Why use Wilkinson Air Group as my broker?

Unlike traditional brokers, we never handle your money and the transaction is between you and the operator. That means you're paying the competitive retail rate for the trip, not a rate that has been marked up by a broker. This is one of the reasons we're able to consistently find lower charter rates than most brokers.

And since we shop the market and negotiate on your behalf, we're able to find the best options for your itinerary.

We have a knowledge of the industry and are able research and identify all of the aircraft that make the most sense for your itinerary.

We'll do the due diligence ahead of time to identify which charter operators will be a suitable match for you, based on safety audits, insurance coverages/ limits, customer service audits, your itinerary, their aircraft availability, etc.

 

Will it cost me more to use your services?

No, not at all. By using a Wilkinson Air Group, you're not only saving time and energy, you'll probably be saving money.

We will find the best operators with the right aircraft and negotiate the best price that's fair to both parties.

What makes Wilkinson Air Group different from other charter brokers?

- Wilkinson Air works on a referral basis and never touches your money.
- We work on your behalf, not the charter operator's behalf. We simply bring you and the charter operator together, rather than inserting ourself between you.
- We don't buy wholesale first and then mark it up to sell retail.
- We work to find you the best options that offer the highest safety and best aircraft.
- We work to find you the highest price savings possible.
- We work to find potentially less expensive empty-leg flights.
- We'll show you all the options presented by the charter operators.
- We discuss your options with you and let you make the final decision of which operator and aircraft you want to use.
- We arrange for you to work directly with the charter operator, if you so desire.
- Our Charter Agreement protects your interests.
- We are transparent with our commission.

What is your commission as a charter broker?

We typically earn a commission of 5% referral fee if you actually charter an aircraft.

This commission is normally included in the charter price and billed to the jet operator.

- We don't require a fee or commission up-front.
- We don't charge a fee or commission if you decide not to charter.
- We are paid only when the charter operator is paid and put good faith in the operator to pay us.
- By using our service and website, you agree not to "go direct" to any jet operator and they agree not to "go direct" to you.

What does it mean, that I'm in control of the charter process?

We mean exactly that. We're simply here to help you find the best possible options for your trip.

We also negotiate on your behalf, and pass all the savings and benefits on to you. We'll discuss all the options with you and help you make your decision.

By being in control of the process, YOU...

- Choose the jet that best suits your needs and your budget.
- Decide what safety standards, cancellation, payment, insurance and other contract terms are important for you.
- Decide if a particular charter quote competes with flying commercial, using a jet-card, flying fractional or on your own jet.
- Decide everything, but we're here 24/7 to discuss your choices.

 

Do I get to decide all the details of the trip?

Absolutely. You decide the day, the hour, and the airports that you'd like to take off and land at. Keep in mind, though, if you do have some flexibility on departure time, day and airport, it will help us negotiate lower prices. Some of the operators who submit quotes will have to reposition their aircraft to accommodate your itinerary and will charge for this. Also keep in mind that you'll likely save the most money by planning your trip at least three weeks in advance. This allows us solicit more quotes and potentially receive better options.

 

How does Wilkinson Air Group treat me and the Charter Operator as the principals?

At no time do we put ourselves in between you and the charter operator. You can work directly with them.

Other brokers hide the identity of the jet operator and insert themselves in the middle of the transaction. Some even insist you sign their flight contract while they have an "arrangement" with the jet operator at different terms and lower prices.

Why is using Wilkinson Air Group good for the Charter Operator as well?

Though we facilitate the entire process to make sure the flight is an enjoyable experience for both parties, we won't act as a go-between. As an operator, they are able to interact with you directly in order to make sure everything goes well.

- The Charter Operator is a principal in the transaction with you, the Charter Client.
- Every concession the Charter Operator makes helps entice you, their client, to fly charter again.
- These concessions don’t go into the pocket of a middleman.
- By offering good service and prices, the Charter Operator is able to establish a brand directly with you.

What charter aircraft types do you use?

We do not own charter aircraft, we broker charter aircraft owned by exclusively selected air charter operators that are licensed by the FAA. As a charter broker, we'll search out all kinds of charter aircraft types that match your needs and budget.

We are completely independent and have no financial ties to any air charter operators. This guarantees unbiased quotes.

What if there's only one person going on the flight?

That's totally fine. But, keep in mind, you will need to charter the entire aircraft, not just buy a seat. No matter how many passengers, the rate to charter an airplane will be the same. This is why it may make the most sense to charter an airplane when you're flying with over three people.

Where can I travel to?

Chartering a private aircraft grants you access to thousands of executive use airports located throughout the United States. We require an approximate paved runway length of 4,000 feet minimum for jet aircraft and 3,500 feet for turboprops. Weather conditions may require a longer runway.

Can I modify my itinerary?

Absolutely! Flexibility is one of the big advantages of chartering an airplane, especially when compared to airlines. Please note, though, that this is subject to various factors such as aircraft availability, crew duty time, possible crew change, permit and authorization of landing and of over flight etc. In order to accomodate modifications, the Charter Operator will need to be compensated for the additional costs from the changes.

What travel documents should I bring?

To be on the safe side, make sure to bring an official photographic ID (e.g: driver license in the U.S. and identity card in Europe).

It is your responsibility as passenger to have proper ID and official travel document such as passport, visa etc. at the time of your trip, not the Charter Operator's, so make sure you know the required documents for your travels. If you're going overseas, you will still have to show a passport and pass a Customs check.

What happens when I arrive at my destination?

Typically the pilots will escort you and your baggage to the executive terminal buildings where your ground transportation will be waiting. At your request, we will gladly arrange all your ground transportation at the time you book your air charter travel. Most of the time, your ground transportation will be waiting for you on the ramp and you'll be driving away from the airport in no more than 5 minutes! How's that for convenience?

Are there any cancellation fees?

This depends on the individual charter operator's terms and conditions. Typically, a cancellation of a flight reservation must be given at least 12 hours prior to requested departure time to avoid fees. Cancellations received after aircraft has departed for repositioning will be charged according to flight time on aircraft and pilot service charges.

How far in advance do I need to book my charter flight?

For large transport jet flights or trips that have a more complicated itinerary with multiple stops, we suggest at least a few days notice.

However, in emergency situations we are usually capable of finding any size of charter jet with only a few hours notice.

What is "wait time" and how is it billed?

Wait time is the billable cost for the downtime of the aircraft on a trip. Trips are generally quoted based on a 2 hour minimum per day usage. The reason most operators do this is pretty straightforward: If a client books a 4-day trip, but only uses the airplane for a few hours, the operator loses out on other billable business. In order to compensate for downtime, the operator may charge for wait time.

For example:

- A four day trip only has an actual flight time of 6.2 hours.
- 4 day trip = 8 hour minimum
- 8 hour minimum - 6.2 actual flight hours = 1.8 hours of Wait Time
- Wait Time multiplied by the hourly cost of the aircraft equals the Wait Time fee.

Why do I pay Federal Excise Tax when chartering an aircraft?

While the Federal Excise Tax rate changes from time to time, it's currently set at 7.5 percent. This tax is how the United States pays for the government services that aviation takes advantage of. These services include air traffic control, weather reporting and forecasting services, as well as federal airports.

Air charters services include this tax in their charges for the flight.