How-to guide
First-Time Private Jet Charter Checklist
The first charter is the one with the most unknowns. This checklist walks the whole process, from getting an honest quote to walking across the ramp, with practical questions to resolve before booking.
Before you book
Get the trip and the numbers straight first:
- Define the trip: route, dates, passenger count, and how much baggage, these drive the cabin class and the price.
- See real pricing before you commit. You should be able to see a route's price range by aircraft class up front, no membership or signup wall to get a number.
- Verify the operator. Any aircraft you fly should be operated by an FAA Part 135 certificate holder, ideally with a third-party safety rating (ARGUS or Wyvern). Ask, and confirm.
- Confirm what's included: taxes (the 7.5% federal excise tax on domestic legs), fuel surcharges, catering, and de-icing in winter.
Booking and payment
The final price and terms come in a written quote from the operator, never a verbal 'call for a quote.' Read the contract for cancellation terms, which tighten as the flight approaches. Payment is typically by wire or card ahead of the trip.
Day of the flight
Private travel replaces the terminal with an FBO:
- Confirm your reporting time, terminal address, and required passenger checks with the operator before travel.
- Ask which identity and travel documents your itinerary requires, including international arrival formalities.
- Baggage goes straight onto the aircraft; there are no weight-per-bag fees, but total payload matters, tell your advisor about heavy or bulky items.
- Catering and ground transport can be arranged to meet you at the ramp.
Confirm the operator and the actual trip
A cabin category is a starting point. Before accepting a proposal, keep one written record of who operates the flight, which aircraft is proposed, and what your party needs.
- Operating company
- Ask for the legal operator name and its Air Carrier or Operating Certificate. Confirm the proposed aircraft is authorized for charter use. If you book through a broker, record the broker and operator separately and ask who handles changes.
- Passengers and baggage
- List passenger count, bag dimensions, sports equipment, pets, and boarding assistance needs. Ask the operator to confirm fit and loading for the actual aircraft and itinerary; seat count alone does not settle baggage capacity.
- Schedule and airports
- Record the preferred departure window, acceptable alternatives, destination ground transfer, and any arrival deadline. Ask which stops or airport changes could be needed for the proposed mission.
- Changes and payment
- Keep the complete quoted total and written cancellation, substitution, and refund terms. For an empty leg, ask what happens if the underlying flight changes and whether a replacement is included.
Example: the same seats, a different mission
A party traveling with small overnight bags and the same party carrying golf clubs may need different aircraft options. Send the full baggage list before comparing quotes. This is an illustrative planning scenario, not a payload or range calculation.
The FAA passenger charter guidance explains operator authorization checks and warning signs. A listing or membership badge on this site does not replace those checks.
Continue with the charter guide library and compare options using the trip planner.
Checklist updated September 5, 2026.
Frequently asked
How do I charter a private jet for the first time?
Start by defining your route, dates, passengers, and baggage, then get a price range by aircraft class. Verify the operator holds an FAA Part 135 certificate and a safety rating, review the written quote and cancellation terms, and pay ahead by wire or card. Confirm the reporting time and terminal with your operator.
How early should I arrive for a private jet?
Use the reporting time your operator confirms for your itinerary and terminal. Ask about passenger checks, international formalities, and boarding assistance before travel.
What should I check before booking a charter operator?
Confirm the flight is operated by an FAA Part 135 certificate holder, ask whether the operator carries an ARGUS or Wyvern safety rating, and make sure your quote is in writing with taxes, fuel, and cancellation terms spelled out.
Keep reading
Price your trip
Tell us the route and party, a charter advisor confirms real pricing within 15 minutes.