Private Jet Charter Quote Explained: What the Price Includes

Two quotes for the same trip can differ by thousands of dollars. Often the plane is not the reason. The reason is what each quote includes. Here is how to read a charter quote line by line.

The base price

Most quotes start with a flight time and an hourly rate. Flight time is the time from takeoff to landing, plus a small amount for taxi. Multiply it by the rate and you get the base price. Some operators give one fixed price for the whole trip instead.

Fees that are often added

• Landing fees: charged by the airport. Larger airports cost more.
• FBO or handling fees: charged by the private terminal. Read what an FBO does to see why.
• Fuel: may be in the rate or added as a surcharge.
• Taxes: in the USA, domestic charter flights carry a federal excise tax on air transportation. The IRS publishes the rate. A segment fee can apply too.
• Catering: food and drinks, if you order them.
• De-icing: in cold weather, when the aircraft needs it.
• Customs and international fees: for flights across borders, including permits and overflight charges.

Fees for the crew and the aircraft

If the crew stays overnight, you may pay for hotel and meals. If you want the plane to wait, you may pay a daily or hourly waiting fee. Many operators set a minimum charge per day. Ask about both.

Positioning flights

The plane may start far from your airport. The operator then flies it to you without passengers. This is called a positioning flight, and it can show up as a cost on the quote. If the aircraft is already near you, this cost is small. That is why asking several operators matters. Some trips also come as empty legs, where the positioning flight is sold at a lower price.

Broker fees

A broker may add a fee on top of the operator's price. Some show it as a line. Others build it into the total. Ask the broker to say how they are paid. Our guide on broker vs operator explains the difference.

Questions to ask before you say yes

1. Is this a fixed price or an estimate?
2. What is not included?
3. What happens if the schedule changes?
4. What is the cancellation policy?
5. Who is the operator, and is the flight a Part 135 flight?
6. Is the aircraft the same one in the photos?

How to compare quotes

Put the quotes side by side. Use the same date, the same airports, and the same aircraft size. Then check each line. A low total with many "not included" notes can end up higher than a clear total. Also compare aircraft type and age. A faster jet may cost more per hour but fly fewer hours. See turboprop vs light jet for an example.

Get quotes from verified companies

Browse charter operators and brokers in our directory: Charter.

Sources: IRS rules on the federal excise tax on air transportation; FAA 14 CFR Part 135; operator and FBO published fee guides.