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One of the most significant issues in the private jet charter industry is reliability. Mechanical issues happen for a variety of reasons. When a mechanical problem occurs, the aircraft maintenance team will take a quick look to see if they can fix it immediately. If a quick fix is not an option, the aircraft has to go into maintenance and will be classed as AOG or “Aircraft On Ground”.

When chartering a private jet, the last thing you want to hear is that the aircraft is “AOG” – or Aircraft on Ground. This term is used to describe an aircraft that is unable to fly due to a mechanical issue. In other words, if your aircraft is on AOG, your flight is grounded.

When the aircraft is considered unsafe to fly, it will be placed on AOG until the necessary repairs can be made. Depending on the severity of the issue, this can involve anything from a simple maintenance check to an extensive overhaul. In some cases, it may even require replacing parts or swapping in a new aircraft altogether. An AOG situation can last for a few hours or a few days.

Occasionally, companies may need to fly executives in from multiple locations, or individuals may be flying several attendees to a party or gathering. Sentinel Aviation’s on-demand charter service allows you to secure multiple aircraft of different sizes at the same time. We  will suggest the best private jet for each mission to optimise efficiency and reduce your costs.

When you charter an aircraft, it is more often that owned by an individual or entity, this is particularly so for “Super Light” sized aircraft and upwards. This person or entity will have to give their approval before your booking can be confirmed. This is nearly always done after contract signature. If the owner does not approve the trip, we will offer up an alternative solution and/or charter aircraft option.

Floating fleet is a term used to describe several aircraft of the same type in various locations which are all typically managed and operated by one operator. For example, the operator could have multiple Gulfstream, Citations, or Challengers located throughout the world at any given moment. These aircraft do not always need to return to base; instead, they simply change the pilots and crew where necessary.

When you’re flying on a round-trip flight, operators in the USA charge a daily minimum charge, usually a two-hour minimum for super midsize jets and smaller, and 2½ hours per day for larger aircraft. For this reason, in some cases, it’s more practical to book two round trips than to keep the aircraft at your location. Within Europe Operators will include the “waiting time” in a quote as it will often be cheaper to do so than positioning the aircraft in and out.

The main advantage of using a helicopter is that you’re able to depart via a helipad, which means you can fly in and out of tighter spaces and often land closer to your destination. The disadvantages are that helicopters hold few passengers and little luggage, and are also far more dependent on weather than fixed-wing aircraft.

Turboprops are versatile. They usually require shorter runways, so they can land at more airports. This flexibility also allows you to land closer to your destination. They also have larger cabins that can hold more passengers than light jets. The disadvantages are that turboprops fly below the jet stream at a much lower altitude, which means they’re affected by turbulence.

There are many relatively new aircraft available for charter. For example, we may be able to help you charter an aircraft that is only one-year-old. However, most brand-new aircraft are purchased by owners and placed into charter at a later date.

We will always advise in the first case the bare minimum aircraft required to do the flight direct (without refuelling) according to the range, numbers of passengers and amount of luggage. You also have to think about your personal preferences. Maybe you want the jet to be very luxurious, or maybe you’re flying solo on a short trip for just a few hours but would still prefer a large jet with a flight attendant. It’s all about what you want.

Only certain midsize jets can carry skis, but all super midsize jets and larger and over can accommodate them. The Citation Mustang is the only private jet smaller than a midsize jet that has a ski chute.

To know how many golf bags you can carry on an aircraft, you need to consider two things: aircraft size, and whether the golf bag is hard or soft. Hard cases take up a lot of space, so you won’t fit as many on board whereas soft cases are packed more tightly.

As a rule of thumb, each seat on a light or midsize jet equates to one passenger and one item of luggage. Each item of luggage is considered to be the standard 23 kilograms, or about 50 lbs. Large jets are designed for long-range trips, which typically involve longer stays, so you can carry more than one item of luggage per person.

Many private jets do have Wi-Fi, and it’s increasingly available free of charge on U.S. domestic flights. On international flights, prices range from €2.00 Euros per megabyte used. This means that opening up social media sites that are rich in images and videos could quickly see costs mount – and downloading a feature-length movie could cost thousands. At Sentinel we always require you to sign a contract which will include accepting the Wifi charges prior to the flight. If you specifically do not want to accept the wifi charges, you must say so prior to your flight.

Aircraft age is not a safety factor. However, if the aircraft is older and hasn’t been refurbished properly, it may cause flyers some inconvenience, such as overheating, faulty air conditioning, or faulty plumbing in the lavatory.

There are many aircraft that are wheelchair accessible. Most of them are large jets or above and have a straight aisle. You’ll also need the right type of wheelchair; many motorised wheelchairs won’t fit and can’t be collapsed. If this is the case, you’ll need a smaller, temporary wheelchair. Some aircraft operators have smaller wheelchairs that can be used. Please let us know at the outset if a wheelchair is likely to be used.

Private jets should be refurbished every five years on average. For the best flying experience, you’ll want one that’s been refurbished within the past two years. Even if an owner takes very good care of their jet, it will still suffer general wear and tear over the years, from worn-down carpeting down the centre aisle to chafing of the leather seats from constant contact with people and luggage.

On most private jets, you will be able to access your luggage during the flight. That’s because luggage and passengers are situated on the same level. This is in contrast to commercial airlines, where checked luggage is stored in a cargo hold. On large private jets, luggage is often stored in a compartment behind the lavatory, which means easy access to your bags.

Boeing Business Jets (BBJs) have unique amenities that extend far beyond sheer size and are often equipped with 1-2 bedrooms and 2-3 bathrooms (one more of those bathrooms may even offer stand-up showers.) These airliner-based executive aircraft also feature tall or ‘stand-up’ cabins that are also longer and wider than more typical corporate aircraft.

If you’re on a short flight of up to 400 miles, or around an hour or less, a turboprop may be the cheapest option. Light jets typically have a two-hour minimum charge per day, so even if your flight is shorter than this, you’ll still be charged for two full hours. Turboprops often carry a 90-minute minimum, which is 25% less – so if you’re flying 45 minutes in each direction, a turboprop is ideal.

A landing or takeoff slot is simply a small window of time in which your aircraft is scheduled to fly in or out of the airport. You will need a landing and takeoff slot if you fly to a high-density airport that is hosting a special event with a significant number of aircraft arriving and departing (eg; Geneva during the Skiing season). If you’re flying internationally, you will need a landing and takeoff slot for all major European cities. We will always ask you what times you want to depart and arrive at your chosen airports.

Sometimes you can be given a departure slot and then have it delayed. Delays are regrettable but always out of our control. A delay could be because of either the Departure or Arrival capacity, they could be due to the weather or they could be down to en route capacity issues. We will always keep you informed about delays.

In our experience, the airports with the most frequent issues are Ibiza, Mykonos and Naples (Italy). These popular airports have frequent capacity issues and if you are delayed leaving your airport of departure you could miss your arrival slot at these airports. This is even the case when you book your charter weeks in advance. For this reason we also recommend that you do not make restaurant booking or similar at your destination on the same day of your flight in case there is a delay. The same goes for an airport like Farnborough at the beginning or end of school holidays.

Private jet clients can often have a limo drive them right up to the private jet, or even drive their own car to the plane. That said, different airports have different policies, and some may not offer ramp access. At Sentinel Aviation we always strive for the perfect service for our clients, if we can get you ramp side access we will.

Passengers on all international private charter flights will have to stop at customs. In certain countries, you may have to go through customs at a specific port of entry; for example, you must stop in Tahiti to perform customs checks en route to Bora Bora. You’ll also need to stop at the first port of entry when entering the U.S. from Europe.

No. When you charter a private jet, you generally fly into a private airport. However, you could access the same airports as a commercial airline if you request to do so or if there are no private airport options. However, using a large mainstream airport like Los Angeles International or London Heathrow is often a bad choice for private jets, as flying to a smaller regional private airport is much faster and often makes for a more luxurious experience.

No. When you charter a private jet, you generally fly into a private airport. However, you could access the same airports as a commercial airline if you request to do so or if there are no private airport options. However, using a large mainstream airport like Los Angeles International or London Heathrow is often a bad choice for private jets, as flying to a smaller regional private airport is much faster and often makes for a more luxurious experience.

Using a private jet charter is like having a private aviation assistant. At Sentinel we learn about your preferences, needs, and family, ensuring a bespoke flying experience. We communicate with you from you accepting a quote until you leave the aircraft at your final destination. We will arrange your catering and beverages along with hotel, limos and heli transfers should you wish.

The short answer is no. Aircraft Operators control the price and it is true in some cases that brokers will compete against each other, resulting in a lower price. If you are after the lowest price, then you could end up with the oldest un-refurbished aircraft available with an operator with a poor reputation. You then turn up for your summer holiday, you end up with an AOG situation and everyone is unhappy.  At Sentinel we offer a price based on our considerable knowledge and experience of the private jet industry and also on the level and style of bespoke service that we offer. We will negotiate the price where we can and also where possible negotiate a “wifi inclusive” price or at least a “wifi allowance”.  We won’t compromise on our standard of service.

Booking via a broker can be cost-effective and safer. If you book directly through an operator, you’ll pay retail pricing. You’ll also be charged markups on extras that are added by the operator, and they’ll only give you quotes on aircraft within their own fleet, which hampers your options.

Clients should never be afraid to ask questions to determine if they’ve found the right charter broker for their needs. Here are some questions you might ask when looking for ‘red flags’ that could detract from your charter experience, along with the relevant answers.

While charter brokers are not required to meet the same regulatory requirements as operators, respectable companies will often voluntarily pursue third-party accreditation for their business practices. This provides further assurance to clients that the broker values customer service, professional and ethical business standards, and financial responsibility.

New brokers may certainly mean well and have their clients’ best interests in mind, but experience is key. A broker with many years of experience has had time to develop a large network of connections, which in turn means more options for their clients and often at better prices, too.

Brokers should hold the operators and aircraft they represent to stringent internal safety auditing standards. Don’t be afraid to ask a broker about the operators with whom they do business, and think twice if the names that pop up are companies with recent accidents or incidents or multiple violations with the regulatory authorities such as EASA, the FAA and national Aviation Authorities such as the CAA in the UK.

Never be afraid to ask what’s included in the quoted price, or be concerned that you’ll sound like an amateur for doing so, it’s important that you know exactly what you’re paying for! A broker’s quoted price should include all fees, taxes, and food costs associated with your trip; always verify this is the case before signing on the dotted line, as some brokers like to add these charges after you’ve agreed to a lower, more alluring price. International Wifi and De-icing are never normally included in the price although a good broker will negotiate Wifi charges and or allowances for you. In some cases they can even arrange de-icing insurance for you.

It might seem it would be more cost-effective to cut out the “middleman” and deal directly with the operator. However, keep in mind, an operator’s primary interest is to secure the flight, while a broker adds value by ensuring that all aspects of their client’s trip have been carefully planned and that all their interests and needs have been met. An honest broker will happily explain the pros and cons of using their services.

A key advantage of using a charter broker is the sheer number of aircraft to which they have access, providing further assurance that you’ll fly onboard the aircraft best suited for your particular mission. Also, verify with the broker the aircraft that will be performing your trip prior to submitting payment, as some brokers may demand money upfront before your flight has been fully secured. You will also need to confirm whether the aircraft you are chartering is from a fleet or not.

While this decision ultimately rests with only the client, a knowledgeable charter broker should also guide you in your decision and help you determine the most efficient and practical options available. For example, if you want a large jet but only have a few passengers, they should advise you to consider a smaller aircraft.

Everyone’s plans may change at the last minute, so it’s important to ask about the broker’s trip cancellation policy when booking your trip. While some charter providers may be able to offer full reimbursement for a cancelled trip, policies differ greatly between operators, aircraft types, and trip lengths. On a sliding scale cancellation charges are higher the closer you get to the date of departure.

Private jet charter is an exclusive and often luxurious way to travel. That said, not all aircraft are equipped with big screen TVs, leather recliners, private lavatories, or fully equipped galleys. Ask your broker about the selected aircraft’s premium features, so you know what you’ll be paying for.

Aircraft are maintained regularly and frequently upgraded to the latest standards and equipment, which often makes it difficult to ascertain their exact age; for the same reasons, age is usually moot when it comes to an aircraft’s safety, comfort, and amenities. Be wary if a broker strongly recommends only the latest aircraft, as they may simply be looking to make more money.

The broker will help secure the operator and crew for your flight, and these entities will each conduct their own preflight checks to determine your aircraft’s airworthiness. If they spot a discrepancy such as a mechanical issue, oil leak, or a missing panel they will not fly until that issue has been resolved. If your broker can’t describe the safety inspections that will take place, tread very carefully.

Even with the most efficient planning, issues such as weather, air traffic control delays or mechanical issues with the aircraft will still arise from time to time. A professional charter broker will always have a backup plan available so that any impact on your trip is as minimal as possible.

Just as it would in any business-related matter, learning that a charter broker has previously filed for bankruptcy should give you pause, as it may be an indication that they’re running an unreliable operation. That said, if the bankruptcy occurred many years ago, it may also indicate that the broker learned from the experience and now conducts their business with greater stability.

In short, you should strongly reconsider booking your trip with any charter broker that is either unwilling or unable to answer these and any other questions you may have about their business practices.

Ask them questions directly and gauge their responses; do they sound confident and concise, or are they scrambling for an answer? Are their responses helpful, or do you feel as though they’re pressuring you to make a decision? This can tell you a lot about the broker’s ethics and business practices.

Do your due diligence in the pre-sale stage to spot other potential red flags. The Internet is a valuable resource for conducting research into a company’s business practices and corporate ethos, including learning more about its CEO and staff.

For example, a search for information about Sentinel Aviation founder and CEO Roland Dangerfield will reveal his educational background and extensive aviation industry experience.

Be wary if a broker asks for credit card information over the phone, thereby avoiding a credit card authorisation form, as this could be another indication they’re not operating in good faith. Also, a charter broker that continually references ‘our fleet’, ‘our aircraft’ or ‘our crew’ is misrepresenting the truth, as brokers do not own or operate aircraft or employ crew members.

Be wary if you still haven’t received the name of the aircraft operator that will be flying your trip, as well as the aircraft’s registration number (often called a a tail number) before the day of your scheduled flight. A broker’s reluctance or inability to provide this information upon your request may be a sign they have not yet secured your aircraft.

Of course, one red flag alone doesn’t mean you shouldn’t trust a brokerage. When you put the pieces together, however, these aspects combine to give you an idea of how helpful and reliable they will be. Find a broker that matches your values, and you’re bound to have a better and more enjoyable aircraft charter experience.

Generally speaking, the on-demand private jet charter model offers better value. This is only true, however, if you have a broker who prepares a backup option on every trip. This makes your flight just as reliable as a fractional model, but at a much cheaper cost.

The biggest challenge in private jet charter is to find a reputable broker. A good broker will be honest with you, consider your safety, and have your best interests in mind. This means providing excellent service that includes a backup option available for your flight.

Yes, and there are several ways to do this. You can ask your broker to request an aircraft from a series of operators. Typically, the operator will charge a two-to two and a half hour minimum per day, which equates to a 60-hour minimum for a 30-day month.

A charter flight is a flight that is not part of the scheduled agenda provided by airlines. When you charter a flight, you are renting the aircraft for your own use, and on your schedule. You can select important details like the flight time and destination. This is in contrast to commercial flights, where you purchase a seat on a pre-existing flight.

Generally speaking, you should give as much notice as possible when booking a private flight. This will give you more availability, which means better value and lower-priced aircraft. However, 75% of privately chartered flights are booked within two weeks of departure, which can mean clients only have a handful of options.

The main problem with empty legs is that they offer no flexibility. An empty leg is a particular aircraft flying at a specific time and date. If that doesn’t suit your needs, you can’t use it. Other disadvantages are restrictive departure times, price, stability, and cancellation terms. An empty leg is a bit like having a “standby seat” with a commercial airline and it can be cancelled right at the last minute. Only if you have complete flexibility and understand the very high risk involved of an “Empty Leg” will we book you such a flight.

Every aircraft burns jet fuel and emits a certain amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. This can be offset via one of several carbon offset programs that allow private jet clients to purchase a certain number of carbon credits to offset the emissions from their flights. A carbon-neutral flight is one that offsets the carbon emissions it uses via a formal process.

Not as much as you might think. As you would expect, larger private jets able to carry more people will generally cost more to charter per hour than smaller aircraft with fewer available seats – but beyond that, the only additional charge per passenger is a standard fee, the amount of which is dependent on the nature of your trip.

Generally, yes, as long as they are above a certain age and each operator can have different polices as well as each country. Minors under the age of 16 traveling alone require a legal guardian to complete a Chain of Custody form listing the approved contact at their destination, and this person will need to present identification to the designated flight crew member before the operator releases the minor into their custody.

Fuel surcharges are applicable when there’s a spike in jet fuel rates. This could be down to, but not limited to sudden oil price rises by OPEC, volatility in the Middle East, oil refinery damage as a result of a hurricane or any other global geopolitical factor.

The international fee is a combination of handling costs, customs charges, and other expenses that must be paid when flying into certain countries. For example, when you fly from the United States to a Caribbean island, you’ll pay around $1,700. Or if you fly to Mexico, it’ll be about $2,500. The international fee can cost as much as $10,000 when flying from the US to parts of Asia.

When you keep an aircraft overnight, you’ll need to pay the crew overnight costs. The price will vary depending on whether you fly within the United States or beyond. When flying with a European operator within Europe, there’s no additional charge for crew overnights, as they’re built into the hourly rate of the aircraft.

If you book a charter that requires a refuelling stop, the average fuel stop takes 45–60 minutes. To speed up fuel stops, the operator, or pilots may call ahead, so a fuel truck is waiting for the aircraft on arrival. For smaller jets, a fuel stop can take as little as 30 minutes.

Yes, it is possible to have a flexible departure when flying privately. Operators typically offer a 30-minute to two-hour window, but you can request a longer window as long as it doesn’t interfere with the maximum crew duty day or their next scheduled flight.

Generally speaking, with as little as 6 hours of notice.  It depends on a few factors, such as how long it takes for the pilots to arrive at the airport (generally, there is a 2-hour call-out time for the pilots), and whether the aircraft is ready to go at the airport with no repositioning needed.

Yes, you can. This is a common occurrence for many private jet clients. Each country has its own rules for arriving with cash. In the United Kingdom this is £10,000.00 GBP, but other countries will differ, so always check ahead.

Cabotage is the right to operate aircraft within a particular territory. No foreign operator may operate a domestic trip in another country; for example, an aircraft with a European Registration or Tail number cannot fly from London to Edinburgh. However, that same aircraft could enter the United Kingdom (with a UK Permit which takes a minimum of 48hrs to acquire) to pick up its passengers, as long as they then fly to another country.

There will be certain days which are blacked out on the calendar if you use a fixed rate jet card program. You can still fly on these days, but not at the fixed rate; you’ll be charged extra. However, when you fly via private charter, there are no limits – you can fly at any time of the year.

The operator’s insurance does not cover precious metals and gems. Many clients who wish to book a return flight into a country to collect gold ask this question; the insurance covers aircraft and passengers, but not precious metals or gems. This requires separate insurance.

At Sentinel Aviation, we provide personalised service to every client. Our mission is to help educate our clients on private aviation, and we’ll guide you through the process from start to finish every time you book a private jet through us. No question is too big or too small; we want to help you understand how booking a private aircraft works. We’ll explain the best way to do it, so that you make well-informed decisions.

An evacuation flight is an emergency flight planned when an area is about to be hit by a natural disaster, such as a major storm or earthquake. Any flight from an area that is about to, or has just undergone, a natural disaster is considered an evacuation flight.

In Europe, flight attendants are used on midsize jets and above. Flight attendants require their own seats. Larger jets and above have a jump seat near the cockpit for the flight attendant to use, meaning the attendant generally stays out of the cabin.

Other than the standard snacks and drinks, you can order local cuisine options for your catering on board. In short, anything that doesn’t need to be cooked can be ordered; hot food must be precooked and then warmed on board. Sentinel Aviation will source your catering from a the Restaurant or Chef of your choice but normally we used dedicated private jet catering companies. Ask us for a menu.

Private jet companies should offer to arrange ground transportation, as the client’s flying experience starts from the time they leave their home or office to go to the airport. When they land, their journey continues until they reach their final destination, whether it be their home or a hotel. The whole trip from door to door is supposed to be a stress-free, enjoyable experience.

Oxygen tanks can only be brought on board an aircraft with a particular type of certification. Your broker can discuss this with the operator, then relay the information to you. In some cases, you may need to purchase a different tank to bring on board.

Crew members are generally required to have a 13 to 14 hour rest period within each 24-hour cycle depending upon the Operator’s national regulatory authority and their Flight Time Limitation scheme. This can be a particularly tricky aspect of private jet charter to understand fully especially when aircraft are crossing multiple time zones and having short stops and stayovers.

Sentinel Aviation  can arrange for all of our customers to fly in comfort, including larger passengers who may be overweight. In the US “Captain’s chairs” are often the ideal solution, as they’re bigger and more comfortable, but there are also options like a multi-seat divan. Just make sure you ask your broker for a seatbelt extender.

Of course! Just let us know in advance. Some, but not all operators and aircraft owners allow pets onboard. In some cases, a small cleaning fee may apply. There are also pet weight restrictions and within the UK not all airports can accept inbound aircraft with pets on board. For the UK also only certain registered and licensed operators may fly with pets on board.  There are also specific requirements that must be met when traveling with your pet, including making sure that all documentation and vaccination records for your pet(s) are correct and up-to-date. Please let us know prior to contract signature if you are likely to be travelling with a pet.