Private Charter vs. Commercial Flights: Which Is Right for You?

Air travel is one of the most popular methods of transportation, particularly for long-distance travel. The FAA reports that over 3 million airline passengers fly through American airports every day. Many people don’t realize, though, that there are options for air travel beyond commercial airlines, including private charters. Read on to understand what a private charter service is and how it differs from the traditional commercial air services that we’re familiar with.

What is a Private Charter Flight?

A charter flight is a private, non-scheduled flight hired by an individual or group for a specific purpose, such as business travel or vacations. Charter flights offer exclusive use of the aircraft and total control over schedule and destination.

What is a Commercial Flight?

A commercial flight is an airline-operated flight that is open to the public with a scheduled time and set route. These flights are designed for the mass transportation of passengers and follow strict safety regulations.

Although private charter flights and commercial flights both involve transporting passengers from one point to another, there are some key differences to consider when choosing between the two.

Flexibility: Unscheduled vs. Scheduled

Because charter flights are not scheduled, you have the flexibility to leave at a time that best fits your schedule. Have an out-of-town work meeting in the afternoon? Booking a charter flight allows you to depart the morning of at a time that works for you and arrive at your destination just in time for your meeting — no need to wait around all day just because the scheduled commercial flights don’t match your schedule. Charter flights are also unique in that they often allow for a change in flight plans on short notice, something that’s not possible with commercial flights.

Commercial air travel is less flexible because flights are scheduled in advance by the airlines, with passengers having the opportunity to select their preferred flight. Passengers have no control over departure times or possible destinations and are instead subject to the choices of the airline.

Destination Access: Flying Beyond Major Hubs

Charter flights have access to the smaller regional and municipal airports that many commercial airlines don’t service directly, so they give you the option to fly directly to remote locations and smaller cities without the need for layovers. An air charter can essentially fly you wherever you want to go.

Commercial airlines offer flights to select destinations, including several major airline hubs throughout the United States. Think cities like Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Los Angeles. Many airlines offer direct flights to large cities, and passengers can get to mid-sized and smaller cities through connections at these hubs.

Ease and Convenience: Skipping the Lines

Because charter flights are private and leave on your own schedule, they do not require you to wait in the long lines often seen at major airports, including those for ticketing, luggage check-in and, most annoyingly, security. Passengers use a private terminal with quick and personalized check-in and security screening, often requiring your arrival only 15 to 30 minutes before your planned departure.

Commercial airlines, especially those operating at major airports, often recommend that passengers arrive at least 2 hours before departure to allow time to check in, clear TSA security, and reach their gate. Terminals at major airports can be large and crowded, making them more difficult to navigate than a fixed-base operator (FBO).

Privacy: Control of the Passenger List

On a private charter flight, you have full control over the passenger list. Fly with friends, fly with family, and avoid sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with people you don’t know. Flying private means you also don’t have to worry about disruptive passengers or having to awkwardly ask the stranger beside you to get up mid-flight.

Because commercial flights are designed for mass transport, these flights offer little to no privacy. Tickets for these flights are open to the public, leaving you no control over who sits around you. When traveling with commercial airlines, you can certainly expect to share your space with many strangers, both on the plane and in the airport terminal.

Luxury and Comfort: Differences in the Cabin Experience

Charter flights are often more comfortable than standard economy commercial flights because of their spaciousness and personalized service. Fewer passengers means wider seats, more legroom, and an increased focus on your comfort. Some charter services, especially those that operate larger private jets, even offer gourmet catering or high-speed Wi-Fi and entertainment.

Economy class seats on commercial flights tend to be small so that airlines can maximize the number of passengers that can fit on the plane, making the seats feel cramped and leaving little space between seat neighbors. Business class and first class seats, however, provide extra space, comfort and an elevated experience, similar to what is seen on a private charter.

Cost-Effectiveness: Comparing Prices and Value

Tickets for commercial flights are often cheaper than the price of charter flights. This is because commercial airlines are able to spread the cost of a flight across a large number of passengers, meaning that ticket prices for individuals are lower.

The cost of a private charter, on the other hand, can differ drastically, with some common cost factors including the aircraft type and size, the flight distance and duration, crew expenses, fuel costs and time of year. Smaller planes and shorter flights will inevitably come at a lower price than long-haul flights on large jets.

There are instances, however, when charter flights may be more cost-effective than commercial flights. Because charter flights offer access to remote locations or smaller cities with no direct commercial flights, you can get to your destination without paying for multiple flights and/or additional ground transportation. Further, flying private often allows you to avoid paying extra for larger luggage items. While charter flights are generally more expensive than commercial flights, large groups may find that the cost per person is lower for a charter compared to individual business or first class tickets on commercial flights.

Private Charter vs. Commercial Flight: Questions to Consider

Where do you want to go? Visiting a smaller city or remote location? A charter flight can get you there directly! Heading to a major city? Both a private charter and a commercial flight will meet your needs.

How much time do you have, and how flexible is your schedule? If you’re short on time and don’t have much wiggle room, a charter flight planned around your schedule is a great option! A commercial flight may be better for you if you have lots of time to spare.  

How many people are you traveling with? When traveling in larger groups, charter flights may be more cost-effective and offer increased privacy and schedule coordination. If you’re traveling solo, a commercial flight may be the simpler option.

Are you looking for a private travel experience? Private charters offer significantly more privacy than commercial flights and are your best bet if you’re looking for an exclusive travel experience. If privacy is not a top priority, you may opt for a commercial flight.

Do you care about connecting with your pilot and crew? If you want the chance to get to know your pilot and crew beyond a simple “Welcome Aboard,” a charter flight is for you. If you’d prefer to be left alone, you may find a commercial flight more enjoyable.

Book Your Next Trip: Discover the Convenience of AIRO Private Charters

AIRO offers quick, comfortable and convenient travel to over 2,000 locations in our service area, including major cities like Austin, Chicago, and Nashville, and all the small towns in between. Whether visiting your kids at college, traveling for an important business meeting or just skipping town for a nice vacation, we will get you where you need to be, when you need to be there. Submit your booking request today to charters@iflyairo.com or call us at 479-365-3640 for more information.