The world of air travel offers many different options for travellers, from scheduled flights to charter flights. While both types of flights involve the use of an aircraft to transport people from one location to another, there are several key differences between them that are important to consider, especially when organising a group trip. So, what are the main differences between a charter flight and a scheduled flight? Read on to learn more.
A charter flight is a private, non-scheduled flight that is rented by a person or organisation for a specific purpose, such as a vacation or business trip. Unlike scheduled flights, which operate on a regular schedule and follow a specific route, charter flights allow you to choose every detail of your flight, including your own schedule, departure location and destination, among many other factors.
A commercial flight is a flight that is operated by an airline and is open to the general public, with passengers able to purchase tickets in advance. These flights follow a regular schedule and a set route, and are usually operated using larger commercial airliners. Commercial flights are designed for mass transportation and can carry hundreds of passengers. This means that you will be sharing your flight with many other people.
As you already know, commercial flights and charter flights share the objective of transporting passengers from one point to another, but they are in fact very different. What are the key differences between charter flights and commercial flights? Here are the main ones you need to know.
One of the main differences between scheduled and charter flights is the level of flexibility they offer. Unlike commercial flights, which follow a fixed schedule and adhere to a specific route, charter flights can be tailored to meet your specific needs and preferences. This allows you as travellers to choose your own schedule, destination, and even the type of aircraft, making charter flights a more customisable and convenient option for those who need more control over their travel arrangements.
Another key difference between charter flights and commercial flights is the destinations they serve. Charter flights can often fly to smaller, less popular airports or to destinations that are not served by commercial airlines. This can be especially convenient for travellers who are looking to visit more remote or less touristy destinations. Commercial flights, on the other hand, tend to focus on major airports and more popular destinations.
The booking process for charter flights and commercial flights varies as well. Charter flights can often be booked directly with a specialised broker, such as LunaGroup Charter. This allows for a more personalised booking experience and the opportunity to customise the details of your flight. Commercial flights, on the other hand, are usually booked through an airline's website or through a third-party travel booking website and cannot be personalised.
Although, at first glance, a commercial flight ticket may seem cheaper than a charter flight, this premise is not always true. Scheduled flights often charge quite a lot for extra baggage, which increases the starting price of the ticket. Therefore, charter flights can be more affordable for groups because the cost is divided among passengers and allow you to travel with all the luggage you need, making them a great cost-effective option for groups.
In terms of the aircraft used, while scheduled flights typically use larger, commercial airliners, designed for transporting large numbers of passengers, charter flights can use a wider variety of aircraft, including smaller private jets or turboprop planes. The type of aircraft used will depend on your needs as passengers and the distance of your flight.
In addition to the above-mentioned factors, there are also some differences in the level of service offered on scheduled and charter flights. Scheduled flights are generally more standardised, with the same level of service offered to all passengers. This may include food and beverages, in-flight entertainment, and other amenities. Charter flights, on the other hand, often offer a higher level of service and luxury, with personalised options and added amenities, e.g. including gourmet catering, a private lounge, and other special features.
Overall, the decision between a scheduled flight and a charter flight will depend on your specific needs and preferences as a traveller. And how do I know if I need a charter flight or a commercial flight? Here are some questions that may help you choose:
At LunaGroup Charter, we believe that every trip should be personalised to your unique needs and preferences. Contact us to learn more about the benefits of charter flights and start planning your next adventure today.