Charter is smarter only under certain circumstances. The airlines are very competitive when it comes to carrying a lot of people, for long distances, to a limited number of destinations. So when traveling between two very distant, major cities, like Los Angeles and New York, or traveling overseas, it may make sense for some to travel on the airlines. But, there are times when charter makes a lot more sense. For example, when you have several places to go but very little time. Or, if there are more than one of you going. Or, if your destination is not a major airline hub. Or, when the airlines’ schedules just don’t fit into your business schedule.
So, before you compare the costs of airline travel to air charter, consider the time and money you’ll save on overnight expenses— motels, meals and car rental—and factor in the inconveniences you often face with the scheduled airlines: lost/delayed baggage, missed connections, cramped seating and oversold flights, to name a few. Many times it’s smarter to charter.
In the US market alone, there are over 5000 aiports that can be served by chartered jet aircraft compared to approximately 400 airports served by commercial carriers!
Excerpts taken from “A Consumer Guide to Help You Fly Smarter” Published by the NATIONAL AIR TRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION (NATA).
