Private charter often involves two separate roles: a broker or marketplace may arrange the trip, while an FAA-authorized air carrier has operational control of the flight. The distinction should be clear before money changes hands.
1. Get the operator’s legal name
Ask, in writing: “Which company will have operational control of this flight?” Do not accept only the name of a salesperson, broker, aircraft owner or brand. If the answer is not yet known, ask when it will be disclosed and make operator verification a condition of proceeding.
2. Ask for the certificate
The FAA recommends asking to see the company’s Air Carrier or Operating Certificate. The operator should be able to explain which authorization covers the proposed flight. A vague claim that an aircraft is “FAA approved” is not the same thing.
3. Verify the company or aircraft with the FAA
Use the FAA’s current Part 135 operator search. It allows searches by operator name and aircraft registration, commonly called an N-number. The FAA notes that its downloadable list is updated weekly, so check close to booking and contact the appropriate FAA office if something does not match.
4. Match the agreement, operator and payment
Read the charter agreement before sending funds. It should make clear who arranges the flight, who operates it, who receives payment, and which party is responsible for cancellation, substitution and refunds. Ask about any mismatch among the names on the quote, contract and payment instructions.
5. Confirm the aircraft and any substitution right
Get the aircraft type and registration when available. Confirm passenger and baggage capacity, cabin layout, pet arrangements and accessibility needs. If the contract permits substitution, ask what standard the replacement must meet and what happens if the substitute is unsuitable.
6. Ask practical operating questions
A legitimate provider should be able to route operational questions to the operator. Useful questions include:
- Who is the point of contact on the day of departure?
- Which fixed-base operator or terminal will be used?
- When will crew and aircraft details be final?
- What weather or maintenance event can delay, cancel or substitute the flight?
- What insurance documentation is available?
7. Recognize illegal-charter warning signs
The FAA warns travelers about arrangements where the party selling transportation lacks authority to operate it. Warning signs can include evasive answers about operational control, a price that depends on describing you as an aircraft “lessee,” or documents that leave the customer responsible for crew or operational decisions without a genuine dry-lease arrangement.
Do not attempt to diagnose a complex lease yourself. If the structure is unclear, ask the FAA or qualified aviation counsel before flying.
8. Keep the records
Save the quote, agreement, operator identity, aircraft information, certificate details, receipt and written changes. Give another person your itinerary and day-of-flight contact. Documentation helps resolve ordinary mistakes and gives regulators useful information if you suspect illegal activity.
Ready to compare an itinerary?
Request options, then apply every check above to the operator and agreement presented for your trip.
Search charter optionsWhat to do if something seems wrong
Do not board or pay merely because plans are already in motion. Ask the provider to resolve the discrepancy. The FAA’s Safe Air Charter resources explain how to contact the agency and report suspected illegal charter activity. For an emergency or immediate safety threat, use the appropriate emergency channel.