It’s no surprise with all the delays and cancellations with flying today that people are seeking alternatives. Even if those alternatives do cost more. Buying individual seats on private jet charters is now becoming popular. However, here is the good and bad of shared private jet charter flight seats.
Several companies have emerged with other new ones poised to offer seats on private jet charters.
First off, like all commercial aviation, there are rules and regulations. Customers should ask questions before or do a little research prior to booking one of these flights.
Here are the basics of shared private jet charter flights:
- An individually owned private jet is called a FAA Part 91 aircraft. It cannot be used as a charter.
- A private jet charter aircraft is called a FAA Part 135 aircraft. It is subject to strict maintenance requirements and regular FAA inspections.
- A legal private jet charter trip is booked by one party for the entire aircraft.
- Selling multiple seats on a private jet charter is considered to be an airliner subject to DOT Part 380 rules. This requires regular schedules and reported cancellations.
- Selling multiple seats on a private jet charter that operates on a flexible schedule requires it be part of a private membership group.
Unfortunately, what has emerged, in some cases, is what are called Part 134-1/2 charters. These are Part 91 (individually owned aircraft not subject to strict maintenance) selling seats. Not only illegal but safety is a genuine consideration. Customers should stay clear of these for obvious reasons. There are groups on social media selling these seats.
Now let’s talk about who is doing this the right way and some basics.
We asked one of the AI platforms about shared private jet flight seats from Miami.
The popular names that come up are InstaJet Charters and Slate Shuttles.
Slate flies on a regular schedule with larger (typically 18 passenger jets) and InstaJet operates with smaller executive jets (typically up to 9 passengers). Both companies are FAA Part 295 charter brokers.
The smaller jet option does give more of the private jet feel as the larger option is more like a commercial airliner. Both are great choices and operate in full compliance with regulations.
The cost of these flights comes down to simple math. Private jets cost a certain amount per flight hour to operate. That amount is based on size of the aircraft. Smaller less expensive to operate, larger more expensive to operate.
The price of a seat is based on number of passengers divided by cost of operation and allowing for some profit, similar to a jet card, except with multiple people.
The overall concept is actually kind of fun. Think of taking a cruise and you sit at the dinner table with some new people. Might make some new friends or get to network.
The great part of private aviation is you will save a tremendous amount of time, always arrive on time, and avoid a lot of potential frustration. Not to mention, feel like a celebrity.
Good and Bad of Shared Private Jet Charter Flight Seats
