What Are the Hidden Costs of Private Jet Charters?

If you’re looking to charter a flight, it’s important to compare estimates from at least a few private jet providers. While some offer all-inclusive quotes meant to cover each expense under one price, others itemize theirs so you can see what you’re paying for. 

Neither approach necessarily accounts for every charge, making it even more important to know what to look for. Keep reading to learn about 11 expenses that are sometimes not included in estimates for private jet charters.

One of the biggest benefits of chartering a private flight is flexibility. While commercial carriers operate on strict schedules and routes, private charters fly virtually whenever and wherever the traveler chooses.

There also is, of course, the element of privacy. High-profile celebrities and politicians may prefer a private charter over the complications of using public transit. Sports teams, film crews, or corporate officers may need to travel together to a specific destination. Some charter companies, such as Trilogy Aviation Group, specialize in corporate charters. 

Even if there's no need to avoid the public eye, flying privately is comfortable and convenient for many individuals and groups.

Chartering an airplane goes beyond just renting the aircraft. The price of a charter typically encompasses all of the operational costs required to make the flight happen. These basic expenses include crew salaries, fuel, and airport fees, among others.

Additional charges may be in the form of optional upgrades, extra services, or trip-specific costs. Many charter companies, for instance NetJets, offer membership packages that help make pricing more predictable.

Aircraft charters are usually priced by the flight hour. The longer the flight, the more expensive it will be. Cost also varies with the type of airplane being chartered. Some jets burn more fuel or require more expensive maintenance than others. 

Without factoring in any variables, a private jet charter can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $15,000 per hour.

After the base rate for the aircraft, other fees come from the unique circumstances of the flight. Flying at unusual hours, during holidays, or internationally will likely make the flight more expensive. Some charter companies also offer à la carte onboard and ground services. 

The point is, many variables can drive up the price of charter jet services above providers’ estimates. Here are 11 of the most common charter fees and costs you may not have considered:

While a base rate for fuel is likely factored into the hourly cost, fuel prices fluctuate. Initial quotes for a private charter flight only include a fuel estimate, not the actual price. A light or midsize jet may burn 80 to 300 gallons of fuel per hour, depending on the type of airplane.

Many airports charge a fee to land or park an airplane. A parking fee is also known as a ramp fee. Some airports waive one or both of them if a certain amount of fuel is purchased. Each airport sets its own rules and prices, so costs vary by destination.

If an aircraft needs to park overnight, expect additional charges from both the airport and flight crew. Pilots and other required staff are compensated for time away from home, not just the flight time.

Repositioning happens when an airplane is scheduled to fly out of a different airport than its original location. 

Let’s say an aircraft is based in Dallas but is booked for a flight out of Nashville, Tennessee. The client may need to pay for the empty airplane’s travel to Nashville. These fees also apply when a client wants to depart from a different airport than the arrival destination.

Trilogy Aviation Group uses these repositioning flights as a chance to offer much lower fares. With Trilogy, clients can book an "empty leg" charter flight and save up to 75 percent compared to normal charter rates. If your desired itinerary happens to line up with a repositioning flight, it's a great opportunity to cut some major costs.

In colder climates aircraft deicing services may be necessary, particularly in the winter. This entails applying de-icing fluid to an aircraft, which removes and prevents ice formation.

Planes can't fly safely with ice on their wings, so associated fees are non-negotiable. 

Plan for a catering fee to cover the costs of special food, drink, and service requests. You may be asked to submit meal orders in advance, which will give you a better idea of what to expect on your invoice. 

Some private airplane charters take special meal requests, facilitated by a flight attendant who buys ingredients beforehand, then prepares and serves the food in-flight.

A rental car or transportation service can be arranged in advance to meet an airplane on the ground when it lands. Many private charter companies will coordinate this on clients’ behalf for an additional fee.

International flying comes with extra costs and paperwork. The pilots will typically handle the necessary forms for the trip, but the expense is passed on to the charter client. Expect international fees to apply whenever a flight crosses a national border.

If your trip takes place on or near a major holiday, there could likely be peak travel charges. Airports are busier, pilots are receiving holiday pay, and flights are in high demand. These factors could all increase the price of the jet charter.

Just like with many types of services, cancellation fees may be incurred. Typically the closer you are to the scheduled flight time, the higher the cost. Read each provider’s cancellation policy before booking to understand how the fee may be applied.

Paying a membership fee to a private charter company can be a great option for those planning to fly private multiple times a year.

Memberships also can be a great way to get more predictable pricing on private charters. They often include a set number of flight hours at a flat annual rate.

If a membership isn't being fully used, however, it could become an additional expense that makes private flying more expensive in the long run.

With so many potential extra fees, the best way to compare costs is to get multiple detailed estimates. 

Most charter companies have web pages where you can submit quote request forms. When completing them, provide as much information about your trip as possible. The more detail provided, the more accurate your quote will be. If the response feels incomplete or unclear, you can always ask for an itemized estimate.

You can also look for online cost comparison tools to get a better idea of what your private jet charter will cost.

When booking a private jet charter, remember that many factors can play into the total cost of the flight. If your travel plans are clear and you know what amenities you'll need, obtaining an accurate quote will be easy. 

Keep these cost-driving variables in mind, and ask charter companies for more details if you aren’t sure about anything. They'll be happy to outline your options and provide clear expectations for your private charter flight.

What is the average cost of a private jet charter?

Many factors go into determining the cost of a private jet charter. The average cost is around $10,000 per hour but may vary significantly depending on the circumstances.

Is it cheaper to fly in a private jet?

It is not usually cheaper to fly on a private jet than it is to fly on a commercial carrier.

Is it worth it to charter a private jet?

For an individual or group requiring privacy or a specific travel itinerary, a private jet charter may be worth the cost.