How to save money on business jet charter

Tips for getting the best deal:

Even private jet travellers want value for money. A round-the-world trip on the latest and greatest jet can cost $800,00, but for those who want to use private jets as a flexible and time-saving alternative to commercial airlines, per person fares can be comparable to first and business class.

1)     Go to one broker.

As Jeffrey Emmenis, a broker with Vertis Aviation explains, “Going to more than one or maximum two brokers is counterproductive. All you get is five or six brokers ringing up the same operators asking for quotes for your flight, which will not get you the best price.”

2)     Be flexible.

One of the largest costs of private jet travel is positioning aircraft – getting them from where they are to where you want to fly from. If you are flexible you can save by catching an aircraft that is already at your closest airport. “Spending two more days on your yacht could easily save you over $10,000,” says Emmenis.

3)     Book  in advance.

Private jets are often booked at the last minute; that’s one of their advantages. But if you are looking for the best price then at least a week in advance is best.

4)     Look for empty legs.

Many private jet flights are empty due to positioning or returning to home bases. “Many operators now post their empty legs online, and if your itinerary is flexible, finding an empty leg on your route could provide you with a flight for something like a 75% discount,” says Algy Trotter, an operations controller at PrivateFly.

5)     Fill your aircraft.

Fairly obvious, but private jets are charged per plane, not per seat like an airline, so travelling with more passengers will reduce the per person cost of your charter. Your broker can advise you on the right aircraft size.