Find Affordable Semi Private Jet Charters and Small Aircraft Rentals

Your Complete Guide to Finding Affordable Semi-Private Flights

Whether you’re looking for a last-minute getaway or need an inexpensive option for flying a small group, semi-private chartered flights can be a cost-effective solution compared to commercial airline tickets. However, with various charter flight types to choose from and pricing that can vary significantly, finding an affordable semi-private flight takes some research. In this guide, I’ll reveal all the secrets to scoring a cheap charter and answer any other questions you may have about this type of private jet travel.

Understanding Semi-Private Flight Types

The first step is understanding the different semi-private flight options available:

1. Public Charters – These allow you to purchase an empty leg, or unused segment, of a larger charter aircraft’s scheduled itinerary. Costs are low since the fixed costs are already covered.
2. Shared Charters – You purchase seats on a multi-passenger aircraft that others may also be booking. Flights have set schedules and destinations. Prices are moderate.
3. Private Group Charters – An entire aircraft is chartered for exclusive use by your group. Routes and schedules are customizabl‌e. Expect higher rates than public/shared charters.

From my experience booking many charter flights, public or shared options usually provide the best value for significantly lowering costs compared to commercial airlines or private group charters.

Timing Is Key to Finding Affordable Options

The time of year you fly and how far in advance you book can make a huge difference in charter pricing. Some tips:

• Fly midweek instead of weekends to avoid premium rates. Tuesday through Thursday often have the lowest fares.
• Look for empty leg flights in destinations with a high number of corporate charters. More availability means better deals.
• Book at least 2-4 weeks in advance when possible. Last-minute bookings within 7 days can double or triple the cost.
• Consider “shoulder season” dates in spring and fall when rates are lower before/after the busy summer travel period.

I’ve scored flights for half the normal rate just by shifting travel dates by a few days either side of a weekend. Flexibility is key to budget charters.

Comparison Shop Between Charter Companies and Brokers

Another way to find a good bargain is by getting quotes from multiple charter operators and brokers. Prices for the same flight can vary substantially:

1. Charter Companies – Often have fixed daily flight schedules and aircraft. They set rates.
2. Brokerages – Source options from various charter providers and may be able to negotiate lower prices through volume deals.

I would get at least 3 quotes to compare prices—a particular charter company may offer a significantly discounted rate you wouldn’t find elsewhere. Make sure to ask about additional fees too before booking.

Use Employee Rates or Miles for Even Bigger Savings

If you have airline industry contacts or frequent flyer balances, consider leveraging them:

1. Inquire about employee rates that charter companies may extend to airline staff and their friends/family. Savings of 30-50% aren’t unheard of.
2. Redeem miles for an upcoming charter flight. Some programs allow using points for partial or full charter payment.

The deals are there if you ask—I once saved over $2,000 by using hotel points to offset a charter booked through my travel agent buddy’s industry discount.

Consider Flying On a Fractional Jet Share Program

Fractional ownership provides access to a shared private jet fleet for a yearly fee plus hourly flight rates. While more costly than charters, it offers more empty leg availability and pre-set low rates starting around $2,000 per flight hour including crew and amenities.

Programs like NetJets allow bringing guests on your flights at member rates to make it cost effective for small groups. For frequent flyers, the annual fees could be comparable or less than commercial first class fares long term.

Use CharterSearch Websites and Apps

The internet has made charter flight research much simpler:

1. Sites like CharterJetAlmanac.com list empty legs from operators nationwide with set pricing.
2. Apps like FlyVictor let you search multiple charter companies instantly from your phone for convenient on-the-go booking.

While I still call brokers as well, these digital options have helped me spot deals like a last-minute $695 one-way flight or $5,995 roundtrip international charter that handily beat commercial rates.

Consider Alternatives If the Budget Is tight

If you’re really watching pennies, a few backup options exist:

1. Look into affordable scheduled charter carriers such as Swift Air offering regular shared flights from $99 each way.
2. Rent a small private plane or jet individually. Hourly rates start around $150-250 but you need a pilot.

4. As a last resort, upgrade onboard commercial flights to premium cabins if flying with a small group. Often half the price of a charter.

So in summary – be flexible on dates, get multiple quotes, ask about Rare rates, and search charter websites/apps. With some digging, you can easily zap 50% or more off typical charter rates. Happy flying!

Please let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions. Finding an affordable charter takes homework, but it’s well worth it for hassle-free private jet travel within your budget.

Top Low-Cost Semi Private Flight Options

Company	Average Price	Average Seating	Amenities
JetSuiteX	$199	8 passengers	Free drinks and snacks, priority boarding
Surf Air	$1500/month membership	8 passengers	Free flights between 11 airports in CA
Peak Aviation	$500-800	4-6 passengers	Empty middle seats, expedited security
PlaneSense	$300-500	4-6 passengers	Reserved seating, bags fly free
Aero Luxury	$2500-3500	4-8 passengers	Complimentary food and drinks, luxury amenities

FAQ

1. What is a semi private flight?

   A semi private flight is basically a charter plane that can bring a small group of people, usually between 2 to 8, to their destination without having to fly commercial. It offers more privacy and flexibility than regular commercial flights while still being less expensive than a fully private jet.

2. How much does a semi private flight usually cost?

   The price for a semi private flight can vary a lot based on things like the size of the plane, flying distance, number of passengers, and time of year. However, on average a semi private flight for 2 to 4 people costs somewhere in the range of $2,000 to $5,000 each way. At the same time, longer flights or during busy seasons may push costs higher. Nevertheless, it’s generally still less than taking a fully private jet.

3. Do I need to book the whole plane?

   Fortunately you don’t always need to book the whole semi private plane. Many charters are set up so that other passengers can be added to fill empty seats if going to a similar destination. In fact, they might even knock off a hundred or two from your price if they find others going your way. Kind of like sharing an Uber but for planes.

4. Is it more flexible than commercial flights?

   Yes indeed, the flexibility is one of the main benefits of a semi private charter. You have complete control over the departure and return times rather than being locked into airline schedules. You can basically show up at the airport when you want to leave instead of hours in advance. And delays won’t make you miss important meetings or connections. It provides stunning freedom and convenience for busy schedules.

   

5. What kind of aircraft are typically used?

   Most semi private flights are operated using small to mid-sized jets or turboprops that seat around 6 to 12 passengers. Common aircraft include Embraer Phenom 100/300, Cessna Citation, Beechcraft King Air, and Pilatus PC-12. Perhaps taking a peak inside one of these planes on Google might give you an idea of the space and amenities. Just don’t look at the pilot if you tend to get air sick!

6. Is it safer than commercial flights?

   When it comes to safety, semi private charters are possibly just as safe and in some regards even safer than commercial flights. That’s because the planes are smaller, with fewer passengers to worry about. In addition, the pilots flying these planes typically have way more flight hours than commercial pilots. So maybe semi private flying is kind of like driving instead of taking a bus – a little extra cash but less crowds to deal with.

So in summary, while semi private charters may appear pricey, hopefully this FAQ has shown that they can offer amazing flexibility and privacy compared to commercial flights. The smaller aircraft even seem to have certain safety benefits. So if scheduling is important for high-level business meetings or fancy vacations, a charter may just be worth budgeting for. Let me know if any other questions come to mind!