Short answer
To fly private for the first time, request a quote for your trip, choose an aircraft size that fits your group and distance, and confirm the price and operator. On the day, you drive to the private terminal (FBO), show ID, meet the crew and board, usually 15 to 30 minutes before departure. You pay for the whole aircraft, so the price depends on flight time, aircraft size and whether the jet has to reposition to reach you.
Your first private flight is simpler than you might expect. There are no security lines and no gates, and the aircraft waits for you. Here is what to know before you book and on the day.
Ways to Book a Private Jet
- On-demand charter (what we do): you rent a whole aircraft for a trip, with no membership or deposit. A broker like Air1 Jets finds a suitable aircraft from many operators.
- Booking directly with an operator: can work if you already know and trust one, but you are limited to its fleet.
- Jet cards and fractional shares: prepaid programs that make sense for frequent flyers. See charter vs. jet card vs. fractional.
What It Costs
Charter is priced by the aircraft, not the seat. The main factors are flight time, aircraft size and repositioning, which is flying the jet to your departure airport and home again if it is not based nearby. Our pricing guide lists current hourly rates by jet size, and the cost calculator estimates your exact trip.
Fees to Ask About
A good quote spells these out:
- Federal excise tax of 7.5% on most US charters, plus a small per-passenger segment fee
- De-icing on winter days, from a few hundred dollars on a small jet to several thousand on a large one
- Landing, parking and airport fees, higher at busy airports
- Crew overnight costs when the crew stays with you on multi-day trips
- Catering beyond standard snacks and drinks
What Happens on the Day
- Drive to the FBO, the private terminal, usually at a smaller airport close to home.
- Show ID. A passport for international trips.
- Meet the crew. The captain will tell you about the route, weather and flight time.
- Board. Your bags are loaded for you; the crew gives a short safety briefing.
- Take off, often within minutes of boarding.
What the Cabin Is Like
- Light jets: comfortable seats, no stand-up room, ideal for trips up to about two to three hours.
- Midsize jets: more room and a small galley.
- Super-midsize jets: stand-up cabins and coast-to-coast range.
- Heavy jets: large cabins for groups and long international trips.
Safety
US charter flights are flown by operators certified under FAA Part 135. We use operators with ARGUS or Wyvern ratings, and every trip passes Air1 Clearance. Read Part 135 vs. Part 91 to see why it matters.
Etiquette in Brief
- Wait for the crew to invite you on board.
- Ask before taking photos of the aircraft or crew.
- Tipping is optional; see do you tip on a private jet?
- Tell us about special requests, pets and catering when you book.
Planning a trip? See prices for every aircraft that fits, before you share any contact details.
Estimate your trip