As the school holidays and the end of year celebrations approach, everyone is looking for the best price to book their plane ticket.
Some will say to book on a Tuesday, others at night, still others will say to go during the week, and others will say to book weeks or even months in advance.
These assumptions can work for traditional airlines, especially during the peak periods of demand around Christmas and New Year and around the major school holidays.
When flying on a private jet, other than price, a host of other services can vary depending on when you book your private jet. But, is there really an ideal time to book a private jet flight ?
The time and day of your flight does not have a major impact.
First of all, it is important to know that the price of a private jet flight does not explode like the price of tickets, especially during school holidays.
However, the opening hours and occupancy rates of the airports you take off from and land at can have an impact on the final price of your flight. Some airports are not allowed to fly at night in order to avoid pollution peaks and to avoid disturbing the population at night, as is the case for London City Airport, located in the heart of the city. In this case, you have two options. Either you will be offered other airports which may cost more, or some airports offer extended opening hours on request, but you will have to pay an additional fee for this service.
Booking a private jet in advance or at the last minute?
The price of a private jet is calculated according to :
- the location of the aircraft
- the flight time
- the price per hour of the jet rental
- the take-off and landing fees
These parameters do not vary when you book a jet several months in advance.
In fact, one of the advantages of business aviation is that you can book your flight at the last minute. Indeed, with private aviation you can be out of here in two hours minimum.
However, for big events, you are advised to book your flight in advance. In periods of high demand, seats and slots at airports are limited. The cost of using the airport may be higher. In addition, the most suitable aircraft for your needs and budget may no longer be available. In this case, you may be upgraded and pay a little more for your private jet flight.
Emergency flights: a difficult private jet service to book in advance
When you book a flight the day before for the next day, the final price may be a little higher. This is because operating on an emergency basis requires you to obtain all the necessary clearances and flight plans. This is done at the last minute and sometimes even overnight. In this case, a last-minute rate may be applied to your booking.
Does the itinerary affect the booking of a private aircraft ?
The time needed to arrange a flight depends on the itinerary. It usually takes a few hours from request to take-off. In some cases, it takes longer, especially when a visa is required, a PCR test. During the COVID-19 crisis, some destinations require slightly longer administrative and preparation procedures.
Does catering affect the departure of a private jet ?
When you travel by private jet, you can order whatever you want. The food is prepared on the ground by caterers or air catering specialists. This service therefore requires preparation time on the ground. If you book a last-minute flight, this service cannot be offered. Only the drinks, usually included in the private jet rental, can be offered.
As we have seen, there is no ideal time to book your private jet. Book it when you want to and when you know your needs so that AEROAFFAIRES can meet them as best as possible.
In periods of high demand, do not hesitate to book your private jet a few weeks in advance!
For all requests for chartering a business or private aircraft, please contact us at +33 1 44 09 91 82, by email: charter@aeroaffaires.com or fill in our online quote. We will respond as soon as possible.