Your Questions About Private Jet Charters Answered

Founded in 1993, we are based in Arizona and have been under the same ownership and management for over 30 years. Southwest Aircraft Charter has an impeccable reputation without incident, accident, or safety violation.

It’s advisable to book your private jet charter well ahead of time. While last-minute bookings, even just hours before departure, are possible, they often come with limited availability. To secure your preferred aircraft, booking a few weeks in advance is recommended.

Individual seat booking isn’t possible in private jet charters. When you book a private jet, you reserve the entire aircraft. However, sharing the cost with others can make it more affordable. One of the great perks of private flying is the privacy and choice of flying alone or with people you know. 

A major advantage of private jet travel is the simplified airport experience. Private jets typically depart from exclusive facilities known as FBOs, where the lengthy processes of standard security checkpoints, like those of the TSA, are not required. This means no long lines and no need to remove shoes, significantly reducing the time and hassle for passengers.

Instead of the busy main terminals used for airline flights, private jets depart from specialized areas known as FBOs, which stands for Fixed-Base Operators. These are terminals designated for private jet travelers, offering a more streamlined experience. FBOs also provide services like aircraft fueling, hangar storage, and maintenance.

One of the biggest inconveniences of flying commercial is how early you have to arrive before your flight. When you fly private, you don’t have to arrive hours early to go through security and wait at the gate. Instead, you can arrive 30 minutes before your flight to leave time for checking in and any security screening. Then, you can proceed to the aircraft that is waiting for you. In fact, many FBOs will allow you to pull right up to the aircraft.

We are pet-friendly and always happy to have your furry companions join us on our flights, provided we receive advance notice. To ensure a smooth journey for you and your pet, we do have specific guidelines in place. We’ll gladly share our pet policy with you to help you prepare. If you’re traveling internationally, remember to bring along your pet’s documents, as they might be required.

Our flights adhere to a no-smoking and no-vaping policy.

In the United States, our private flights grant you access to over 5,000 airports, compared to the roughly 600 accessible via commercial airlines. This extensive network significantly increases the likelihood of finding an airport near your exact destination.

Most of the time, your flight will be non-stop, taking you directly to your destination. There are a few instances, though, where stops might be needed. For longer flights, if the aircraft isn’t equipped to hold enough fuel for the entire trip, we’ll make fuel stops. Additionally, for international flights, a customs stop is often required upon entering the destination country.

The number of passengers that can be accommodated depends on the aircraft and the airports you plan on visiting. For example, the Lear 45XR can seat up to 9 passengers (8 in the main cabin and 1 in the lavatory area with a belted seat). Similarly, the King Air B200 has a maximum capacity of 7 passengers, 6 in the main cabin and one in the belted lavatory seat.

Flying private typically offers more flexibility with luggage compared to commercial airlines. While we don’t impose strict baggage restrictions, our aircraft have space limitations. We recommend using soft-sided luggage, as it’s more adaptable for storage and stacking. Generally, you can bring one full-sized bag per passenger when the aircraft is fully occupied and more if there are fewer passengers. For large or special items like skis or golf clubs, please inform us in advance to ensure proper accommodation.

Indeed, all passengers aged 18 and older must present a government-issued photo ID for all flights. For international travel, passengers must bring their passports and any required Visas.

Two fully qualified flight crew members operate each of our flights.

Yes, there are cancellation fees for charter flights. The cancellation policies for your flight will be included with your personalized quote.

Yes, there is an enclosed lavatory on all our aircraft.