fractional plan, allowing them to potentially use their flight hours more efficiently on future trips.
How do you ensure my privacy?
Your privacy is of the utmost importance to us. All information regarding passenger and charter flight itineraries are confidential in order to safeguard your privacy. Details are only shared on a strict need-to-know basis, and only with the crew assigned to your trip.
What are Airport Slots?
Airport Slots are essentially a prior permission from the airport and Air Traffic Control to land at a specific airport during a major event when the area and parking spaces are expected to be congested. Learn more about Airport Slots.
What does a dedicated advisor actually do?
From takeoff to landing you will have a dedicated Advisor to assist with every detail and all your concerns will be answered in a timely fashion.
Why should I charter through you?
Because we do the vetting work that is not required of a broker, and you can see exactly what that involves. Your dedicated advisor will find the aircraft that fits your trip and come back with a competitive quote, and we are reachable 24/7/365 with live flight support. You can read how we check operators, crews and insurance on our safety and vetting page.
Where is your office located?
We are a US-based private air charter broker, headquartered in the Philadelphia region, with team members and affiliates around the world. We arrange flights across Chicagoland and the Midwest every day without being based at your home airport, and you can expect a competitive quote either way. Call us when you are arranging your next flight and we will put one together with no commitment.
Who are your clients?
We cater to a broad range of clientele throughout the world all having different travel needs. Some of our specialties include private jets for leisure and corporate travel, air cargo charter, celebrity and professional sports team transportation, emergency evacuation and relocation assistance, and medical charter flights. More services are available, do not hesitate to ask.
Do you offer shared flights?
While we would be happy to facilitate a charter for you with other people on board, we only provide completely private flights under FAR Part 135 regulations (or foreign equivalent). By law, we are only able to sell flights to one entity. Meaning, if you want to book a trip and share with people you do not know, or split the cost among other people, you can certainly put a group together – but we would have to contract with just one person for the trip. That person will be the only contact, and will take all financial and legal responsibilities for that flight. This is separate from FAR Part 380 regulations, which is where you will find shared charter flights.
Booking and Pre-Flight Questions
Are there any luggage limitations or recommendations?
Each aircraft has different baggage compartment sizes and weight limitations. Your baggage will be stored in the Aft of the aircraft or the nose for your safety and convenience. When flying privately it is important to let us know what your expected baggage weight and size will be so we can accommodate you and your guests. It is always best to travel with soft-sided baggage if you are looking to maximize the amount of items you will be bringing. If you have concerns about your fragile items or over-sized baggage, just give us a call and we can walk you through all the options.
Can you arrange my transportation to and from the airport?
Town cars, Stretch limousines, Mercedes Benz SUV’s and even armored vehicles can be arranged to bring you back and forth to your private jet charter flight at the airport.
Do you arrange tours, hotels or ground services?
We do not directly offer tour arrangements, hotel reservations or concierge services to our clients. Simply put, we focus all of our attention on being the best Jet Charter Brokerage Company in the industry. Nevertheless, for your convenience, we have negotiated with various organizations in order to bring you exceptional levels of service on additional needs you may have.
From which airports can I depart and arrive?
Almost any of them, and around Chicago that is the main advantage of chartering. We regularly arrange flights from Chicago Executive (KPWK), DuPage (KDPA), Chicago Midway International (KMDW), Waukegan National (KUGN), Gary/Chicago International (KGYY), Aurora Municipal (KARR), Lewis University (KLOT) at Romeoville, Chicago/Rockford International (KRFD) and Kenosha Regional (KENW), with O’Hare (KORD) available when nothing else fits.
Two local details are worth knowing early. The first is customs: at Chicago Executive and Waukegan it runs on a weekday daytime window with prior notice, and a weekend arrival into Waukegan has to be requested before the end of Friday afternoon. DuPage and Midway are the around-the-clock answers, and Gary has a customs facility on the field. The second is winter, when de-icing from roughly November through March affects departure timing and ramp availability. If you provide us with the venue information rather than the airport, we can get you closest to your final destination.
How do I pay for my private charter flight reservation?
Payment is accepted in the form of a bank wire transfer, ACH transfer, or major credit card. At this time, we do not accept any forms of cryptocurrency or virtual credit cards.
- Bank Wire Transfer / ACH Payment discount: By electing to pay via Bank Wire Transfer or ACH Transfer, you will pay the amount quoted by your advisor, which includes a 5% cash payment discount.
- Credit Card Payments: If you elect to pay via personal or corporate credit card, the 5% cash discount is removed. Additionally, please note that in the event of any cancellation or refund, credit card processing fees and the 5% price difference are retained by Air Charter Advisors as non-refundable administrative costs.
- Incidental Guarantee: In addition to the payment method used for your flight, Air Charter Advisors requires a valid credit card on file as a guarantee for incidentals and operational extras (such as catering, ground transportation, pet cleaning fees, Wi-Fi, or de-icing). A temporary incidental hold (such as a $5,000 authorization) may be applied at the time of booking and released post-flight if no balances remain.
For additional questions regarding payment deadlines, wiring instructions, and cancellation policies, please reach out to your Air Charter Advisor directly or review your executed Charter Broker Agreement: Standard Terms & Conditions.
How do I decide on which aircraft is right for me?
Your dedicated Advisor will work diligently to locate available and competitively priced aircraft options based upon your personal preferences and several other factors including flight distance, luggage requirements, and amount of passengers. If you are interested in viewing our “Aircraft Gallery” you will be pleased to find aircraft pictures and statistics for the most popular charter aircraft in demand.
How far in advance do I need to make a charter flight reservation?
Depending on the routing of your trip and aircraft availability, a private jet can be arranged with as little as 6 hours notice.
What documentation do I need for my flight?
A government issued photo ID is required prior to boarding. Boarding will be denied to any passenger without proper documentation when such is required by law or customs. All passengers are required to carry a passport when traveling internationally. All documents required for international travel must be presented to the flight crew for review prior to boarding.
What happens after I book my flight?
Your Charter Itinerary will be delivered by email or fax. This will provide a confirmation of your reservation along with the following information: the date(s) and estimated departure time of travel, flight segments arranged on your behalf, aircraft type, and other requests specified by you when booking your flight.
What happens if there is bad weather?
- Mother Nature sometimes throws a curveball our way and complicates our flight route with obstacles such as winds, rough air, turbulence and storms.
- Pre-departure, your Advisor will be on the lookout for any and all reported weather advisories that may impact your travel schedule. The aircraft operator and Pilot in Command have the ultimate decision making power regarding your takeoff and landing and they will do their best to avoid any weather but there may be delays on your trip due to unpredictable and unavoidable weather patterns.
In-Flight Questions
Can I smoke on my flight?
There are some individuals who fly private for one reason only, so they can smoke their cigarettes or favorite cigars/pipes while in flight. If your preference is smoking, no problem, we will find you a private airplane that allows smoking on board. You must let us know about this requirement before as special accommodations will need to be made.
Do the aircraft have bathrooms?
- Private charter aircraft size can range from 2 seater piston aircraft to 16 passenger heavy jets to 220+ passenger airliners. Generally speaking, the smaller the aircraft, the fewer amenities can fit on the plane. Depending on the size aircraft you select, will also influence whether or not there is a restroom on board. In the aviation industry there are a few names for the bathroom. You may hear the terms “Potty, Lav, or lavatory”.
- If your aircraft does have a Lavatory, this restroom may be beautifully designed with a fully enclosed space consisting of a toilet, sink and enough room to change your clothing. Sometimes with smaller aircraft, there can be a semi-enclosed lavatory which would be shielded from the cabin with a retractable curtain. For the smallest aircraft, there may be a potty seat that lifts up for emergency use only or no restroom capability at all.
Can I bring my pets?
- From teacup to large breeds, don’t leave home without your lovable furry friend! Not every aircraft or operator accepts animals in the cabin, so tell us who is traveling with you when you first call, and we will find a carrier that welcomes them, whether it is for a vacation or a move. We know they are family, and getting the arrangements right matters.
- Depending on the breed, the size of the animal and the length of the trip, there may be requirements for sedation or a crate. Call us with any questions, and we will walk you through them.
What is a qualified flight crew?
For each private jet charter flight that we arrange we have hand selected aircraft operators that have crewed pilots who have met or exceeded FAA Part 135 requirements to fly charter safely. Our team goes above and beyond and will also check to see that these pilots have sufficient time and experience flying that particular type of aircraft that you will be a passenger on.
What terminal and gates are used at the airports?
At most airports there is a private terminal called a Fixed-based operator (FBO). They are similar to a commercial waiting area, but for private passengers only and generally more luxurious. Some FBO’s have leather couches and chairs, some may serve gourmet coffees and snacks, many sell aviation fuel and have repair stations attached to them and some can be home to private jets and helicopters as this is where they generally park in their hangars. There are certain smaller airports that do not have a private terminal and may have a general aviation terminal.
Who operates the aircraft?
- When we arrange your flight we will search to locate aircraft with minimal repositioning fees and are priced competitively no matter where your trip originates. We will present you with different options for your air charter needs. Once you have selected a private aircraft out of the options provided, we would secure the aircraft and you will be informed of the aircraft operator and tail number on the itinerary of your trip before your flight.
- Disclosure under DOT Part 295: Chicago Private Jets always acts strictly as the agent for the client, never as the operator. We are not a direct or indirect air carrier, and we do not own or operate any aircraft our customers fly on. Every flight we arrange is operated by FAR Part 135 or Part 121 air carriers, or the foreign equivalent, and those operators maintain full operational control of the flight at all times. Operators must meet FAA or JAR safety requirements along with the additional safety standards we set.
Is there Wi-Fi and entertainment on board?
Depending on the size and capabilities of the specific aircraft selected, many private jets offer advanced in-flight amenities. Some features are complimentary, while others incur additional fees.
While not all aircraft feature the items below, we can arrange your charter flight to include them by request (availability varies by aircraft model, service areas, domestic versus international flights, and over-water routing):
- Wi-Fi High-Speed Internet (such as Gogo for domestic routes or Starlink/Viasat for international and over-water connectivity)
- Televisions
- Smartphone Connectivity
- Music and Entertainment Systems
- Coffee / Espresso Machines & Microwaves
Important Note: Because amenities vary significantly by aircraft (smaller light jets may have limited cabin space, lack specialized galleys, or experience signal drops), please notify your dedicated advisor of any must-have tech or catering requirements prior to booking. Any added amenities, special requests, or third-party operational costs will be billed in accordance with your Charter Broker Agreement.
Will there be a flight attendant on board?
Some aircraft require a flight attendant on board and others do not. If your flight does not require one but you would like to have a flight attendant, that can usually be arranged. Upon booking your flight, please let us know prior to the quoting process if this is something you require on your trip.
Have Another Question?
Do you have a question we didn’t cover here? Whether you’re a new client looking to book your first private flight or someone we have worked with on a regular basis, we want you to feel as comfortable as possible about our service and private aviation. Our goal is to provide you with the highest level of service possible, including providing answers to all of the questions you may have during the booking process. Our team is available for you 24/7 – Don’t hesitate to reach out to us and ask!