Are Charter Planes Safe? Your Ultimate Guide

Thinking about switching from first-class to a private charter? The appeal is undeniable—fly on your own schedule and enjoy total privacy. But this new territory often comes with a big question: are charter planes safe? It’s a smart and common concern. You want to know if you can find reliable charter flights and if jet charter companies are held to the same strict standards as commercial airlines. The answer is a resounding yes. Legitimate charter operations are exceptionally secure and more accessible than you might think—they're not just for millionaires.

What is a Charter Flight?

So, what exactly is a charter flight? Think of it as your personal aircraft on demand. Unlike commercial airlines that operate on fixed schedules and routes, a charter flight is a private flight that you arrange for yourself, your family, or your company. According to Corendon Airlines, a charter flight is an unscheduled flight booked for a specific itinerary. This means you decide the when and the where. Whether it’s a multi-city business trip or a direct flight to a remote vacation spot, the schedule is built around your needs, not the other way around. This level of personalization and control is the fundamental appeal of private aviation.

The experience itself is a world away from commercial travel. You skip the long security lines and crowded terminals, often using private terminals known as FBOs (Fixed-Base Operators). This privacy and efficiency mean you can arrive at the airport just minutes before your departure. Onboard, the aircraft is exclusively for you and your guests, offering a comfortable and confidential environment. It’s this combination of flexibility, privacy, and convenience that defines the charter flight experience and makes it such a powerful tool for both business and leisure.

Key Differences Between Charter and Commercial Flights

The most significant difference between chartering a jet and flying commercial is the freedom it provides. You aren’t tied to an airline’s hub-and-spoke system, which means you can often fly directly to smaller, more convenient airports closer to your final destination. This point-to-point travel saves a tremendous amount of time. Furthermore, the entire journey is tailored to you. You choose the aircraft from a diverse fleet, select your own catering, and can often bring pets in the cabin with you. It’s a bespoke travel solution designed for maximum efficiency and comfort.

While the luxury and convenience are clear, many people wonder about the safety of charter flights compared to major airlines. The reality is that private charter flights operate under incredibly strict safety regulations. In fact, according to Business Jet Traveler, charter flights are one of the safest ways to fly, with a safety record second only to the major commercial airlines. This high standard is maintained through rigorous government oversight and the proactive safety cultures of top-tier operators, giving you peace of mind every time you fly.

Are Charter Flights Safe? A Look at the Data

When considering private travel, safety is naturally a top priority. The good news is that the data overwhelmingly shows that regulated charter flights are exceptionally safe. It’s a common misconception that private aviation is less regulated than commercial, but that simply isn’t true for legitimate charter operators. The numbers paint a very clear picture of the industry's commitment to safety. For instance, a report from Business Jet Traveler highlighted that between 2010 and 2020, out of 35 fatal accidents involving U.S. business jets, only three were on charter flights. The vast majority involved privately owned and operated aircraft, which fly under less stringent rules.

This distinction is critical. When you book a charter flight with a reputable company, you are flying with professionals who adhere to the highest operational standards, similar to those followed by major airlines. These operators invest heavily in pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and safety management systems to ensure every flight is as safe as possible. The data confirms that this commitment pays off, making private charter a reliable and secure way to travel for business executives, families, and individuals who value both their time and their safety.

Comparing Safety Records: Charter vs. Commercial vs. Driving

It’s helpful to put the safety of flying into a broader context. We often accept the daily risks of driving without a second thought, but air travel is held to a much higher standard of scrutiny. According to Stratos Jets, you are far more likely to be in a car accident than a plane crash. The odds are so dramatically different that it’s almost not a fair comparison. The stringent regulations, advanced technology, and professional training in aviation create multiple layers of safety that simply don't exist on the road. Flying, whether commercial or private, remains one of the safest forms of transportation available.

When comparing charter and commercial aviation, both boast impressive safety records. Major airlines have a slight statistical edge due to the sheer volume of their operations, but certified charter operators are right behind them. The key is ensuring you are flying with a legitimate, certified operator. When you do, you are choosing a mode of travel that has proven to be incredibly safe, far surpassing the risks associated with many of our everyday activities. This allows you to relax and focus on the purpose of your trip, knowing you are in capable hands.

The Regulatory Framework: How Charter Flights Are Governed

The safety of charter flights isn't left to chance; it's enforced by a robust regulatory framework managed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Many travelers are surprised to learn just how strict these regulations are. The FAA has established different sets of rules for various types of aviation to ensure the appropriate level of safety for each. For passengers paying for a flight, the standards are exceptionally high. As one source on Reddit explained, the rules for private charters are very similar to those for big airlines, meaning they follow comparable safety protocols. This ensures a consistent and high standard of safety across the board for fare-paying passengers.

FAA Regulations: Part 135, Part 121, and Part 91

To understand charter safety, it helps to know the key FAA regulations. Part 121 governs major commercial airlines like Delta or United. Part 135 is the set of rules for on-demand charter operators—the companies you book private jets through. Finally, Part 91 applies to private, non-commercial flights (like a private owner flying their own plane). According to Business Jet Traveler, Part 135 regulations are much stricter than Part 91 and are designed to provide a level of safety that approaches that of the airlines. This includes more rigorous requirements for pilot training and rest, aircraft maintenance, and operational oversight, ensuring you are protected whenever you book a charter.

Government Oversight and Safety Recommendations

Beyond the FAA's direct oversight, the private aviation industry benefits from another layer of safety verification: independent, third-party audits. These non-governmental organizations were created to promote higher safety standards that go above and beyond the FAA's minimum requirements. As noted by Business Jet Traveler, these groups offer safety audits to check if charter companies are following best practices. This voluntary participation in audits signals that an operator is deeply committed to maintaining an impeccable safety culture. It’s an extra step that the best companies take to demonstrate their dedication to passenger well-being.

How to Verify a Charter Company's Safety and Reliability

Now that you know how safe regulated charter flights are, the next step is learning how to identify the best and safest operators. The responsibility of verifying a charter company’s credentials ultimately falls to the person booking the flight, but it’s easier than you might think. Reputable operators are transparent about their safety records and certifications because they are proud of them. Asking direct questions about safety shouldn't feel confrontational; in fact, a trustworthy company will welcome your diligence. They understand that your peace of mind is paramount and will gladly provide the documentation to prove their commitment to excellence.

The most effective way to ensure you're flying with a safe operator is to work with an accredited charter provider or broker. As AvBuyer points out, these experts do the homework for you by verifying licenses, checking safety records, and ensuring the operator meets stringent criteria. At Hangar 7 Aviation, for example, our team meticulously vets every flight and operator to guarantee they meet the highest industry standards. This expertise not only simplifies the booking process but also provides an essential layer of assurance, so you can be confident you’re choosing a reliable and secure travel solution every time.

Look for Independent, Third-Party Safety Audits

One of the clearest indicators of a charter operator's commitment to safety is their participation in independent, third-party audits. While the FAA sets the mandatory minimums, these audits represent a higher, voluntary standard. Think of it as the difference between passing a required exam and graduating with honors. Companies that subject themselves to these rigorous reviews are demonstrating a proactive safety culture. They aren't just meeting the rules; they are striving to exceed them. This is a powerful sign that you’re dealing with a top-tier operator that prioritizes safety above all else.

Understanding ARGUS and Wyvern Certifications

The two most respected names in third-party safety audits are ARGUS and Wyvern. When an operator says they are "ARGUS Gold" or "Wyvern Wingman" certified, it’s a significant mark of distinction. According to AvBuyer, looking for these approvals is a key step in verifying an operator's quality. These certifications are earned, not given. They involve a deep dive into a company's operational history, maintenance records, pilot training, and Safety Management Systems. An operator with an ARGUS or Wyvern rating has proven to independent experts that they adhere to the industry's best practices, giving you a reliable, at-a-glance confirmation of their quality.

Key Safety Practices of Reputable Operators

Beyond external audits, the safest operators are defined by their internal commitment to best practices. These are the day-to-day procedures and cultural cornerstones that create a truly safe environment. It’s not just about having certificates on the wall; it’s about embedding safety into every aspect of the operation, from the flight crew to the maintenance team. These practices include having a formal safety management system, enforcing high standards for pilot experience, and maintaining aircraft with meticulous care. When you choose an operator, you are also choosing their safety culture.

Advanced Safety Management Systems (SMS)

A key practice of elite operators is the implementation of a Safety Management System, or SMS. AvBuyer highlights an SMS as a formal plan to find and manage risks. Instead of just reacting to issues, an SMS creates a proactive process for identifying potential hazards, assessing their risk, and implementing measures to mitigate them. It’s a data-driven approach that fosters a culture of continuous improvement, where every team member is empowered to report safety concerns without fear of reprisal. An operator with a mature SMS is not just flying safely today; they are actively working to be even safer tomorrow.

Pilot Experience and Crew Requirements

The pilots are at the heart of any safe flight operation. Reputable charter companies set experience requirements that far exceed FAA minimums. They look for pilots with thousands of hours of flight time, extensive experience in the specific aircraft you’ll be flying, and a clean safety record. Furthermore, as Stratos Jets notes, most private jets are required to have two pilots, providing a crucial layer of redundancy. Top operators also invest in continuous, rigorous training for their crews, ensuring they are proficient in handling any situation with professionalism and skill. When you fly, you're placing your trust in the crew, and the best operators ensure that trust is well-founded.

The Importance of Aircraft Maintenance

A common question is whether an older aircraft is less safe. As AvBuyer wisely points out, an aircraft's age doesn't matter as much as its maintenance history. A 20-year-old jet that has been meticulously maintained by a top-tier maintenance team can be just as safe, if not safer, than a newer plane that has been neglected. Reputable operators follow strict, FAA-approved maintenance schedules and often have their own dedicated technicians who know the aircraft inside and out. They keep detailed logs of every inspection, repair, and update, ensuring the aircraft is always in pristine, airworthy condition. This commitment to maintenance is a non-negotiable pillar of aviation safety.

Warning Signs of an Unsafe Charter Operation

Just as there are clear signs of a safe operator, there are also red flags that should give you pause. The most significant danger in the private aviation world is the "illegal charter." These are flights offered by individuals or companies that do not have the required Part 135 certification from the FAA to carry paying passengers. They are often flying under the less-restrictive Part 91 rules, which are intended only for private, non-commercial use. As AvBuyer warns, these illegal charters are incredibly risky and have been responsible for serious accidents. They bypass the stringent safety requirements designed to protect the public.

Protecting yourself from these operations starts with awareness. An illegal charter may be operated by a private owner looking to make some extra money with their plane or by a shell company that exists only on paper. They cut corners on pilot training, crew rest requirements, and aircraft maintenance to offer deceptively low prices. While the deal might seem attractive, the risk you are taking is enormous. The FAA and legitimate charter industry are actively working to combat this problem, but the best defense is an educated consumer who knows what to look for and what to avoid.

The Dangers of Illegal Charters

Flying on an illegal charter means you are stepping onto a plane that does not meet the FAA's safety standards for commercial operations. The pilots may not have the experience or training required for charter flights, and the aircraft may not have undergone the rigorous maintenance and inspections mandated under Part 135. Insurance coverage is also a major issue, as policies are often voided if the aircraft is used for an illegal commercial flight. In short, you are flying without the fundamental safety net that protects passengers in legitimate charter and airline operations.

Red Flags to Watch For Before You Book

So, how can you spot a potentially unsafe or illegal charter? The most obvious red flag, according to AvBuyer, is a price that seems too good to be true. If you get a quote that is dramatically lower than all the others, it’s a strong sign that the operator may be cutting corners on safety, insurance, or legal certification. Other warning signs include high-pressure sales tactics, a reluctance to provide documentation like an Air Carrier Certificate, or vagueness about the operator's identity. A professional, safe operator will be transparent and patient, while a risky one may try to rush you into a decision.

Your Pre-Flight Safety Checklist: Questions to Ask

Being an informed traveler is your best tool for ensuring a safe and enjoyable flight. Before you finalize any booking, you have the right to ask some direct questions to verify the operator's legitimacy and commitment to safety. Don't be shy about this; a reputable provider will expect and welcome your questions. Their willingness to provide clear, straightforward answers is a positive sign in itself. Think of it as a final due diligence step that gives you complete confidence in your travel plans. This simple checklist can help you confirm you’re working with a provider who puts your safety first.

At Hangar 7 Aviation, we believe in total transparency and are always prepared to answer your safety questions. Our commitment to safety is the foundation of everything we do, from aircraft management to charter services. We want you to feel completely comfortable and secure when you fly with us, and that process begins with open communication. Asking these questions isn't just smart; it's an essential part of being a responsible private flyer. It ensures that you are always flying with operators who meet the highest standards of the industry.

Essential Questions for Your Charter Provider

Before you commit, make sure you get satisfactory answers to a few key questions. Based on guidance from experts at Business Jet Traveler, here are the essentials to ask your charter provider:

Can you provide me with your FAA Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate number? This is the most basic proof that they are legally allowed to operate charter flights.
Who is the operator of this flight? Sometimes a broker will arrange a flight with a third-party operator. You should know exactly which company is responsible for the safety of your flight.
Can you share the results of your latest safety audit? Ask if they are certified by ARGUS or Wyvern and request to see the report. A top-tier operator will be proud to share this with you.
What are the experience levels of the pilots who will be flying? You can ask about their total flight hours and their experience in the specific aircraft model.

A professional operator will have these answers ready for you. Their ability to provide this information quickly and confidently is a strong indicator that you are in good hands.

Make Flying For Business Trips Simple

Business meetings across the country require enough accommodation in your personal and professional schedules, and the flight should make your trip as simple and seamless as possible. Whereas a commercial flight (even in first class) can involve busy parking lots, long waits in security lines, crowded gates, and frequent flight delays, a private jet charter accelerates and streamlines the process from end-to-end.

Private Terminals: You’ll have the freedom to fly in and out of FBO (fixed-base operator) terminals that exclusively handle private fliers in a much less crowded environment. The level of efficiency and convenience you can enjoy with these terminals that are accessed separately from the congested airport center are perfect when you need to stay focused on the purpose of the trip.
Fast Security Check-Ins: With private jet charters, you can get cleared quickly (and early) to reach the destination of your business trip promptly, without the wait times or frustration typical of commercial travel security. No need to remove your shoes and belt, no long lines, no problem.
Individual Assistance: You’re more than a number when you work with a private charter service like Hangar 7. Take advantage of our 1-on-1 dedicated agents that can service your needs and ensure individuals and small groups flying for business enjoy a smooth trip with flexible accommodations.
Rapid Transit: The fastest aircraft in the sky are private jets, depending on the model you select for your chartered flight. Door-to-door travel times are significantly better than on commercial flights. Boarding happens quickly and on schedule, and you may even land closer to your destination at one of the 5,000+ private airports in the U.S. (far more than the 500 commercial options).

Enjoy Convenient Personal Flights & Family Vacations

Chartered flights are not only for executives and persons flying for business. Thousands of travelers turn to chartered aircraft every year when they need a private, custom transportation that operates on their schedule and accommodates the needs of the whole family. Private charter is ideal when you have an urgent visit to make for an elderly parent, want to pick up a newly purchased pet from a breeder across the country, or want to bring the family down to Mexico for the holidays.

Reliable Flights: You’ve been planning this trip for a long time. It’s important that everything works according to plan, especially if the whole family has made room on the calendars for this trip.
A Private Cabin: What better way to transport the family than in a private atmosphere where you can feel free to relax, be yourselves, and avoid exposure or health risks from public flights? The comfort and privacy of a chartered flight makes transportation an enjoyable part of the trip rather than a means to an end. Chat, watch your favorite movies, listen to music, and enjoy a personalized menu with the peace of mind that you won’t disturb public passengers.
Shape Your Own Trip: Our agents are experts in personalizing your arrangements and accommodating your family’s unique needs. Bring your pets, travel on at your own preferred times, select the custom amenities your family desires, and enjoy the complete control that you’ll have over your trip.
Expand Your Horizons: A private chartered flight opens the door to airports and destinations that are otherwise inaccessible to commercial travelers. In addition to private FBO terminals, you’ll be able to disembark from or land at smaller public airports, private airfields, executive airports, and more.

Hangar 7 Will Get You There

Contact our team of friendly agents today and start arranging the details of work-related or personal flights for yourself or your family. Whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, Hangar 7 can be counted on to provide you with safety, security, privacy, and convenience in your personalized private charter arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a private charter flight as safe as flying with a major airline? This is the most important question, and the answer is yes, they are both exceptionally safe ways to travel. Regulated charter operators fly under FAA Part 135 rules, which are designed to provide a level of safety that is comparable to the Part 121 rules governing major airlines. While airlines have a slight statistical edge due to the massive volume of their flights, a properly certified charter flight is one of the most secure forms of transportation available. You are choosing between two incredibly safe, highly regulated options.

What's the single most important thing I can check to verify a charter company's safety? If you only do one thing, ask for proof of third-party safety audits from firms like ARGUS or Wyvern. While an FAA certificate is the legal minimum, these independent audits show that an operator voluntarily holds themselves to a much higher standard. A company that is ARGUS or Wyvern certified has passed a deep-dive review of their maintenance, pilot training, and safety culture. It’s a clear and reliable sign that you’re working with a top-tier operator.

Should I be worried about flying on an older private jet? It's completely understandable to wonder about this, but an aircraft's age is not the best measure of its safety. What matters far more is its maintenance history. A 20-year-old jet that has been meticulously cared for by a professional team is just as safe as a newer one. All certified aircraft, regardless of age, must adhere to strict, ongoing maintenance and inspection schedules to remain airworthy. A reputable operator will always prioritize the condition of their fleet over its age.

If I get a quote that's much cheaper than others, is that a red flag? Yes, a price that seems too good to be true often is. In aviation, extremely low costs can be a major warning sign that an operator is cutting corners on essentials like proper maintenance, pilot experience, insurance, or even their legal certification. These "illegal charters" are a significant risk. While pricing can vary, a quote that is dramatically lower than the competition should be met with skepticism, not excitement. Your safety is always worth the fair market price.

What is the difference between a charter broker and an operator? An operator is the company that physically owns, maintains, and flies the aircraft. They hold the FAA certificate and are directly responsible for the safety of your flight. A charter broker, on the other hand, acts as your personal agent. They don't own the planes but use their expertise to find the best and safest certified operator for your specific trip. Working with a quality broker adds a valuable layer of security, as they do the homework of vetting operators for you.

Key Takeaways

Regulated Charters Follow Airline-Level Safety Rules: When you fly with a legitimate charter operator under FAA Part 135, you're protected by strict regulations for pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and flight operations that are comparable to major airlines.
Look for Third-Party Safety Certifications: The best operators voluntarily undergo rigorous safety audits. Ask for proof of an ARGUS or Wyvern certification to easily confirm you're choosing a company that exceeds standard safety requirements.
Trust Your Gut on Pricing and Professionalism: An unusually low price is the biggest red flag for an unsafe or illegal charter. Always ask for the operator's FAA certificate and be wary of any provider who can't answer your safety questions directly.

How Safe Are Charter Planes? A Guide to Private Flight Safety