Let’s start with Key West. It’s one of the top vacation destinations in the country thanks to the sheer beauty of its sparkling water, white sand beaches, and tropical flare. Flying into Key West offers passengers a clear view of all the happenings in and on the water.

No matter what you’re going to Key West for – a fishing trip, scuba adventure, or spring break shenanigan – as soon as you deplane and feel that tropical breeze brush against your face you’ll know that your vacation has begun.

Now let’s look at Sedona, Arizona.

If your schedule allows, fly into this town during sunrise or sunset for an unbelievable experience. The colors of the sky mixed with the reds of the hills are unforgettable. Then again, no matter when you arrive, there’s nothing quite like descending into a canyon surrounded by the red cliff walls of the mountains.

Whether you’re going to Sedona to scale the cliffs, tear up mountain trails on a bike, explore one of the many nature parks, or visiting the artsy community, once your plane begins its approach even the most seasoned travelers will find it impossible to keep themselves from being glued to the window.

Then there’s Catalina Island, California.

Now this is an airport that is something you have to see to believe. Unfortunately, many charter jets are unable to land at this airport because the 3,000 foot runway is located on top o a mountain. However, if you’re in an ultra-light jet or prop plane, you’ll definitely want to check out this location.

Catalina Island is 20 miles off the coast of southern California and its airport was created by blasting the peaks off two mountain tops and filling in the resulting holes. Some people who have landed at this airport express that they are taken aback by the beauty of the vegetation covered island and also just a little scared seeing the sheer cliffs that line three sides of it.

Much of Catalina Island is protected land, but there are two towns that are frequented by visitors and many people love to fly out to this getaway and take advantage of the hiking and camping opportunities that await.

For assistance with traveling to these destinations and more, click here.

This time of year many people scramble to get home to loved ones or fly family in. Chartering a jet fits the needs of virtually any family.

If you’ve got small kids and need to be able to comfortably provide snacks, change a diaper, and keep them entertained, even an ultra-light jet will give parents the room they need. Plus, catering options are available so that moms, dads, and the kids can have anything from a light snack of their choosing to a full meal (depending on flight times).

For the family who doesn’t go anywhere without their beloved dog, charter jets provide the safest and most comfortable means of travel for pets. Unlike commercial airlines where virtually all dogs have to be flown as cargo, on a private jet they can sit right next to you in a seat or sprawl out on the floor. Most importantly, owners never lose sight of their dog and do not need to worry about pets shivering in a kennel amongst the luggage.

One of the best parts about jet charter is that the schedule revolves around the passenger, which is especially good for people flying with older family members who need a little extra time to get situated or anyone else who has a medical need that requires extra care.

If medical care is needed on a flight, consider an air ambulance. These flights come with specially trained flight crews to deal with any medical needs.

If your Christmas trip is a part of a larger trip for business, multi-leg trips are available so that you could fly out, have dinner with the family, and then continue on to another city. Almost all jets are equipped with Internet access so that anyone who needs to continue working throughout the holiday can get online and stay in touch with the office even 30,000 feet above it.

Other things to think about before planning your trip include how many people are going, how much luggage is being taken, and if you want to make a fuel stop or not. Remember that the bigger the jet the more expensive the flight is, but the price is worth the comfort and convenience.

If you have any questions regarding trip planning, contact an operator or broker to discuss your concerns. That way, when you show up for the flight there will be nothing unexpected to encounter like skis or golf clubs not fitting in the luggage compartment.

No matter what your plans are this season, CharterJets.com can help get you there.

It’s big enough for the long-range trips carrying up to eight passengers and cost-efficient enough to accommodate short to mid-range trips that wouldn’t necessarily require a jet of this size. In fact, the Learjet 60 is known for its class-leading low operating cost.

Coming in just second to its versatility is the comfort level passengers are afforded with its luxurious décor. The soft leathers, gleaming wood veneers, and fine fabrics give the jet an elegant look without sacrificing true comfort. The Learjet 60 also offers a full galley perfect for in-flight catering, fully enclosed lavatory for privacy, and a stand-up cabin.

The Learjet 60 is powered by Pratt and Whitney engines that pack a punch in the skies. The jet has a high speed of 536 mph and has a maximum climb of 51,000 ft. This gets the jet over weather and out of heavy air traffic so that passengers can get where they’re going in speed and style.

Consider the Learjet 60 for your travel needs, no matter where you need to go.

Book your next chartered flight on a Learjet 60 with Charterjets.com by clicking here.

There are many forms of private aviation and through a series of articles on CharterJets.com we will explore those options. To begin with, we’ll look at fractional jet ownership and how it compares and contrasts with private jet charter.

Fractional jet ownership is essentially the same as purchasing a timeshare at a vacation destination. It gives a group of individuals a chance to own a jet that they get to utilize for a guaranteed set of hours each year. Costs vary, but the acquisition cost of each share is determined by the pro-rated market value of the aircraft. The jump-off point in fractional jet ownership is a 1/16 share. This option, while by no means inexpensive, is the most popular selection made by private aviation enthusiasts.

The cost of a share is the pro-rated market value of the aircraft divided by the number of fractional owners. So, assuming a jet is $10 million and owned by 16 individuals, then the acquisition fee would be $625,000.

Frequent fliers might be wondering now what the benefits and risks are of fractional ownership. We’ll start with the benefits.

Almost everyone can relate to what it is like to be stuck on a commercial jet with absolutely no control over anything. Passengers are at the mercy of dozens of others who call the shots. Fractional jet ownership gives passengers the chance to step onto an aircraft that they actually own. When qualified, owners can also fly the jet themselves. Imagine the level of comfort provided by traveling on your own time on your own plane.

While flying on your own plane is desirable, keep in mind that many fractional providers have fleets of varying sizes that fractional owners have access to. This benefits owners by providing them with the best jet available to suit both their personal and travel needs.

Because the contract of fractional jet ownership states that owners are only responsible for the hours they spend in the air, the convenience of flying one-way becomes hassle free. As charter jet passengers know, trips with empty legs are essentially the same as throwing money away because in most cases there is a charge for returning the plane to its home base. Being able to simply walk away from a flight without cringing over the cost of its empty return – especially if that flight was transcontinental – is a good feeling.

But fractional ownership isn’t for everyone. Aside from the acquisition costs, there are monthly fees that hover around the five-figure mark that each owner has to contend with. Granted, these monthly fees cover maintenance, insurance, pilot salaries, and other general upkeep necessary for the jet, so they are not arbitrary. In addition, there are fuel costs and landing fees to consider. If you’re not one for dealing with large monthly fees and prefer to deal with travel costs only as they arise, then fractional jet ownership probably isn’t for you.

On a similar note, owners are required to sign a contract that binds them to the aircraft for two to five years. At the end of those contractually obligated years, owners can sell their share, but remember that by that time, the jet will have most likely decreased in value. On the upside, the selling is generally done through the company through which the jet was purchased, so at least owners don’t have to go at it alone.

After reading through this blog thus far, if you’re still not sure if fractional ownership is for you, then consider private jet charter. This form of flying is almost as good as ownership because it still provides passengers with the freedom to call the shots of who, why, where, when and how. All trips are tailor made to fit the needs of the fliers (within reason, there’s no controlling weather). So let’s look at the pros and cons of private jet charter.

To begin with, the cost difference from ownership to charters can be rather large. All charter passengers pay for is the trip itself, so this includes all legs of the trip and any extras on board like catering. In addition, the total trip cost covers the maintenance, insurance, pilot fees, fuel and landing fees. So depending on how often you fly, even if you travel roughly once a month, it is generally cheaper to fly with a private charter than to handle the acquisition costs and fees associated with fractional ownership.

When it comes to the negative aspects of jet charters, the most common complaint involves paying for unused return legs of trips. These trips are often more expensive than round trip rates because operators need to return the jets to their home base regardless of if you’re onboard or not.

Another complaint arises from customers who used untrustworthy brokers who book flights for customers without really knowing much about the operator or aircraft. It’s always a good rule of thumb to make sure that when you book a charter to ask if the operator or broker has knowledge of the aircraft just to make sure it (and the broker) are of good quality.

No matter what you choose, both private jet charter and fractional jet ownership offer the utmost in premier travel needs. It’s just a matter of selecting which form of travel fits your aviation needs.

If you decide fractional ownership is a good fit for you, then look at FlexJets and NetJets to learn more about becoming a jet owner. If you’d rather deal with your travel needs as they arise, then check out private jet charters here.

This blog will help you to potentially save thousands on your next trip.

Let’s begin with finding a broker. These are essentially travel agents for jet charters. They’ll get you where you’re going by finding you the best flight possible by taking into account your needs and matching those with an operator and jet so that they blend together seamlessly. To make this process easier, know what you want out of a flight. First, learn what to look for in a good broker.

Finding a reputable broker is important so that you do not find yourself on an older model jet with duct tape covering ripped seams on the seats or with an inexperienced flight crew. If you haven’t used a broker before, ask colleagues who they use. Make lots of calls to lots of different brokers. Ask them if they have direct knowledge of the aircraft and crew. Ask them what kind of extra services you can receive on the flight (like catering). Ask them absolutely anything. A good broker will answer you or be willing to find the answers to your questions.

Bad brokers, unfortunately, are plentiful seeing as anyone with an Internet connection, web-savvy and ability to slap up some stock photos of jets on a website can trick just about anyone into thinking they’ve got some kind of clout when it comes to booking travel. However, the cracks in the shiny veneer these people display can easily be seen if they are bombarded with questions from you. After all, all bad brokers want is to make money off of your travel by tacking on ridiculous fees for booking your trip, when all they do is look at flight schedules and pick things out that fit your travel plans.

To learn more about good brokers vs. bad brokers check out our previous blog here.

Now back to knowing what you want in a flight. Ask these questions to book a trip that fulfills both your wants and needs.

How many passengers will you have? Passenger load is one of the factors that determine what kind of jet you’ll need. If you’re flying an entire team somewhere, chances are a larger jet will be needed. But if you need a private jet for personal travel for a couple, then a lighter jet will suit your needs.

Are you willing to make a fuel stop? Fuel stops can be a hassle for passengers who need to get where they are going as quickly as possible. Large aircraft can make a cross-country trip without stopping, but they might not be the most cost-effective choice if only a few people are on your trip with you. If a fuel stop is something you’re willing to do, then a light or mid-sized jet would be more cost-effective and still meet the travel needs of the passenger.

Is a jet the right option for you? CharterJets.com wants you to have the best trip possible, so if a jet isn’t what you need, then we’re here to tell you about taking a turbo prop. These are cost-effective for short trips and some even offer hourly rates, which can be markedly less expensive than jet travel. A broker can get you on a prop just as easily as a jet.

All of these questions are things to think about before planning your next trip with a broker. If your budget is concerning you, talk to your broker about all of the options you have in terms of flying. Consider making a fuel stop if you haven’t in the past or opt for a lighter jet if it is capable of bearing your load.

Remember that jet charters are all about the customer and so you should always help yourself by asking lots of questions in order to get exactly what you want – and if you save a little money in the process, then consider it a bonus to your perfect flight experience.

Are you ready to book your private flight? Click here to let Charterjets.com help you get started.

Oprah never skirts around the fact that she is a self-made billionaire with a net worth of $2.7 billion. She freely admits that she loves having her estates across the world and all the perks that money can buy, (which, for Oprah, includes helping others reach their own maximum potentials).

One of the things this media mogul really loves is her private jet (technically owned by her production company, Harpo, Inc.) that takes her everywhere from her palatial condo in Chicago to her Montecito estate to her beach getaway in Hawaii.

During a commencement speech she gave in 2009 at Duke University, Oprah said “that anyone that tells you having your own private jet isn’t great is lying to you.”

Private jet enthusiasts loved her for saying that; environmentalists concerned about the carbon footprint left in the wake of a private jet were not too happy that a woman with so much influence on the minds of millions made such a bold statement about her extravagance. But if you strip away all the political and environmental concerns that surround private jet travel and focus on the aircraft itself then Oprah’s right: Her jet is in a league of its own.

The jet that Oprah loves is a $42 million custom-built Global Express XRS built by Bombardier Aerospace. Oprah’s version has an all-leather interior and features designer fixtures in the bathroom and galley.

The XRS is an updated version of the Global Express and touts an increased range of just over 6,000 nautical miles and a cruising speed of Mach 0.85 (738 mph). It’s powered by two Rolls-Royce BR710 turbofan engines that give it enough muscle to make it a premier long range business jet. It can go around the world and only stop to refuel once.

The jet typically flies with a crew of four and has the capacity for 8-19 passengers – perfect for Oprah’s entourage or for corporate executives on their way to industry trade shows.

The Global Express XRS also has a high-speed satellite communications system so that passengers can access the Internet and live television. This feature is a necessity in today’s world of constant communication.

In addition, the XRS also has a large baggage compartment so passengers needn’t sacrifice certain larger items for fear of running out of space.

Overall, the Global Express XRS is one of the leaders of the long-range corporate jet class.

Approximately 8,000 commercial flights were canceled over the weekend due to the storm and hundreds of private charters followed suit.

The mid-Atlantic states and New York City were among the hardest hit areas and travel is still being affected even though the storm is over. New York area airports are scheduled to reopen early Aug. 29. They’ll open at 6 am for arrivals and by noon for departures.

However, Teterboro Airport will remain closed and officials with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey have yet to announce when the regional airport – popular for its quick access to the city center for those flying in via charter jets – will reopen.

Although the storm’s impact only made contact with the east coast, travelers all over the nation and even internationally had trouble traveling since Wednesday of last week. Most problems stemmed from cancelations of commercial flights scheduled to take-off or land anywhere in the hurricane’s projected path.

Private jets, however, make for a viable option for anyone who needs to get where they’re going quickly for business or personal reasons. If the need for evacuation arises, many operators and brokers can arrange for passengers to be taken out of the danger zone immediately.

During hurricane season, which occurs during the dog days of summer when many people are vacationing in areas which hurricanes are known to effect, commercial flights can be crowded and difficult to book. But many times private jet companies mobilize their fleets to accommodate the needs of passengers in perceived hurricane danger zones.

Keep in mind that an operator will not compromise your safety by flying in inclement weather. Be sure to check with your broker or operator regarding the cancelation policy for your flight. Also ask if the operator has experience in navigating the aircraft through the special types of weather that hurricanes can cause. Again, the jets will not fly into a hurricane’s direct path, so never wait until the last minute before booking your flight out of an evacuation zone.

Would you like to plan a chartered flight? Click here to get started.

For anyone who hasn’t been, Telluride isn’t just for ski-enthusiasts. Yes, it has premier skiing in the colder months, but it also offers mountain biking and hiking trails, golfing, fishing, river rafting, ample sightseeing, and plenty of historical sites of interest. It’s location on the floor of a canyon surrounded by mountains and cliffs makes it one of the most beautiful areas in the country throughout the year. However, this hot-spot’s geographical location does present some level of difficulty when it comes to transportation.

To begin with, taking a chartered jet to and from Telluride means passengers will need to hire (or request a broker to hire) an operator that is not only familiar with, but well-versed in mountain flying. In addition to the operator’s skill level, the jet itself must be able to handle the altitudes and airport elevations involved in mountain flying.

Telluride Regional Airport is known for having the highest runway in the country. It’s also a part of the Rocky Mountain chain, which causes it to be subjected to harsher weather conditions than its more closer-to-sea-level counterparts. What is a simple rainy day in a valley could be a violent snow storm in the mountains.

The weather and altitude do limit the types of aircraft that can safely fly into Telluride Regional Airport. Strong winds and down drafts found in the mountains make it extremely difficult for single or light twin engine aircraft to operate safely. These aircraft are also not recommended for night flying.

Additionally, some older jets can’t climb to the necessary altitudes and very light jets are at risk of being tossed around in the sky by the high winds like a ping pong ball.

But that’s not to say that flying into Telluride Regional Airport is impossible.

Several charter service companies in the area have pilots and aircraft capable of getting passengers where they want to go via King Air B200s, Gulfstream JetProp 840s, and other comparable jets. Once on the ground at the airport, passengers are only seven miles from the center of the town.

If you prefer to not risk delays or potentially bumpy flights, consider flying into nearby Montrose Regional Airport, which is just less than 70 miles north of Telluride. This airport offers one FBO, the Black Canyon Jet Center, where passengers can hangar their plane, have all ground transportation and lodging needs met, and find out all the inside information on the best skiing, golfing, fishing, and entertainment and recreation in the area.

Both airports are viable options for anyone considering taking a trip to Telluride. Just remember to find an operator that knows his way through the mountains, select a jet capable of storing your luggage and skis, and decide which unique Telluride vacation rental best fits your party.

Would you like to plan a chartered flight to Telluride? Click here to plan your flight .

Do you need to be able to get to Manhattan as soon as possible? Want to book all your travel needs with world class FBOs? Need to spend some time in an executive lounge at the airport for some reason or another? Your answers to these questions should all be considered when booking your flight.

This blog will look at the three major general aviation airports in the New York metropolitan area most frequented by private jets so you can decide which airport suits your needs the best.

Teterboro Airport (New Jersey)

Manhattan’s the hub of it all. If you need to be in Manhattan, New Jersey’s Teterboro Airport is the closest. It’s just over the George Washington Bridge and about 12 miles away from midtown Manhattan. Take a taxi, private car, subway, or ferry and you’ll be in town in no time.

Teterboro’s operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and acts as a reliever airport for the commercial airports (LaGuardia, JFK, Newark) in the region. There are no scheduled flights coming in or out of this airport as it is strictly for small jets that would congest the major airports. That said, it sees its fair share of action. Teterboro averages 545 general aviation and air taxi flights per day. In 2010, Teterboro handled close to 150,000 take-offs and landings

This airport offers five FBOs capable of handling everything from the flight to baggage handling to hotel reservations. The FBOs operate 24 hours a day and are equipped with a concierge service to meet virtually any needs had by passengers.

There are 19 hangars at the airport that can accommodate both Gulfstream and Gulf Express aircraft. Hangar suites are also available and are equipped with designated parking and private entries. Business travelers will appreciate the second-floor business suites offered at Teterboro for meetings and events.

Dog lovers will also appreciate the special dog park available outdoors for all of those who can’t bear to leave home without Fido in tow.

Essex County Airport (New Jersey)

Teterboro Airport isn’t the only option for travelers bound for NYC.

New Jersey’s Essex County Airport is 20 miles from midtown and can be reached via the Lincoln Tunnel or George Washington Bridge. This airport is bigger than Teterboro and averages close to 700 general aviation flights per day or more than a quarter of a million flights a year.

Two FBOs operate out of Essex County Airport that can arrange for your flight, hotel accommodations, and transport to and from the airport. In addition, these FBOs offer passengers continued luxury with executive lounges.

Essex County Airport’s standard hangars are capable of handing most single-engine aircrafts and some light twin-engines. The large hangars can easily fit the Cessna 400 series and similar

Republic Airport (New York)

Long Island’s Republic Airport is in East Farmingdale and is about 30 miles from downtown Manhattan. It averages close to 200,000 flights a year and is known for its short-distance trips to Atlantic City.

There are two FBOs at this airport that offer courtesy shuttles and cars for passengers, catering, lounges, conference rooms, and anything else passengers could want on a 24/7 basis.

Nearby hotels, restaurants, and the golf course on nearby Bethpage State Park also add to this airport’s appeal.

If you have questions about chartering a flight to New York City or are planning any private flight, contact Charterjets.com here.

To begin with, give yourself ample time to plan the trip. Unlike air travel in the United States, airspace in China is under strict government control and only 30 percent of the nation’s airspace is open for general aviation usage. All aircraft registered in the United States that fly into China are required to have landing permits, which are tricky to obtain.

If your trip takes you to Hong Kong or Shanghai, a permit can generally be issued within four to five days, but it can take up to a week or longer to obtain a permit to fly into more remote locations. It is a good rule of thumb to plan your trip weeks in advance to make sure everything goes smoothly.

In addition, all passengers are required to obtain an invitation and sponsorship from someone local in China. For business travelers, this invitation and sponsorship can come from an official of the company where the business is being conducted. The sponsor needs to be involved in all aspects of the coordination of the arrival and departure details of the flight and will be responsible for communicating these details to local authorities. Having the right sponsor is important and so it is best to locate a sponsor before booking a jet. Shoot for a high-ranking government official or businessman to better your chances of having your permit approved.

The operator of the jet will obtain the landing permit needed. For a permit to be issued and approved, the sponsor, nature of the trip, schedule, crew, passengers, aircraft, and virtually any other detail requested regarding the travel need to be made available.

Any change with any detail of the flight, crew, passengers, etc. can result in the approval being denied and everything will need to be redone. Finalize your itinerary and passenger list before having your operator apply for the permit to travel into China.

Of all the private traveling you’ll do in life, be the most selective when it comes to choosing your charter provider. Whether you opt for an operator or broker, ask several questions first. Find out how many flights the operator or broker has made to China in recent months. Ask what – if any – relationship they have with ground operators in China. If using a broker, ask if they work with specific operators who are experienced in operating charter flights to China.

Also, ask your broker or operator if they are familiar with the permitting process. They should be able to give you the basic details on what it takes to fly into China. Next, be prepared to book your trip not based on the most attractive rate, but on who has the most experience. With all of the ins and outs involved in flying in and out of China, it is important to make sure that your operator/broker is experienced enough to make sure your trip goes off without a hitch.

As more and more Western business men and women fly into China, restrictions are lifting and more and more airspace is being made available for general aviation. In addition, the demand for private air travel in and out of China is growing exponentially. Hopefully this demand continues to ease some of the restrictions in place so that travel in and out of China becomes less complicated.

If you have questions about chartering a flight to China or planning any private flight, contact Charterjets.com here.