The start of the season is an exciting time. Whether you’re traveling for a series of away games or just a single game against a big conference rival, chartering private jets has become an increasingly popular choice among college and professional sports teams.
If you’re considering a jet charter for your team, you may be wondering: when is the best time to book?
To start, let’s address which factors affect the booking price.
Commercial Airlines vs. Private Jet Charter
When booking a commercial flight, it’s important to consider factors such as day of the week, the demand for a flight, and time booked in advance. Airlines often have seasonal sales and provide limited-time deals for those looking to save. Generally, booking far in advance is the most cost-effective option.
In comparison, private jet charters operate a bit differently. There’s no need to monitor flights for months in advance or run the risk of limited seats for your team. Factors such as time of year and amount of time booked in advance play a small role, with the exception being peak pricing during major holidays. It’s best to book as soon as departure dates are known, as charter availability can be limited, but there is technically no best time to book a private flight. If your exact departure date is unknown, charter services are able to provide an idea of aircraft and pricing options to best facilitate planning.
Holiday Effects on Private Planes
Holidays play a factor in pricing, particularly around Thanksgiving or Christmas. In the event that a team must travel during peak airline days, pricing increases due to extra demand. However, this may be a desirable time to book a private jet rental due to saving time and stress of dealing with commercial airlines. STM Charters will work with you to find the aircraft and package that best fits your needs and budget while providing peace of mind.
Price Factors for Private Jet Travel
When booking a private jet charter, pricing is determined by three main factors:
Size/performance of aircraft: Typically, hourly rates range from $1,000 to $9,000 per flight hour for a private jet charter, depending on the size of the selected aircraft. Smaller teams are ideal for midsize jets (seating 7 to 10 passengers), whereas a large team traveling with additional staff and equipment may opt for jet airliner aircraft (seating 120 to 470).
Length of flight: Depending on where the game is, teams may have to travel across the country. A flight for a New York-based team to Los Angeles will naturally be more expensive than flying to a game in Boston.
Repositioning: Where is the selected aircraft in relation to the departure location? At times, a private jet needs to fly to a location where the desired aircraft is not available which will dramatically affect pricing.
Fly Private to the Big Game
As a general rule of thumb, it’s always best to book in advance. This isn’t due to a limited quantity of flights, but to ensure a seamless experience is provided. Here at STM Charters, we pride ourselves on providing the best service and experience for college sports teams. We understand that each team has its own unique needs and will work with you to provide the best accommodations.
Need help planning your team’s travel schedule? Contact us today and an STM consultant will be all ears. After all, we’re on your team!
