Liftbrief / Direct questions
3. What fees might be missing from a private jet charter quote?
Ask about positioning, minimum charges, crew expenses, airport services and conditional costs. NATA’s consumer guide discusses pricing differences involving aircraft movement, waiting and overnight arrangements; it is useful purchasing guidance, although its 2012 publication date means it should not be used for current rates or tax amounts. (nata.aero)
Use this clarification checklist rather than assuming every item applies:
| Ask about | Question to send |
|---|---|
| Positioning | Does the total include every empty movement required for this itinerary? |
| Billable time | Are taxi allowances, minimum hours or waiting charges included? |
| Overnight arrangements | Are crew accommodation, transport, parking and hangar costs included? |
| Airport services | Are landing, handling and any special-event charges included? |
| Weather-related expenditure | How are de-icing, hangar use and diversion costs charged? |
| Cabin services | What catering, connectivity, cleaning and pet-related charges apply? |
| International services | Who prices handling, permits and customs-related services? |
| Settlement | Can the invoice change after flight, and on what evidence? |
Label every response included, excluded and priced, conditional, or unspecified.
For conditional items, ask for the charging basis and notification process. Where practicable, agree an approval threshold for discretionary expenditure—but do not create a process that obstructs the operator’s necessary safety decisions.