Frequently asked questions about private jet rentals

Booking & before departure

• How far in advance should I book a private jet?

  A private jet can be booked up to a few hours before departure. For peak periods such as the Fashion Week, Roland-Garros, the Monaco Grand Prix or the Cannes Film Festival, we recommend booking at least two to three weeks in advance to secure the most suitable aircraft. For standard flights, a 48-hour lead time generally allows us to offer the best combination of aircraft and price.

• How long should I arrive before departure?

  We advise our clients to arrive 15 to 20 minutes before the scheduled departure. Passengers should plan enough time to go through security, and customs if necessary. Additionally, some airports are subject to slots and it can sometimes be difficult to obtain a new slot if the initial one is missed.

• Can I choose my flight departure time?

  In general, a private jet can take off at the time requested by clients. However, some airports are not open 24/7 and additional fees may apply if passengers wish to take off or land outside of the airport's normal hours of operations. Our team advises on airport opening hours upon quotation.

• How much does it cost to charter a private jet?

  Charter prices depend on the aircraft category (Light, Midsize, Heavy, Ultra Long Range), the route, the flight duration, the operator and seasonality. Each quote is tailor-made based on these parameters. Our team provides an all-inclusive quote within a few hours, with no hidden fees.

• What is an Empty Leg flight?

  An Empty Leg is a flight performed without passengers, when an aircraft must reposition after dropping off a client. These flights are often resold at a discounted rate to clients flexible on timing and destination. IBC Aviation regularly offers Empty Legs across Europe and beyond.

• Do I have to go through boarding formalities?

  Based on passengers' destination and nationalities, they have to go through the same immigration procedures as commercial airline passengers. All passengers go through security check and, if needed, customs — directly at the FBO, with no queue.

Pricing & cancellation

• Is the price all inclusive? Is VAT included?

  The quote sent by our team is all-inclusive, except for de-icing, Wi-Fi and specific catering requests. Each company has its own VAT policy; certain companies apply VAT on flights performed nationally. Prices can vary based on the available and selected operators.

• What are your cancellation terms?

  Our cancellation policy is stated in our offers as follows:

  • 30% of the flight amount if cancellation occurs after confirmation of the flight
  • 50% of the flight amount if cancellation occurs less than 7 days before the flight
  • 80% of the flight amount if cancellation occurs less than 48 hours before the flight
  • 100% of the flight amount if cancellation occurs less than 24 hours before the flight

• Is catering included in the quote?

  On entry-level jets such as the Citation M2 or Phenom 100, only standard catering is included (snacks and soft drinks). On larger aircraft, a full catering service is included, except for special requests such as caviar, fine wines or bespoke menus.

• Is de-icing included in the quote?

  De-icing refers to the process of removing frost, ice or snow from the surface of an aircraft before departure. This procedure is mandatory for the safety of the crew and passengers onboard and is billed separately, as actual conditions on the day determine whether it is required.

Routing & in-flight

• Can I travel to secondary or underserved airports?

  Flying private allows passengers to get closer to their final destination. However, certain airports are restricted (runway length, approach) preventing specific aircraft from operating on their terrains. Additionally, weather conditions and airport category can impact a flight and force the crew to divert to an alternate airport.

• Can I fly to multiple destinations on the same day?

  It is possible to optimise your travel and make several stops in a single day. However, crew duty time cannot be overlooked — on average, a crew cannot be on duty for more than 10 to 14 hours depending on regulations. Our team builds the rotation to maximise your agenda while staying within legal limits.

• Can I change the schedule or the itinerary of my flight?

  Business aviation clients can change their flight departure time or even its destination. However, depending on the aircraft's schedule and the time of the change, additional fees may apply. Our advisors confirm all impacts before validation.

• How many passengers can a private jet carry?

  Private jet capacity varies by category: Light Jets carry up to 6 passengers, Midsize Jets up to 9, Heavy Jets 8 to 13, and Ultra Long Range Jets 12 to 16. For groups larger than 16 passengers, our IBC Events department coordinates dedicated solutions, including VIP airliners.

• How much luggage can I bring on a private jet?

  Luggage capacity depends on the aircraft. On a Light Jet, the hold typically accommodates one standard suitcase per passenger. On a Midsize or Heavy Jet, the hold is much larger and allows multiple suitcases, golf bags, ski equipment or bulkier items. Our team confirms the exact capacity based on the aircraft selected for your flight.

• Can I fly internationally on a private jet?

  Yes. Private jets operate worldwide. Heavy Jets and Ultra Long Range Jets can reach any major capital non-stop, including Dubai, New York, Singapore, Los Angeles or Tokyo from Paris or Geneva. Our team handles immigration procedures, overflight permits and diplomatic clearances when required.

Aircraft, pets & infrastructure

• What is the difference between Light, Midsize and Heavy Jets?

  The three main categories differ in range, cabin size and passenger capacity: Light Jets have a range of 2,200 to 3,700 km and seat 6 passengers. Midsize Jets reach 3,300 to 4,700 km with 6 to 9 seats. Heavy Jets fly 6,000 to 8,500 km with 8 to 13 seats. For transatlantic or transpacific routes, Ultra Long Range Jets are required.

• What is an FBO?

  A Fixed-Based Operator (FBO) is an airport-licensed company providing various services related to business aviation: aircraft handling, fuelling, parking, private lounge, customs assistance. In business aviation, the FBO also acts as a private terminal to welcome and escort passengers directly to their aircraft.

• Is there parking at the FBO or the business aviation terminal?

  Handling providers and FBOs offer parking. Their team takes care of parking your vehicle and having it ready upon your return. At smaller airports, parking is generally made available to all business aviation passengers.

• Can I travel with my pet?

  Passengers travelling with a pet should inform our team for two main reasons: some aircraft owners do not allow animals on board their aircraft — in that case, our team only offers pet-friendly aircraft. In addition, animal travel procedures are complex and vary from one country to another (health certificates, microchip, vaccinations).

• Is it possible to add a last-minute passenger on my flight?

  If the aircraft cabin has enough seats and, after adding the extra passenger, the aircraft's weight does not exceed the maximum take-off or landing weight, there should be no further restriction. However, depending on the number of additional passengers, fees may apply (passenger taxes, catering budget). In countries where immigration procedures apply, adding a passenger can delay the overall flight.