“The most value a broker can provide comes when things don’t exactly go to plan,” says Alex Sgarlata, a managing director at EvoJets. “It pays to have someone in your corner working to resolve any potential issues that arise, and also present alternate solutions to keep your trip going to plan.”
While you’ll need to pay a built-in commission (industry standards typically fall between 7 and 12%) hiring a broker essentially means you’re paying for a safety net. “We work with our clients to formulate the most optimal solution for them,” says Sgarlata. “Typically, our initial conversation involves talking through what they require, versus what they could be flexible on to garner more savings.” From there, a broker would present a variety of options and then make adjustments as needed to find the perfect fit.
“Clients are paying us for our knowledge, access, and relationships to the entire world’s fleet of aircraft, instead of just one owner/operator,” he adds. “Basically, it’s paying to have an advocate in this wild west of a marketplace.”
Chartering direct with an operator
Booking directly with an operator—companies who own, manage, and charter their own aircraft—is ideal for those who prioritize consistency over personalization. Regional operators based at certain airports, like Silver Air and Tradewind Aviation, will typically price best for shorter roundtrips out of their base or nearby. Alternatively, global operators like VistaJet and FlyExclusive have planes around the globe and may offer more competitive rates for one-way or long-haul flights. In any case, these companies ensure standardized safety and well-rounded service, which can help avoid costly surprises.
In order to snag the best price, it helps to shop around. As Silver Air CEO Jason Middleton advises: “It’s all about price-shopping, and doing it correctly: compare aircraft type, same routes, same days.”
However, when comparing quotes across different operators, you should “expect only a small variant between serious, safety-forward operators—and if one is dramatically cheaper, you should question why,” Middleton adds. “Chasing a one‑off ultra‑cheap flight (for example, $7,000 for something that should cost $30,000 to $40,000) from an unknown operator; that’s where safety corners are often cut.”
“Don’t try and do it on your own, because combing the internet is going to get you in trouble,” Middleton says. “There are WhatsApp groups and ‘I have a jet, want a seat?’ offers—some are illegal charters run by very shady operators.”
Instead, Middleton suggests building a relationship with a reputable operator: “We know our members’ travel habits and where they own homes; if we see an empty leg that fits, we can say, ‘Do you want it? I can get this empty leg for you—it might be $10,000 instead of a $40,000 drop-off.’ A good charter company can really help you get the deals and keep you safe.”
Memberships and jet cards
Membership programs and jet cards are designed for frequent private aviation flyers. Programs such as NetJets, Flexjet, and Wheels Up require upfront deposits, often around $50,000 or more, and then charge fixed hourly rates, typically between $5,000 and $10,000. While they provide guaranteed availability, consistent aircraft quality, and predictable pricing, they are generally not cheaper than booking ad hoc charters. These programs really only make financial sense if you’re looking to fly private regularly (roughly more than 25 hours per year).
