The short answer
Very little. Charter-A can arrange a private jet with as little as four hours’ notice, provided an aircraft and crew are available and, for an international flight, the border clearances can be made in time. Most flights are booked a few days to a few weeks ahead. For peak dates and the largest aircraft, book weeks or months in advance: the earlier you book, the wider the choice of aircraft.
Key facts
- Shortest notice: about four hours, subject to aircraft, crew and border clearances.
- A standard UK or European trip: 48 to 72 hours is usually enough, if aircraft are available.
- Peak dates and large-cabin aircraft: book weeks to months ahead.
- 126 of the 468 airports on this site are open 24 hours; around London they are Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton and Stansted.
- 272 of those airports need prior permission to land, which Charter-A arranges.
- Charter-A’s operations team answers the telephone 24 hours a day.
How far ahead should I book?
| When you book | What to expect |
|---|---|
| The same day | Possible from about four hours before departure when an aircraft and crew are in position. The choice of aircraft is narrow, and an international flight also needs border clearance. |
| Two or three days ahead | Usually enough for a standard UK or European trip, if aircraft are available. |
| One to several weeks ahead | The widest choice of aircraft, and time to arrange catering, cars and a pet’s paperwork. |
| Peak dates and large-cabin aircraft | Book weeks to months ahead. |
How quickly can a private jet be ready?
The limits are practical ones. An aircraft and crew have to be available, and if they are not already at your airport they must fly in to collect you. Aircraft are based across the UK and Europe, so the nearest suitable one is often a short positioning flight away. With an aircraft in place, the remaining steps — the booking confirmation, the passenger list and the flight plan — take a few hours at most.
What can slow down a last-minute flight?
- Aircraft and crew. On a busy day the nearest suitable aircraft may be some distance away, or already booked, and crews work within legal limits on their duty hours.
- Airport opening hours. Many business airports close at night: 126 of the 468 airports on this site are open 24 hours. Around London, Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton and Stansted are open around the clock, while Biggin Hill and Farnborough keep set hours.
- Permission and slots. 272 of the 468 airports require prior permission to land, and the busiest airports allocate slots. Charter-A arranges both, but they take a little time.
- Borders. Before an international flight, the passengers’ details are sent to the border authorities so that you can be cleared. At some smaller airports customs attends by arrangement and needs notice.
- Pets. A pet travelling abroad for the first time needs the longest lead of all: its rabies vaccination must be at least 21 days old. See taking a dog on a private jet.
When should I book well ahead?
For the busiest dates of the year: summer weekends to the Mediterranean — Nice, Ibiza and Palma above all — the ski season in the Alps, and major sporting and business events. On those dates aircraft sell out and prices rise, so book weeks or months ahead. The same applies if you need a large-cabin or long-range aircraft.
Does a late booking cost more?
It can. A late request narrows the choice of aircraft, and the one that remains may be larger than you need or further away, either of which raises the price. Occasionally the opposite happens: an aircraft already due to fly your route without passengers can be offered at a reduced price as an empty leg — see how much it costs to charter a private jet.
What do you need from me for an urgent flight?
The route, the departure time, the number of passengers and a telephone number. Call rather than email — +44 (0)20 7781 8094 is answered 24 hours a day — and have each passenger’s passport to hand, because the passenger list has to be sent before an international flight.
More questions
Can I book a private jet for today?
Often, yes. Same-day flights are possible when an aircraft and crew are available — Charter-A can arrange a flight with as little as four hours’ notice — but the choice of aircraft is narrower than when you book ahead.
What is the shortest notice for a private jet?
About four hours with Charter-A, subject to an aircraft and crew being available and, for an international flight, to border clearances.
How far ahead should I book a private jet for the summer or the ski season?
Weeks to months ahead. Summer weekends to the Mediterranean and the ski season in the Alps are the busiest periods of the year, when aircraft sell out and prices rise.
Can a private jet fly at night?
Yes, where the airports at both ends are open. 126 of the 468 airports on this site are open 24 hours; many business airports close overnight, so a late departure can mean using a different airport.
Is anyone available outside office hours?
Yes. Charter-A’s operations team answers the telephone 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Related articles
How do you charter a private jet for the first time?
To charter a private jet you need three things: the route, the date and the number of passengers.
Read the answer →CostHow much does it cost to charter a private jet?
Chartering a private jet typically costs from around £2,000 to £3,000 per flying hour for a small jet, rising to £6,000 to £8,000 per hour and more for a large or long-range jet.
Read the answer →AirportsWhich airports can a private jet use?
A private jet can use almost any airport with a runway long enough for the aircraft, opening hours that suit the flight and, for an international trip, customs and immigration.
Read the answer →On this site
More from Charter-A.com
- Urgent private jet charter
- 24-hour private jet charter
- Last-minute private jet hire: your options in the UK
Notice periods are those Charter-A publishes on charter-a.com; airport opening hours and permission requirements are counted from the airport records on this site. Charter-A Ltd acts as agent for the passenger; details are confirmed for each flight at booking.