Frequently Asked Questions
Try our jargon free guide below for answers to some of the most common questions clients ask us when chartering an aircraft for the first time.
Aircraft charter is the business of renting an entire aircraft as opposed to buying an individual seat on a scheduled flight. When you charter, the aircraft is at your sole disposal and you can choose the dates, times and departure/arrival locations for your flights.
Yes. Anyone can charter an aircraft.
We work globally and through our expansive network of airlines can offer charter aircraft from any commercially licensed airport in the world. When arranging your charter flight, we will advise you of the closest appropriate airports to your home or office and final destination.
We can arrange flights at very short notice, sometimes in less than 12 hours subject to cleared funds and appropriate aircraft and crew availability. For a greater choice of aircraft and to enjoy the most competitive rates, we recommend you contact us at least two weeks in advance of your desired flight date.
The speed of response depends on the complexity of your flight request. For itineraries involving one or two flights and well known airports you can expect to receive your quote within 48 hours (usually faster). Requests for charters requiring specialist aircraft, complex routing or airports in remote regions of the world may take a little longer. In all cases, we will be in regular contact with you as we prepare an offer.
We will send you a Charter Agreement by email (PDF) that provides full details of the aircraft, your itinerary, contract terms and payment information. Once you have signed and returned this agreement to us (again, by email) your charter is confirmed and booked.
Cleared payment is required prior to flight. Anglo European can invoice in Euros, Pound Sterling, Swiss Francs or US Dollars. Most carriers require a deposit to be paid to reserve the aircraft with the balance payable at least 7 working days prior to the first departure date. You will receive a detailed invoice from us with all bank details necessary to arrange a wire transfer.
This depends on the type of charter flight you book.
Private charter, also called ‘sole-use’ or ‘single-entity’ charters, are those which are paid for by an individual or company. Private charters cannot be made available for sale to the general public, and the charterer is not allowed to be re-imbursed – either directly or indirectly – by the passengers flying onboard the aircraft.
Public charters are funded by the sale of individual seats onboard the charter flight. Even if the charter is organised through a single individual or organisation, if the charterer is reimbursed for the cost of the flight, it is considered a public charter. Public charters are only available to appropriately licensed tour operators and travel organisers.
Small adjustments are almost always possible. The only time it may not be possible to alter your schedule is if the contracted aircraft has other flights to operate immediately before or after your charter. Your personal account manager will make you aware of any such restrictions at the time of your booking.
There may be a small surcharge to cover the cost of additional catering and passenger taxes. However, if the number of passengers exceeds the aircraft's available seating capacity or the maximum payload for your chosen route this may require an alternative aircraft to the one originally quoted. In such cases we will have to obtain a new quotation for you and you may incur cancellation fees for the original aircraft if it was booked with deposits paid and you opt to go ahead with the change.
No, we provide transparent pricing that includes all costs. Generally, prices will only change if you request a different itinerary or if you ask us to reschedule your flight and this results in an aircraft having to land outside an airport's published opening times (which would usually incur an out of hours extension charge). You will always be advised of any changes to the charter price before you have to make a binding decision.
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, air charter quotations do not include de-icing. For your safety, aircraft de-icing is often required during icy and snowy conditions. This is a legal requirement prior to take-off. As it cannot be predicted if and how much de-icing fluid is required prior to a flight, the aircraft charterer is liable after the flight for the cost of any ground de-icing required. This is industry standard practice. If your flight is likely to be affected we will advise you ahead of time and be happy to provide an estimate for the cost of de-icing.
To minimise any potential costs, let us know as soon as possible. Cancellation policies vary between aircraft operators and details are provided on your invoice and listed within the Terms and Conditions of the Charter Agreement we send to you when you book.
Anglo European works exclusively with carriers who meet or exceed internationally accepted safety standards. Before recommending an aircraft to you we will have verified that: the operator possesses a valid Air Operator's Certificate (AOC); the aircraft is flown and maintained to Public Transport (Airline) Standards and comprehensive insurance is in place to industry-accepted levels (or higher).
We offer access to every aircraft type available on the global charter market. This includes 30 seater turboprops and inter-contintental business jets all the way up to 500+ seater aircraft like the Airbus A380 or Boeing 747. To explore the range of aircraft available through Anglo European, head over to our aircraft guide.
When you call us, e-mail us or request a quote via our website, we'll provide a selection of aircraft options and recommend the type that best suits your requirements. In addition, you may wish to visit our aircraft guide which contains photos and performance data for many of the aircraft types we offer.
The exact crew size will depend on the type of aircraft chosen for the trip. In all cases, you will have both a pilot and co-pilot together with cabin crew sets appropriate for the number of passengers flying and duration of the flight sectors.
We are happy to accommodate pets and other animals, but please remember to let us know about this when you first contact us. This ensures we will only offer you aircraft on which animals can be carried. The majority of carriers insist that pets are kept in a pet carrier during flight and travel in a heated section of the aircraft's hold rather than the cabin.
Yes, many VIP and long-range aircraft have Wi-Fi capability. If wifi is important for your trip, please let your personal account manager know when making your enquiry.
Most airports offer wheelchair access but be sure to mention this to your account manager prior to your flight. If you need specialist medical care, such as an ambulift, we can offer the right facilities but they will be limited to certain terminals and aircraft that can accommodate them.
If the aircraft you booked has a technical issue and cannot fly we will do everything we can to find an alternative. Because we are in regular contact with the operator throughout your charter, we become aware of any issues as soon as the airline itself does which often provides us with enough time to source an alternative. In the unlikely event this is not possible we will request a full refund for you.
A government issued photo ID or passport is required prior to boarding. Boarding will be denied to any passenger without proper documentation when such is required by law or customs. All passengers are required to carry a passport when travelling internationally. All documents required for international travel, including any visas where applicable, must be presented at check-in.
Your charter briefing, which you will receive in the days leading up to your flight, will contain details of where and when to report; including maps, terminal number, check-in desk details, lounge information, emergency telephone numbers and handling agent details.
We generally try to schedule in some buffer time to allow for small delays but this may not always be possible, particularly if the contracted aircraft has other flights to operate immediately after your charter. Your personal account manager will make you aware of any such restrictions at the time of your booking. If your flight is departing from a busy airport, it may be subject to slot restrictions and a delay in your arrival could cause the aircraft's take-off slot to be missed, potentially resulting in a further delay before a new slot becomes available.
For normal luggage and cabin baggage, specific restrictions on amounts will depend on the aircraft booked. If you have special requirements or over-sized items you wish to travel with (such as skis or musical instruments), please give this information to your personal account manager before you book so we can ensure they will fit on the aircraft. For certain flights, security screening may be required in which case restrictions on cabin baggage items and liquids may apply. If security screening is required this will be detailed in your charter brief.
Each aircraft has different baggage compartment sizes and weight limitations. Your baggage will be stored in the hold of the aircraft for your safety and convenience. When chartering an aircraft it is important to let us know if you or your passengers expect to carry baggage in excess of typical airline allowances. If you have concerns about fragile items or over-sized baggage, simply give us a call and we can walk you through all the options.
For all international flights you will be subject to immigration and customs. You will need to provide full passport details in advance of the flight and passports will be checked prior to departure and on arrival. Further information regarding this can be found in your booking confirmation email.
When chartering a commercial airliner for your group, most airlines simply require a list of passenger details (known as a passenger manifest) no later than 24 hours before you travel. The information on the manifest will usually consist of your passengers' full names, their nationalities, dates of birth and passport numbers. In all cases, you will be advised of the information required and how to share it with us securely well in advance of your flights.
Catering options range from basics snacks and refreshments to VIP catering and open bar depending on the choice of aircraft. Your booking confirmation email will explain the standard options for your chosen aircraft. Additional catering can be arranged on request (and subject to available local catering facilities) but may incur an additional charge.
Passengers with special dietary needs can also be accommodated providing their requirements are communicated to us no later than 48 hours prior to departure.
Many aircraft are fitted with in-flight entertainment facilities; including Wi-Fi and interactive entertainment. To find out more, ask your personal account manager during booking to explain the options available.
When you arrive at your destination the aircraft will be met by a handling agent who will take the passengers and their luggage to the airport terminal building, where they can meet with their onward transportation. If required, Anglo European can organise onward/ground transportation for you.
No. When you book an aircraft only you decide who will be on the aircraft with you.
Extreme weather events may delay or divert your flight. Flight safety is always paramount and the decision to fly will remain with the Captain or airport authority. Refunds are subject to the policies of the aircraft operator. We will always monitor weather in advance to give you ample notice and assistance with alternative arrangements, if necessary.
AIR CHARTER
Act of renting or leasing an aircraft for the transport of cargo or passengers.
AIR CHARTER OPERATOR
Responsible for the licensing, maintenance, safety and operation of the aircraft being chartered. The air charter operator may not always be the ultimate owner of the aircraft (it may be leased into their fleet).
ALTERNATE AIRPORT
An alternate airport is an airport that can receive an aircraft to land when landing at the intended airport is not possible (typically for safety or weather reasons).
AOC
An Air Operator's Certificate is the approval granted from a national aviation authority to an aircraft operator to allow it to use aircraft for commercial purposes. This requires the operator to have personnel, assets, finance and systems in place to ensure the safety of its employees and the general public. The certificate will list the aircraft types and registrations to be used, for what purpose and in what area (specific airports or geographic regions).
APRON
Hard-surfaced or paved area around a hangar. See also Ramp.
BLOCK FLYING TIME
Time between an aircraft first moving from its parking stand for the purpose of taking off until it comes to rest at the designated parking position of the destination airport and all engines are stopped.
BLOCK RATES
Lower contract rate for scheduling significant amounts of air charter time in advance on a prearranged agreement.
CATERING
Catering is the provision of in-flight meals, drinks and refreshments.
CHARTERER
The person or entity that has paid for the charter of an aircraft.
DE-ICING
The process of removing snow, ice or frost from the surface of an aircraft. Anti-icing is the application of chemicals that not only de-ice but also remain on a surface and continue to delay the reformation of ice for a certain period of time or prevent adhesion of ice to make mechanical removal easier.
DIRECT FLIGHT
A flight that operates from point A to point B without a connecting flight. A direct flight is not necessarily non-stop.
DOUBLE ROUND TRIP
Also referred to as 'two one-way pricing', this occurs when the charterer wishes to stay overnight or several days at the destination before returning. In such circumstances it is usually standard for the aircraft to fly back to its home base empty, then return once again empty to complete the air charter itinerary. For such itineraries, the charterer pays for four flight sectors rather than two.
DUTY TIME
A pilot or crew member logs duty time whenever they are serving in any capacity. There are safety restrictions on maximum duty times to ensure pilots and crew are sufficiently rested.
EMPTY LEGS
A re-positioning flight where the aircraft is flying empty (also know as a 'ferry' flight). Chartering an empty leg can cost significantly less than a full-price charter.
ETA
Estimated time of arrival.
ETD
Estimated time of departure.
ETE
Estimated time en-route.
FUEL SURCHARGE
A charge levied by the air operator to cover sudden increases in fuel prices on the open spot market.
FLIGHT PLAN
Filed with an Air Traffic Control Facility, a flight plan is the specific information regarding the flight or intended flight of an aircraft.
HANDLING AGENT
Often referred to as FBOs (Fixed Base Operators), handling agents are based at airports and are the primary liasion between the aircraft (and its crew) and the passengers. They are responsible for transporting passengers between the airport terminal building and the aircraft. Amongst other things, they alo have responsibility for loading/unloading luggage, provision of catering and aircraft fueling.
HANGAR
An enclosed structure for housing aircraft.
IATA code
The IATA airport code or location indicator is a unique 3-letter code used to designate airports used by scheduled air carriers.
ICAO code
The ICAO airport code or location indicator is a unique 4-letter code used to designate every licensed airport in the world.
ILS
Instrument Landing System is a precision instrument approach system utilizing radio transmitters at the runway edge which provide precise left-right and up-down indications to the pilot, permitting an aircraft to land during periods of low cloud ceiling or poor visibility.
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Any airport designated by its contracting state to provide customs and immigrations duties for international travellers along with other formal requirements.
LAYOVER
A layover occurs when the aircraft remains overnight at an airport other than its home base.
LEG
A single flight (also known as a 'sector') between two points. A ‘live’ leg is a flight that carries passengers or cargo, whereas a ‘ferry’ leg is a flight without passengers or cargo, solely used to re-position the aircraft.
POSITIONING
Ferrying an aircraft for departure from an airport other than base or originating airport.
SLOT
Airport slots are essentially a prior permission from the airport and Air Traffic Control to land or take off at a specific time. They are used to manage flight flow at busy airports and not all airports are slot controlled.
TAIL NUMBER
An aircraft's registration number (much like the number or license plate of a car).
TAXI TIME
The time the aircraft is in transit to the runway up to the point of take off.
ZULU
Short for "Zulu time", this is a term used in the military and in navigation generally as an equivalent to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), which itself was formerly called Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).