Common Mistakes When Chartering a Private Jet

How to Avoid Overpaying and Disrupting Your Flight

At first glance, chartering a private jet seems straightforward: choose an aircraft, agree on the price, and depart.
In reality, most costly mistakes are made precisely at this stage — leading to unexpected expenses, delays, or compromised comfort.

Below are the most common mistakes we regularly encounter in practice, along with clear guidance on how to avoid them.

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Mistake #1. Choosing an Aircraft Based on Appearance, Not Mission

One of the most frequent errors is selecting an aircraft based on:

• interior design

• perceived prestige

• popularity of the model

Why this is a problem

A private jet must be selected based on the mission, not aesthetics.
The same aircraft can be:

• ideal for European routes

• completely unsuitable for Middle East or long-range operations

The right approach

Before choosing a model, it is essential to define:

• route and required range margin

• number of passengers and luggage

• seasonality and airports involved

• crew duty and overnight requirements

Only after these factors are assessed should a specific aircraft be selected.

👉 To compare real aircraft options by class, range, and capacity, use the
JETVIP Private Jet Catalog:
https://jetvip.ru/chastnie-samoleti/

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Mistake #2. Focusing Only on the Hourly Rate

Many clients compare offers using a simple logic:

“The lower the hourly rate, the better the deal.”

Why this is misleading

The hourly rate does not represent the total cost of the flight.

The final price may include:

• aircraft positioning (empty ferry flights)

• landing and handling fees

• overflight and landing permits

• crew overnight expenses

• aircraft standby time

As a result, an aircraft with a higher hourly rate may offer a lower total trip cost.

The right approach

Always evaluate the total mission cost, not just the hourly rate.

👉 To estimate the real cost for your specific route, use the
Private Jet Flight Cost Calculator:
https://jetvip.ru/kalkulyator-reysa/

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Mistake #3. Ignoring Airport Restrictions

Not all airports are equally suitable for business aviation.

Common restrictions include:

• limited operating hours

• slot or PPR requirements

• lack of business aviation terminals

• parking and overnight limitations

Real risk

A flight may be technically feasible, but:

• departure or arrival times shift

• alternate airports become necessary

• total cost increases

The right approach

Always assess:

• alternate airports

• local airport regulations

• operational impact on schedule and price

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Mistake #4. Misinterpreting Aircraft Range Figures

This is one of the most misleading areas in private aviation.

Why published figures are deceptive

Manufacturers publish maximum range values based on:

• no passengers

• no luggage

• ideal atmospheric conditions

In real operations:

• effective range is reduced

• technical fuel stops may be required

• flight time and cost increase

The right approach

Base decisions on real operational range, not brochure figures.

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Mistake #5. Unrealistic Expectations About Empty Legs

Empty Legs can offer significant savings — but they are not a universal solution.

Common misconceptions:

• any route can be selected

• the aircraft will wait

• pricing is fixed

Reality

Empty Legs are:

• tied to specific routes and dates

• subject to cancellation or change

• highly inflexible

👉 Current available Empty Leg opportunities can be found here:
Private Jet Empty Legs
https://jetvip.ru/empty-leg/

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Mistake #6. Underestimating the Role of the Broker

Many believe the aircraft is the most important factor.
In reality, the broker is the key element.

A professional broker:

• understands real aircraft availability

• manages operational risks

• provides alternatives when issues arise

• supports the flight until completion

An inexperienced broker:

• simply resells offers

• lacks operational control

• disappears when problems occur

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Mistake #7. Not Having a Backup Plan

In business aviation, a contingency plan is essential.

Possible scenarios:

• AOG (aircraft on ground)

• airport closure

• weather limitations

• crew duty time restrictions

The right approach

Professional planning always includes:

• backup aircraft options

• alternative routing strategies

• ready-to-execute contingency solutions

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Mistake #8. Submitting a Request Too Late

Private aviation offers flexibility — but not instant availability.

Risks of last-minute requests:

• limited aircraft selection

• higher pricing

• increased operational constraints

The right approach

The earlier the request:

• the wider the choice

• the lower the cost

• the smoother the preparation

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Key Takeaway

Chartering a private jet is not a ticket purchase — it is a logistical project.

Most issues arise when:

• decisions are driven solely by price

• aircraft are chosen without mission analysis

• operational details are underestimated

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How to Avoid These Mistakes in Practice

The safest approach is to work with professionals who:

• select aircraft based on your route

• provide transparent total pricing

• assess alternatives and Empty Legs objectively

At JETVIP, we use:

• the Private Jet Aircraft Catalog — https://jetvip.ru/chastnie-samoleti/

• the Flight Cost Calculator — https://jetvip.ru/kalkulyator-reysa/

• Live Empty Leg availability — https://jetvip.ru/empty-leg/

And when a precise answer is needed for a specific mission,
the JETVIP team is always available to assist.