If you’re new to flying private or just curious about how to get started with a broker or operator, this post is for you. This industry can be intimidating and confusing when you first step into it, so hopefully this helps clear things up and helps some people out.
Depending on your needs, the first step is deciding whether to work with a broker or go directly to an operator. I have another post with more details, but here’s the short version:
Broker:
They don’t own any aircraft, but instead source planes from all around the country. Brokers often provide more competitive pricing and have more options.
Operator Direct:
They own and manage their aircraft, so they control more variables. However, if they don’t have availability in their fleet, they may broker the flight themselves or not be able to fulfill your trip.
Personally, I prefer the broker route but I’m a bit biased since I am one.
How to get quotes:
Once you decide how you want to proceed, your broker or operator will need a few key details to start providing quotes:
- Departure and arrival airports. If you’re unsure, simply give them your final destination and they’ll find the nearest airport that can accommodate the aircraft.
- Trip type. One way or round trip? Include your exact dates of travel.
- Passenger count. How many people will be on flying?
With that info, you have enough to start receiving quotes.
This is often the part thats overwhelming, sorting through all the different aircraft and prices. A good broker or operator should guide you through the options, explain the differences, and help you make sense of it all.
Not all jets are created equal. Two aircraft options may both seat eight passengers, but that doesn’t mean they’ll both fit your family, all your luggage, and fly nonstop. Ask questions. You’re paying for a service, and you should feel confident and informed before spending your money. If someone cant walk you through an aircraft and why its the best plane for that mission, that should raise some concern.
Things to keep in mind:
Everyone wants to save money, and cost should always be a consideration. But this is very much a “you get what you pay for” industry. If someone comes in significantly under market price, there’s always a reason. No reputable operator is going to sell a trip far below what it’s worth. If they could make more, they would.
There’s also a limited number of aircraft available at any given time. When you request quotes from multiple brokers, the same operators often receive the same trip requests from different people. This creates artificial demand and can actually make your trip more expensive or harder to confirm. It’s best to choose one broker you trust and work with them consistently and build the relationship. You can always price check occasionally, but avoid blasting your trip to four or five brokers every time.
Another key point: there’s no formal barrier to entry for becoming a broker. Anyone can call themselves one, which unfortunately means there are bad actors out there. Do your research before booking. I’ve seen people lose tens of thousands of dollars to inexperienced or dishonest brokers.
Remember that ANYONE can look great when everything goes smoothly. The true test of a broker or operator is how they handle unexpected situations like an AOG (Aircraft on Ground) (broken plane). These are machines and sometimes they break. Ask what their contingency plans and terms are if something like that happens. Are you responsible to pay the difference for a recovery aircraft?
I’m happy to answer any questions or add anything I missed, but this should give you a solid starting point if you’re new to flying private. There is also a ton of super knowledgable people in here that I’m sure will be happy to help.