Everything you need to know

15 minutes before departure. That’s it. There is no security line, no TSA, no boarding group, no gate. You drive up, walk into the FBO, and the crew will come find you when the aircraft is ready. Some travelers arrive 5 minutes before. The pilot will not leave without you. If you’re running late, call the FBO directly — the number is on your booking confirmation.

There are no luggage fees, no weight limits (within reason), and no size restrictions enforced by a gate agent. Soft bags are preferred over hard-shell suitcases since they compress into the baggage compartment better. Golf clubs, skis, surfboards — all fine on most midsize and larger aircraft. Check the aircraft’s baggage capacity on the listing detail page. One thing to know: light jets (CJ3, Phenom 300) have smaller baggage compartments. If you have a lot of gear, a midsize or super-midsize jet is a safer bet.

This is one of the biggest advantages of private aviation. Your pet sits in the cabin with you — no cargo hold, no carrier under the seat, no size restrictions. Most charter operators allow pets with no additional fee. Dogs, cats, and other animals fly in the cabin on your lap, on a seat, or on the floor. Confirm the pet policy with the operator when booking. Larger aircraft with enclosed lavatories give your pet more room. Many FBOs have pet relief areas — ask the front desk when you arrive.

Most aircraft have a small galley with bottled water, soft drinks, and light snacks. If you want a meal, catering can be arranged through the FBO — typically with 24-48 hours notice. Costs range from $150-$300 for snacks and beverages to $400-$700 for a full meal for 4 passengers. Premium catering (sushi, lobster, champagne) can exceed $1,000. You can also bring your own food and drinks — nobody will stop you from boarding with takeout.

Empty legs offer extraordinary value, but they come with real trade-offs you should understand before booking: • Cancellation risk: Empty legs depend on the primary booking. If the original trip changes, your flight may be cancelled or modified. This is the #1 risk. • Fixed schedules: Departure times are set by the operator. Some allow 1-2 hours of flexibility, but most are fixed. • One-way only: Empty legs are one-way flights. You’ll need to find a separate return — another empty leg, a charter, or a commercial flight. • Speed matters: The best deals book within hours. If you see an Exceptional Value listing, act fast. • No refund guarantee: Unlike commercial airlines, charter cancellation policies vary by operator.

Tipping is not required but appreciated: • Pilots: $50–$200 per pilot. Cash in an envelope is standard. Many travelers tip $100 per pilot for flights under 3 hours. • FBO staff: $5–$20 per bag for the line crew who load your luggage. $10–20 per bag is generous. • Flight attendant (if present): $50–$100. Not all charter flights have a flight attendant — most light and midsize jets do not. If you’re unsure, $100 per pilot and $10 per bag for the FBO crew is a solid default.

If your flight is cancelled: The operator should notify you directly. If you booked through a broker, contact them immediately. Empty leg cancellations happen — it’s the trade-off for the discount. If there’s a weather delay: Your pilot will communicate directly with you. Private aviation is actually more flexible than commercial in bad weather — your pilot can reroute, wait for a window, or suggest an alternate airport. If the aircraft has issues: The operator will arrange a replacement aircraft or a full refund. This is rare but it happens. The key: always have the operator’s direct phone number before your flight.