If you have any questions on private aviation, or need private plane hire prices you can contact the team of experts at Caribbean Charter Flights by phone, email or through our contact page.
PRIVATE PLANE CHARTER
How do I get quotes for my private charter?
Once you have submitted your flight request to Caribbean Charter Flights (online, by email or by phone) we will immediately work on obtaining the best solution for your trip. We will find the most suited aircraft for your party and particulars of your destination. We will also look into your connecting flights and ensure the quote is reasonably priced!
How long will it take to get quotes back for my flight request?
For flights to featured destinations you can expect quotes and aircraft availability to be returned to you within hours. Requests for specific aircraft and for flights in particular islands, the response time may be longer. We will endeavor to get you a quote within 48 hours in all cases.
Can I see actual photos of the private plane that I will be hiring?
Actual aircraft images will be sent to you with every flight quote.
Can I buy a seat on a private aircraft?
Caribbean Charter Flights offers private plane charter, which means the hire of the whole aircraft. The charter price for the aircraft does not change if you fly alone or with every seat occupied. The only slight variation in cost will be when airport passenger tax is applied on the flight. Each island has different regulations for passenger tax and this will be fully explained during the quoting process. Please note that we don’t offer “shared charter” flights.
I’ve missed my scheduled airline flight. How quickly can I get a private plane?
Private charters can be organized very quickly, sometimes in less than 30 minutes from your flight request. However this may take longer depending on availability of aircraft and your location at the time. You just need to submit your request to us as quickly as possible (ideally by phone), and we will act immediately to find you an airplane through one of our local charter operators.
PRIVATE PLANE PRICES
How much does it cost to travel by private plane?
The cost of flying by private plane depends on the type of aircraft, flight time, aircraft hourly rate, positioning sectors (whether the aircraft is flown empty before or after the passenger sector) and airport fees. The quote is detailed with all charges and taxes (no hidden fee). Occasionally you will have to pay a local departure tax (for example in St Barths where 20 euros per passenger is charged by the airport authorities on departure).
BEFORE YOU FLY
What happens after I book my flight?
Once you have booked your flight with Caribbean Charter Flights, we will confirm the flight with the operator. You then need to sign and return the contract that we send you, let us know any special requests, and send us the passport details for each of the passengers. In return you will receive your final CHARTER FLIGHT VOUCHER with detailed instructions about your journey.
PAYING FOR PRIVATE FLIGHTS
How can I pay for my private flight with Caribbean Charter Flights?
We accept payment by credit card and Paypal (up to $2,000 USD) and bank transfers to our US bank account. To discuss other payment options please contact us.
What happens when I get to the Airport?
At many Caribbean airports, private plane passengers can be escorted straight through security to their aircraft. The time from arriving at the terminal to boarding your aircraft is normally between 30 minutes and one hour. However if there is a delay to your flight or perhaps you have chosen to arrive early, the airports will normally have VIP lounges for you to relax in (additional charges apply).
How long before my flight do I need do check in?
Caribbean Charter Flights recommend that our passengers arrive at the airport 45 minutes before the expected departure time.
Do I still need to show my passport when traveling by private charter?
Depending on your flight destination and nationality you may not require your passport when traveling by private plane (for example for flights between Porto Rico and the US Virgin Islands a Driver’s license is sufficient). However we always recommend that our clients travel with a passport and/ or relevant travel documents (Birth certificate, Drivers’ license, National ID card, and visas* when required). (*our passengers are responsible for their visa requirements).
Who will meet me when I arrive at the airport?
At your departure and arrival airport you will be escorted to/ from the aircraft by the aircraft Captain or a representative of the charter airline. If you require ground transportation to or from the airport please ask your Caribbean Charter Flights representative who will be happy to arrange this for you.
How do I know where to go when I arrive at the airport?
Most airports have dedicated private charter check-in facilities. Upon arrival your aircraft Captain or airline representative will be waiting for you at the arrival terminal with a sign (with your party’s name). In all cases, Caribbean Charter Flights will send you detailed directions to the airport facilities with clear step-by-step instructions (name of your airline, important phone numbers, where to go in the terminal, pictures of airport desk and aircraft, customs and immigration procedures, security check procedures and in-transit details where applicable).
Do I still have customs/ immigration when traveling by private charter?
Yes. Customs and immigration procedures must be complied with for all private flights. However, in many airports your airline representative will guide you through fast-track security and immigration checks, skipping long lines and saving precious “island time”! Private charter customers are often not aware of any administrative checks as in most cases these can be completed prior to the flight.
PRIVATE AIRCRAFT
Are private charters quicker than scheduled airliners?
Yes in most cases. This is due to their size and the fact that they can quickly operate in and out of major airports. Time is mostly saved on the ground (boarding and disembarking, taxi time, easy access to the aircraft…).
What sort of aircraft do I need for my trip?
The type of aircraft that is most suited for your itinerary will depend on many factors including: flight distance, number of passengers, runway lengths, airport restrictions and of course your budget. Please do contact a Caribbean Charter Flights representative to ask more about the type of aircraft required for your private flight.
PRIVATE PLANE SAFETY
How do I know if my aircraft is safe?
Caribbean Charter Flights has a strict safety policy that maximize the safety and security of our clients. The aircraft operators who quote for your flight through our network are licensed to commercially charter their aircraft and are governed by their National Civil Aviation Authority. Caribbean Charter Flights is able on request to send detailed reports concerning the companies and crews that operate your selected aircraft. If your require a specific type of aircraft (i.e. twin-engine airplane) or crew (two-pilot operation), please contact us.
ON BOARD A PRIVATE CHARTER
How many pilots will there be on my aircraft?
That depends on the type of aircraft and local regulations. Often there will be only one pilot on board, but some of our routes and/or larger aircraft are manned by two pilots (All Citation jets, De Havilland Twin Otter, Pilatus PC-12 and some Cessna Caravans). Caribbean Charter Flights can provide two pilots on your flight if required (subject to additional charges).
Can I take my pet with me?
You can fly with your pet in the cabin as long as your pet has the appropriate documents for travel. Some countries have different regulations for pet flights. Please contact us for any queries about traveling with pets (regulations, size and weight restrictions…).
What catering will I have on board?
Most of our flights are short enough that you don’t need any catering. However on longer flights (Citation Jets routes) food and beverage will be provided. On some VIP flights, expect prime service with Champagne.
How much luggage can I take on my private Charter?
Due to the various type of aircraft and seat configurations our flights operate under, there is no single answer to that question. The amount of luggage that can be taken on a private plane depends on the size of the aircraft and the number of passengers traveling. For a small plane the normal baggage limit is one per passenger seat plus cabin luggage. However in many cases, we will be able to handle larger-than-usual or specific baggage requests. We know how important it is for our clients to carry their golf gear, scuba equipment or surf boards. Specific items such as wheelchairs, medical equipment or large crates for dogs can also be carried on board a private flight with prior notice.
MAKING CHANGES TO YOUR PRIVATE CHARTER
What happens if I want to change the time of my departure?
Private aviation is all about flexibility, so if you need to change your departure time it is generally not an issue. However, please do give us as much notice as possible so that we can arrange new times of departures in accordance with airline availability, Air Traffic Control and airport slots to match your schedule.
Can I add a last minute passenger onto my flight?
For most private jet journeys it is normally easy to add extra passengers onto the flight at the last minute. However to save any embarrassment with or delays for your guests, it is advisable to check with your Caribbean Charter Flights representative first. Some destinations require pre-clearance of customers. Also for shorter runways, there may be a limitation on the maximum number of passengers due to the aircraft landing and take off weight limits.
PRIVATE HELICOPTER CHARTER
