Private Jet Charter FAQs

We can source an aircraft to operate a charter flight for any number of passengers.

Our private jet charter service provides aircraft suitable for up to 20 passengers with luggage.

Our group charter service is ideal for groups of 20 passengers and upwards. We can provide aircraft suitable for any number of passengers, including sports team travel, events and conferences and specialist holiday tours.

The luggage capacity varies by aircraft model. Our charter brokers can advise which aircraft are best suited to your luggage requirements.

Generally speaking, most private jets have the capability to hold whatever is needed for your trip and more; whether in the hold or in the cabin. We will be happy to talk through your needs about any specific luggage such as skis or watersports equipment.

Yes! We are regularly asked to arrange private flights for owners travelling with their pets. Pets like cats and dogs can sit in the cabin with you, rather than in the hold like most scheduled flights – a nicer experience for everyone.

There are some requirements when your pet is travelling with you – contact us for more details or read our guide to flying by private jet with pets.

One of the key benefits of travelling on a private jet charter is the reduced waiting time before take-off.

We recommend arriving 30 minutes before your chosen departure time and this can be reduced to 15 minutes at many airports. We’ll discuss this with you at the time of booking.

Yes, the same rules apply to private charters as they do for scheduled flights.

A valid passport is required for all international flights, including travel within the Schengen area, and we will require all passenger information in advance of your chartered flight.

If your flight is within the UK (departing and arriving) then passengers will just need to show a form of identity with a photo; a passport or a driving license. However, we recommend that passengers always carry their passport with them, even if they are not required to by the carrier or immigration.

At larger airports, the private jet terminals will have dedicated customs and immigration staff. At smaller airports, customs and immigration officials will be aware of the private flight and can make a special visit to the terminal to meet the flight.

An empty leg is when a flight is due to operate on a sector without any passengers. As the aircraft will be flying the sector anyway, the empty leg is offered at a reduced cost of the regular flight cost.

Contact us for more details or to check the availability of an empty leg on your preferred route.

FBO stands for Fixed Base Operator is the term given to the services and facilities available at an airport. Many airports have dedicated private terminals, whilst some have private facilities within their main terminals. We’ll discuss this with you at the time of booking and take into account any personal preferences.

CTOT stands for calculated take-off time and is used by aircraft operators on the day of departure. It is a specific take-off time allocated to a flight and is used by airspace controllers to manage air traffic flow.

A CTOT will vary from the specified departure time on your flight brief. During peak periods with heavy air traffic, your flight’s CTOT may result in a slight delay.

We love a challenge! If you’ve missed a flight or your flight has been cancelled or delayed, we’ll always do our best to get you where you need to be as quickly as possible. We regularly help clients who have missed their commercial flight, for whatever reason.

Typically, when we receive a last-minute request, we’ll endeavour to have an aircraft ready to go in as little as 30 minutes, ensuring minimal disruption to your journey.

The best way to request a last-minute private jet charter is to call us on +44 1293 551244.

VIP catering suitable for the time of day will be provided on board. For small cabin aircraft, this will normally be pre-prepared buffet style catering. For larger cabin aircraft with galley facilities, catering can be prepared on board and hot meals served during the flight. All flights will have a fully licensed bar and soft drinks available.

If you have any special catering requirements or food allergies, please let us know at the time of booking.

Some larger private jets with a galley area will include the services of a flight attendant on-board as standard; this is not always the case with smaller private jets, where cabin space is limited. Depending on the size and type of your chartered jet, we can arrange for a flight attendant to assist you on your journey.

Where there is not a flight attendant, the flight crew will be able to assist you with bags and any other special requirements, just let us know at the time of booking.

Ideally, we need at least a day’s notice to organise a private jet charter, which allows time for operational set-up and therefore a smooth travel experience. However, we have organised charter flights within hours.

To give an example; when a family’s chartered flight to New York was grounded in London due to technical issues with the operator they had booked with, they faced a 20-hour delay. That’s when Matt, our Head of Charter, got the call. Within hours of speaking with their executive assistant, Matt secured an ultra-long range aircraft, a Global Express XRS, and had the family – and their dog – en route to Westhampton Airport from London Luton Airport just five hours later.

When departing from UK airports, we need to allow time to process Persons On-Board Flight Information. As the information must be submitted by the operators no later than 2 hours prior to the expected time of departure, we can’t accommodate requests for private jet charters departing in under 2 hours, even if you are already at an airport. This doesn’t apply to flights within the UK, or flights departing outside the UK.

Yes. Since 2009, we have retained membership of The Air Charter Association, a professional accreditation that demonstrates our commitment to delivering the highest level of service to our air charter clients.

All members of the Air Charter Association are recognised as accredited professionals in the industry, setting them apart from companies that have not passed the required verification process to join The ACA or committed to uphold best practices.

We also hold the ACA Qualified Broker Training accreditation. Our team of aircraft charter brokers have taken and passed The ACA Broker Qualification course, one that teaches industry best practice and knowledge to maintain the highest standards in the market.

No, we operate globally with access to over 7,500 aircraft across the world.

Each London airport offers distinct advantages for private jet charters, from proximity to the capital to exclusive FBO (Fixed Base Operator) services for private aviation

London Biggin Hill Airport (BQH) is just 12 miles from Canary Wharf and 15 miles from Central London, providing quick and convenient access to the capital – just 6 minutes away by helicopter shuttle.

London Luton Airport is London’s fourth-largest airport and located 35 miles north of the city centre, providing easy access to the rest of the UK. Luton offer 24 hour services for business aviation.

London Stansted Airport (STN) is located just 35 miles from Central London, 34 miles to Canary Wharf and 37 miles to the West End, with fast and convenient road and rail links to the whole of the UK.

Farnborough Airport (FAB) is a dedicated business aviation hub, providing easy access to London via the major road links. The capital is also reachable by a 30 minute train journey or a 12 minute helicopter service to Battersea. Catering exclusively to private and business jet traffic, Farnborough Airport is known for its luxurious surroundings and efficient service.

London City Airport’s Private Jet Centre (LCY) is the only private jet centre situated within central London itself and is just 3 miles from Canary Wharf and 5 miles from the City. Due to its shorter runway and steep approach, London City Airport is limited to specific aircraft types with trained flight crew.

Yes. Our private jet suppliers operate to the most stringent of standards.

Several of our suppliers are Wyvern & Wingman accredited, varying in rating such as “Platinum” & “Gold” rated. Furthermore, our suppliers are proudly registered members of the IS-BAO (International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations) and the ACA (The Air Charter Association, the same association Smart Aviation are proud members of).

Our charter team can provide all aircraft and operator documentation such as valid AOC (Air Operator Certificate) and COI (Certificate of Insurance).

Yes! This is one of the advantages of private jet charter. We can incorporate multiple stops into your trip, allowing for time in each city.

There is a small amount of flexibility with private jet charter flights. If you anticipate that you will be late for your charter flight, please let us know as soon as possible and we will be able to advise if the aircraft can wait for you.

Yes, we can organise helicopter transfers as an add-on to your private jet charter, to get you from the airport directly to your final destination, or as a stand-alone service. We can arrange helicopter charters in the UK, Europe and beyond.

Yes, we have local contacts that provide quality onward ground transportation and we are able to book this on your behalf when your charter flight has been booked.

Our cancellation terms are contractual and are clearly outlined in the charter contract. They will vary, depending on the type of charter and the aircraft operator’s specific terms. Below is an example:

• 25% of the charter price from signature of the contract to 14 days prior to scheduled departure.
• 50% of the charter price if cancelled less than 14 days to 7 days prior to the scheduled departure date.
• 75% of the charter price if cancelled less than 7 days to 48 hours prior to the scheduled departure date.
• 100% of the charter price if cancelled less than 48 hours prior to scheduled departure, no notice or “no show”.

Here is a list of key information we need to provide an accurate charter quote:

• Departure and destination airport/city
• Departure/return dates
• Desired departure times. Alternatively, provide us with your desired arrival times, and we can work out the necessary departure time.
• Number of passengers
• Expected luggage, including any oversize items like prams or skis
• Any specific requirements, such as wifi, smoking, hot catering, flight attendant.
• Any preferred aircraft types

Read more about how to book a private charter flight here.