How to Charter a Flight: A Simple Guide to Your Private Air Travel Needs

Flying private used to be a privilege reserved for celebrities, CEOs, and royalty. Today, the rise of flexible charter models and platforms like Hoppyn has made private jet access far more attainable—primarily through innovative solutions such as empty-leg flights.

Whether you're a business executive looking to reclaim hours lost in commercial terminals or a traveller seeking a more seamless journey, private air travel provides a compelling upgrade. Unlike commercial airlines, private jet charters offer:

• Fully customized departure schedules

• Access to regional or private airports

• Time-saving concierge services

• Luxurious in-flight experiences

• Zero security lines or boarding chaos

The result? Less time in transit, more control over your journey, and an entirely elevated experience from takeoff to landing.

But how exactly does chartering a flight work—and is it right for you? Requesting a quote involves providing details such as the number of passengers, travel dates, and any additional services needed.

Let’s break it all down. After receiving a quote, you should review it carefully and complete the contract to secure your booking.

Understanding Charter Services

What Does It Mean to Charter a Flight?

To charter a flight means you’re renting the entire aircraft for your own exclusive use. That’s very different from booking a single seat on a commercial airline. It’s your plane, your route, and your schedule. Payment is typically required at the time of booking to secure the charter flight.

How Do Charter Companies Operate?

Charter providers fall into a few categories:

• Direct air carriers (own and operate the planes)

• Private charter operators (fly only for private clients)

• Public charter organizers (sell seats for fixed-event flights)

• Jet brokers act as intermediaries to find the best match.

Platforms like Hoppyn make the process even more efficient by offering access to pre-scheduled empty-leg flights that members can claim for a flat fee. More on that shortly.

Types of Private Plane

Charter flights aren't one-size-fits-all. Here’s a quick breakdown of jet categories so you can choose the right aircraft for your needs:

Light Jets

• Ideal for 2–6 passengers

• Max range: ~1,500 miles

• Great for short regional hops

• Lower cost, faster boarding. The average range of a heavy jet is about 7,000 miles, making it suitable for international travel.

Midsize & Super Midsize Jets

• Seats 7–9 passengers

• Range: ~2,000–3,500 miles

• Offers stand-up cabins, onboard Wi-Fi

• Perfect for coast-to-coast U.S. travel

Heavy Jets

• Capacity: 10–16 passengers

• Range: 4,000+ miles

• Premium seating, dining, and rest areas

• Best for international or long-haul flights

Your aircraft choice should match:

• Passenger count

• Flight distance

• Luggage needs

• Onboard service expectations. An aircraft's fit for a flight should consider the group's size, luggage capacity, and onboard needs.

With Hoppyn’s empty leg options, you often get access to mid- and heavy-class jets at a fraction of traditional charter prices.

Benefits of Private Jet Charter

1. Unmatched Flexibility

Fly when and where you want. Change your schedule with minimal hassle. Private charters bend to your needs—not the other way around. Additionally, you can check in much closer to departure than on a commercial airline flight, sometimes as late as 15 minutes before departure.

2. Time Savings

Skip security lines, baggage claims, and boarding queues. Most private flights let you drive right up to the jet, providing significant time savings by bypassing TSA and airline delays.

3. Comfort & Privacy

Whether you’re closing deals or relaxing, the cabin is yours. Think leather recliners, private lavatories, and total quiet.

4. Access to More Airports

Private jets can fly into 10x more airports than commercial airlines, often getting you closer to your final destination. They can access hundreds of regional airports that airlines serve less frequently, if at all, saving significant time by avoiding long security lines.

5. In-Flight Amenities

Enjoy full meals, open bars, entertainment systems, and even onboard beds—depending on the aircraft.

6. Predictable Costs with Hoppyn

With Hoppyn’s membership, you don’t need to pay per flight. You gain unlimited access to empty-leg flights via a flat annual fee, removing cost unpredictability.

Choosing a Charter Company

There’s a difference between flying private and flying smart. Here’s how to choose a provider:

1. Safety First

Check for FAA certifications, safety ratings, and crew training standards. Platforms like Hoppyn only work with verified operators. Choosing a reputable charter company should involve researching their safety records, customer reviews, and pricing structure. The charter provider should establish backup plans in case of unforeseen issues, such as mechanical problems or adverse weather.

2. Transparency

Avoid providers with vague pricing or unclear terms. Hoppyn’s model is based on no hidden fees and straightforward access to available flights. Transparency in pricing is essential when selecting a charter operator, as it builds trust and ensures clear cost visibility.

3. Fleet Access

More aircraft options = more flexibility. Choose platforms that support a wide range of jets. Charter operators with larger fleets typically offer more availability and flexibility for bookings.

4. Customer Experience

With Hoppyn’s empty leg options, you often get access to mid- and heavy-class jets at a fraction of traditional charter prices. Operators should also provide responsive 24/7 customer support to assist with last-minute changes or inquiries.

Direct Air Carrier Options

Booking directly with an air carrier (instead of through a broker or aggregator) has its perks:

• No broker markups

• Greater control over the booking

• Direct communication with the operator

But it’s not always practical. Direct air carriers often serve corporate clients or operate on fixed routes—and don’t always publicly list their empty-leg inventory. That’s why platforms like Hoppyn are so valuable: they aggregate and surface these flights for you.

Public Charters

Public charters occupy a middle ground between commercial and private:

• Usually tied to a specific event or season (e.g., music festivals, sports events)

• Seats sold to the public, sometimes at premium rates

• Less flexibility, but more affordable for group travel

These are not the same as private charters. You share the plane with others, and the experience—while better than economy—isn’t truly customizable. Private jets typically allow more luggage than commercial airlines, accommodating special items such as sports equipment.

Private Charter Options

This is what most people imagine when they think “private jet”:

• You rent the entire aircraft

• You choose departure times

• You set the destination

Chartering this way is perfect for:

• Business executives

• High-net-worth individuals

• Families and groups seeking privacy

• Medical or emergency travel

But it can be expensive—ranging from $5,000 to $ 15,000 per hour, depending on the aircraft. The cost of chartering a private jet ranges from $2,000 to over $20,000 per hour, depending on factors such as aircraft type, route, and time of day. The jet's size and the distance to be traveled are key factors influencing the cost of a private jet charter.

That’s where Hoppyn's empty-leg flight model changes the game.

Jet Charter Services vs. Hoppyn

Traditional jet charter services offer flexibility but often come with unpredictable pricing and limited transparency.

Hoppyn flips the script by offering: Charter companies typically provide a detailed cost breakdown in their quotes, including any additional fees.

• Daily-updated access to global empty leg inventory

• Flat annual fee ($997/year)

• No per-flight charges

• No hidden fees

• Access to premium aircraft and global routes

You don’t need to charter a whole plane at full price—you need to know when one is flying empty.

Safety and Security

Private aviation is one of the safest forms of travel, and reputable providers adhere to strict standards:

• Pilots with thousands of hours of flight time

• Regular maintenance and inspections

• FAA Part 135 or similar certifications

• Background checks for crew and ground support

Platforms like Hoppyn only partner with operators that meet rigorous safety protocols. Still, it’s worth asking:

• Is the operator ARG/US or Wyvern-rated?

• Is the flight crew type-rated for the aircraft?

• Are maintenance logs available on request?

Fly smart. Always ask.

Membership Requirements

Many private jet platforms and charter services, including Hoppyn, have specific membership requirements designed to ensure a seamless and secure experience for all users. Typically, these requirements include:

• Membership Application: Prospective members must complete an application detailing their travel needs and preferences.

• Annual or Monthly Fees: Membership often involves a flat annual or monthly fee that grants access to exclusive deals, such as empty-leg flights or discounted charter rates.

• Verification Process: Members may need to verify their identity and provide payment information to maintain security and trust within the network.

• Usage Policies: Some programs require members to adhere to usage policies, including cancellation terms, booking windows, and conduct expectations.

• Eligibility Criteria: Certain memberships may be limited to high flyers, corporate clients, or frequent travelers to optimize service quality and availability.

By meeting these membership requirements, travelers gain access to a global network of aircraft and operators, enjoy priority booking, and benefit from continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing the private aviation experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an empty leg flight?

An empty leg (also called a deadhead flight) is a repositioning flight that would fly empty after dropping off a charter client. You can book these for a fraction of the usual cost.

How can I access empty leg flights?

You can use platforms like Hoppyn.com, which offer a flat-fee membership to book unlimited empty legs globally.

Are empty leg flights flexible?

No. These flights are tied to fixed schedules and routes. If you're flexible with your departure time or destination, they offer incredible value.

How much does private jet charter cost?

Traditional charter costs vary widely—anywhere from $4,000 to $20,000+ per hour. With Hoppyn, you pay a single annual membership fee and skip per-flight pricing.

Conclusion: Your Journey, Reimagined

Chartering a flight offers unparalleled flexibility, comfort, and convenience that commercial flying cannot match. Whether you're a business executive seeking to maximize productivity, a family wanting privacy and ease, or a traveler looking to avoid long security lines and crowded terminals, private jet charters provide a cost-effective alternative tailored to your specific travel needs. Private jet charters can be more cost-effective than owning a jet, especially for those who fly less frequently.

With access to a wide range of aircraft types, from small jets perfect for regional hops to heavy jets designed for international journeys, you can choose the right plane for your trip. The private aviation market continues to evolve, offering options such as jet cards, fractional ownership, and innovative platforms like Hoppyn that make private flying more accessible than ever.

By chartering a flight, you gain control over your schedule, avoid the hassles of commercial air travel, and enjoy luxurious in-flight amenities and personalized concierge services. Plus, with access to private terminals and regional airports, you can reach destinations faster and more efficiently.

Ready to experience the benefits of private jet travel?

Explore your options, compare quotes, and take the first step toward seamless, stress-free flying. Chartering a private jet is not just about luxury—it's about making your travel brighter, smoother, and uniquely yours.

Start your membership → Hoppyn.com