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AIR CHARTER

FAQs

All about the private jets and air chartering, bespoke luxury travel, exclusive experiences, Swixjet Lifestyle Club, and sustainability actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

All about the private jets and air chartering, bespoke luxury travel, Swixjet Lifestyle Club, and the sustainability measures

What is aircraft charter?

Aircraft charter is the business of renting an aircraft as opposed to buying an individual seat on a scheduled flight. When you charter, the aircraft is at your sole disposal and you can choose the dates, times and departure/arrival locations for your flights.

Where can I fly from / to?

We work globally, so when arranging your charter flight, we will advise you of the closest appropriate airports from your place of departure and final destination.

What is the chartering process?

As soon as we receive your request, an account manager and business aviation specialist takes care of it from A to Z. You’ll quickly receive a complete quote, including aircraft models for your trip, departure and destination airports, flight options and other important information.


Once the offer has been accepted, we will proceed with booking the aircraft and preparing all the options you have chosen. Your account manager will then send you specific instructions related to the scheduled travel.

How long will it take to receive a proposal?

The response depends on the complexity of your flight request. For itineraries involving one or two flights and well known airports you can expect to receive your quote within 12 hours.


Requests for charters requiring specialist aircraft, complex routing or airports in remote regions of the world may take 48 hours or more. In all cases, we will be in regular contact with you as we prepare an offer.

How far in advance do I need to book?

We can arrange flights at very short notice, subject to appropriate aircraft and crew availability. For a greater choice of aircraft and to enjoy the most competitive rates, we recommend you to contact us as soon as possible, at least a week before your desired flight date.

What about the payment?

Cleared payment is required prior to flight. Swixjet can invoice in Swiss Francs, Euros and US Dollars. Most carriers require a deposit to be paid to reserve the aircraft with the balance payable at least 7 working days prior to the first departure date.


You will receive a detailed invoice from us with all bank details necessary to arrange a wire transfer.

Can I change my schedule after a booking?

Small adjustments are almost always possible. The only time it may not be possible to alter your schedule is if the contracted aircraft has other flights to operate immediately before or after your charter.


Your personal account manager will make you aware of any such restrictions at the time of your booking.

What if I need to cancel?

To minimise any potential costs, let us know as soon as possible. Cancellation policies vary between aircraft operators and details are provided on your invoice and listed within the Terms and Conditions of the Charter Agreement we send to you when you book.

What can I bring on to the aircraft?

For normal luggage and cabin baggage, specific restrictions on amounts will depend on the aircraft booked.


If you have special requirements or over-sized items you wish to travel with (such as skis or musical instruments), please give this information to your personal account manager before you book so we can ensure they will fit on the aircraft. For certain flights,

IF additional passengers... Will my flight cost increase?

There may be a small surcharge to cover the cost of additional catering and passenger taxes. However, if the number of passengers exceeds the aircraft’s available seating capacity or the maximum payload for your chosen route this may require an alternative aircraft to the one originally quoted.


In such cases we will have to obtain a new quotation for you and you may have to pay cancellation fees for the original aircraft if it was booked with deposits paid and you opt to go ahead with the change.

Are charter aircraft safe?

We work exclusively with carriers who meet or exceed internationally accepted safety standards. Before recommending an aircraft to you we will have verified that:

1- The operator possesses a valid Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC);

2- The aircraft is flown and maintained to Public Transport (Airline) Standards; 3- Comprehensive insurance is in place to industry-accepted levels (or higher).

What type of aircraft do you have available?

We offer access to every aircraft type available on the global charter market. This includes 9 seater turboprops and inter-contintental business jets all the way up to 400+ seater aircraft like the Airbus A340 or Boeing 747.


To explore the range of aircraft available through Swixjet, please head over to our Charter Fleet and check the Destinations we serve.

How to choose the aircraft to charter?

There are several ways to choose your business aircraft. The first, and easiest, is to contact your account manager directly who will be happy to advise you on a selection of aircraft and provide you with a list of those best suited to your criteria and travel requirements. He will guide you through the entire process, right up to the final decision.


The second option is to consult our Charter Fleet by selecting the available filters to obtain a list of aircraft corresponding to your search criteria. For further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

How many pilots will be in command?

The exact crew size will depend on the type of aircraft chosen for the trip. In all cases, you will have both a pilot and co-pilot together with cabin crew sets appropriate for the number of passengers flying and duration of the flight sectors.

CAN I FLY WITH MY PET ON PRIVATE JET?

Yes, of course your pet will have our undivided attention during your trip. However, there are a few rules to follow, especially if you’re travelling to or from the UK.


For example, your pet will need its own passport, a microchip, rabies vaccination (which must be up to date) and tapeworm treatment, which must be administered 12 to 24 hours before arrival in the UK.


To make the journey as comfortable as possible for your pet, you can also choose from a list of Gormand meals specially prepared by a chef.

Do aircraft have WiFi?

Yes, many VIP and long-range aircraft have Wi-Fi capability. If wifi is important for your trip, please let your personal account manager know when making your enquiry.

How is wheelchair access handled?

Most airports offer wheelchair access but be sure to mention this to your account manager prior to your flight. If you need specialist medical care, we can offer the right facilities but they will be limited to certain terminals and aircraft that can accommodate them.

What happens if a technical problem occurs?

If the aircraft you booked has a technical issue and cannot fly we will do everything we can to find an alternative. Because we are in regular contact with the operator throughout your charter, we become aware of any issues as soon as the airline itself does which often provides us with enough time to source an alternative.


In the unlikely event this is not possible we will request a full refund for you.

Will there be other passengers on my charter flight?

No. When you book an aircraft only you decide who will be on board the aircraft with you.

What about De-icing?

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, air charter quotations do not include de-icing. For your safety, aircraft de-icing is often required during icy and snowy conditions. This is an operation and legal requirement prior to take-off.


As it cannot be predicted if and how much de-icing fluid is required prior to a flight, the aircraft charterer is liable after the flight for the

Helicopter Charter

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR CHARTERING A HELICOPTER?

Following your initial enquiry, a helicopter rental specialist will be assigned to you. He or she will send you a number of suggestions from which you can choose the aircraft that suits you best. Once you have made your choice, your Account Manager will book the helicopter and send you the flight details and any other relevant information.


The Account Manager and his team are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can contact them anytime, anywhere.

HOW DO I CHOOSE A HELICOPTER TO CHARTER?

Your account manager will advise you and suggest a range of helicopters to suit your needs. He or she will guide you through the selection process and inform you of the options available. You can also consult our online guide for an initial assessment.

WHERE CAN HELICOPTERS TAKE OFF AND LAND?

Helicopter charter offers a level of flexibility not found with fixed wing aircraft. Helicopters can access remote areas and city centres, with the ability to land at heliports, hotels and even private properties where space allows, making them one of the most flexible and suitable types of aircraft for fast, unrestricted travel.


However, there are some factors to consider, such as the time of day you wish to land or take off. In some cases, a site survey may be required to determine whether a location is available for landing and take-off. Our helicopter rental experts will be happy to discuss all these aspects with you.

HOW MUCH LUGGAGE CAN I TAKE ON A HELICOPTER?

When you select an aircraft, you will be informed of the dimensions and capacity available for each aircraft. This will also depend on the number of passengers to be carried on the helicopter. However, as a private passenger you will have the full capacity of the aircraft you have chosen.

HOW MANY PASSENGERS IS A HELICOPTER CHARTER IDEAL FOR?

Between 1 and 17 passengers, depending on the type of helicopter chartered. Please consult our online guide for an initial assessment of the helicopters available.

What documentation do I need for my flight?

A government issued photo ID or passport is required prior to boarding. Boarding will be denied to any passenger without proper documentation when such is required by law or customs. All passengers are required to carry a passport when travelling internationally.


All documents required for international travel, including any visas where applicable, must be presented at check-in.

How long before take-off do I need to get to the airport?

This depends on your departure point. If you fly through a private airport, you can check in much later than you would with a scheduled flight. In some smaller airports, for example, you can arrive up to 15 minutes before take-off.


In some cases, you may even be taken directly to the runway for boarding. However, we recommend that you arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before take-off and use this time to familiarize yourself with flight procedures.

What do I do when I arrive at the departure airport?

Your charter briefing, which you will receive in the days leading up to your flight, will contain details of where and when to report; including maps, terminal number, check-in desk details, lounge information, emergency telephone numbers and handling agent details.

What if I'm late?

We generally try to schedule in some buffer time to allow for small delays but this may not always be possible, particularly if the contracted aircraft has other flights to operate immediately after your charter.


Your personal account manager will make you aware of any such restrictions at the time of your booking. If your flight is departing from a busy airport, it may be subject to slot restrictions and a delay in your arrival could cause the aircraft’s take-off slot to be missed, potentially resulting in a further delay – and additional charge, before a new slot becomes available.


Also, security screening may be required in which case restrictions on cabin baggage items and liquids may apply. If security screening is required this will be detailed in your charter brief.

How much luggage can I take on board a private jet?

This depends on the aircraft. You can get some initial information on this subject by visiting our Charter Fleet and the page corresponding to your aircraft. You’ll also be informed about this when you book your flight.


If you feel you need more space, you can always opt for a larger aircraft.
As a general rule, you’ll have much more space than you would in a commercial airliner. You may also need a larger luggage compartment if you’re carrying golf clubs or skis.


In this regard, we also offer a complete baggage pick-up and delivery service at destination, whatever the volume and quantity of baggage (see conditions with your account manager).

Will I have to go through Immigration and Customs procedures?

For all international flights you will be subject to immigration and customs. You will need to provide full passport details in advance of the flight and passports will be checked prior to departure and on arrival. Further information regarding this can be found in your booking confirmation email.

Do you issue flight tickets?

When chartering a commercial airliner for your group, most airlines simply require a list of passenger details (passenger manifest) no later than 24 hours before you travel.


The information on the manifest will usually consist of your passengers’ full names, their nationalities, dates of birth and passport numbers. In all cases, you will be advised of the information required and how to share it with us securely well in advance of your flights.

Is catering included on the flight?

Catering options range from basics snacks and refreshments to VIP catering and open bar depending on the choice of aircraft and optional services. Your booking confirmation email will explain the standard options for your chosen aircraft.


Additional catering can be arranged on request (and subject to available local catering facilities) and will incur an additional charge. Passengers with special dietary needs can also be accommodated providing their requirements are communicated to us no later than 48 hours prior to departure.

What kind of in-flight experience can I expect on a charter flight?

Many aircraft are fitted with in-flight entertainment facilities; including Wi-Fi and interactive entertainment. To find out more, ask your personal account manager during booking to explain the options available.

What happens when we land at the destination airport?

When you arrive at your destination the aircraft will be met by a handling agent who will take the passengers and their luggage to the airport terminal building, where they can meet with their onward transportation. If required, Swixjet can organise ground transportation, as well as holidays house rental, yacht rental and concierge services for you.

Can bad weather affect my flight?

Extreme weather events may delay or divert your flight. Flight safety is always paramount and the decision to fly will remain with the Captain or airport authority. Refunds are subject to the policies of the aircraft operator. We will always monitor weather in advance to give you ample notice and assistance with alternative arrangements, if necessary.

Swixjet Lifestyle Club

What can on-site/virtual personal assistants provide?

Please find below an overview of some of the tasks our virtual/personal assistants can accomplish for our clients:

 

General administrative aupport

Private aircraft & Yacht search and booking

Holiday luxury house / Hotel booking

Travel and vacation planning

Calendar management

Appointment setting

Business and personal reservations

Email management

Recruitment support

Market research and analysis

Event management

Database management

Direct mailing

Network management

Social media services

Personal correspondence

 

Please don’t hesitate to contact us for further information about Exclusive Services.

Where are virtual/personal assistants located?

We have virtual and on-site personal assistants available in a variety of places to accommodate the needs of our clients. On-site personal assistants are located at customer specific locations required by our clients. Our virtual assistants are located mainly in Switzerland and in France. Should you require virtual assistants closer to your specific locale we can arrange for customer specific requests.

What data security precautions are taken?

Our facilities boast exceptional redundancy and technical hardware and our server facilities offer a fully reliable, secure, and controlled environment for our servers and client data.


In addition to 24 hour security services, physical office security and security controls, all of our personal & virtual assistants are required to sign non-disclosure agreements when taking on any new client programs.

How can virtual assistants be contacted?

When setting up new client programs, Swixjet Club assigns dedicated local numbers to each virtual assistant so that clients are able to reach their virtual assistant using local numbers. All of our assistants are also reachable via email and instant messenger services.

What are your rates for Personal / Virtual assistance services?

For members of Swixjet Club. Our dedicated personal/virtual assistant programs are all custom designed for each client based on time requirements. Please contact us for custom pricing and a proposal detailing how we can enhance your lifestyle.

Why should I offset the carbon emissions of my flight?

To be part of a global effort to promote more sustainable travel. Through its SWIXGREEN carbon offsetting programme, Swixjet invites you to help preserve the environment by offsetting the carbon emissions of your flights.

How does carbon offsetting work?

Our partner, South Pole, offers the opportunity to offset emissions through climate action where it is needed. This is because, unlike air pollution, it generally makes no difference to the climate where on the Earth’s surface unwanted gases enter the atmosphere and where they are reduced.

What is important is that greenhouse gas emissions are reduced worldwide. So it makes sense that emissions released into the air in one place should be offset in another.

What does South Pole do?

The international organisation South Pole is one of the world’s leading organisations committed to shaping the future through consultancy, education and climate change projects. Through high-quality projects, South Pole promotes consistent, quantifiable climate protection and sustainable development worldwide.

These projects reduce emissions by replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy and introducing energy efficient technologies.

South Pole also ensures that its projects meet the strictest international environmental and social criteria.

Flying Private, Swiss Made

SWIXJET, Your flight partner

Find out more about where you can fly to with us

Why flying with Swixjet?

Why charter your business or leisure flights with Swixjet Aviation? At Swixjet we are committed to providing the highest quality of service to our customers. You can be assured that we will make your experience on board as pleasant and comfortable as possible. Below you will find the main benefits and added value of Swixjet Aviation’s charter and travel arrangements services.

SWISS QUALITY

At Swixjet we are committed to providing the highest quality of service to our customers. You can be assured that we will make your experience on board as pleasant and comfortable as possible.

Security, support and discretion

Your Swixjet contact will take care of everything to guarantee you the safety and support you need throughout your flight. We work with total respect for the private and professional lives of our clients, in all circumstances. This is one of the basic principles of our code of ethics.

Private boarding terminals and lounges

With Swixjet you can travel calmly, stress-free and safely, avoiding queues and unnecessary delays. You can board your business jet at your leisure right up to the last minute before take-off.

Dedicated Account Manager

Every Swixjet customer has a dedicated Account Manager whose primary responsibility is to do everything possible to ensure that the customer’s flight is a perfect success, from departure to arrival and beyond. This includes everything from the choice of chauffeur-driven vehicle to the in-flight menu, last-minute flight changes or requests for special services.


Your Account Manager and his team are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you at every stage of your journey.

Access to thousands of local airports

Another benefit of having a wide choice of aircraft is the ability to reach destinations not served by scheduled flights, such as a remote location or a community closer to your final destination.

Advantageous conditions

Thanks to our network of partners and operators around the world, we are able to offer you competitive prices for your private jet travel in Europe or elsewhere in the world. In addition, Swixjet Flight Card holders benefit from advantageous conditions on a wide range of services.

Aircraft fleet

Access to over 200 models of aircraft and helicopters in all categories, thanks to a network of several hundred operators around the world. This wide range means you can choose the aircraft model that best suits your regular or one-off requirements.

SWIXJET FLIGHT CARD

To plan and fly with ease your personal or professional flights.

COMING SOON, STAY TUNED …

CHARTER FLIGHT

EXPLORE THE WORLD

If you're looking to hire a private jet, airliner or helicopter, our aircraft guide is designed to help you do just that - it's the ideal place to start. You can also use the form below to request a personalised quote based on your travel dates, destination and number of passengers. Or, even easier, contact us to speak to an account manager.

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