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Want to Avoid Coronavirus and Still Travel? Charter a Private Plane

There is a lot happening right now with COVID-19, a virus commonly known in the media as coronavirus. The situation is evolving rapidly as governments and private industries struggle to prevent the spread of this contagious disease. One of the hardest hit areas to date has been the travel industry. The virus is now in more than half of U.S. states, which has caused many domestic travelers to think twice about being in a contained space like an airplane for several hours with someone who may have the virus. The nature of travel, and the proximity to others in places like airports and on the airplane itself can put people at higher risk of contracting the virus if you come in contact with someone who is sick. Airlines have also scaled back the number of flights they are offering, which can make it difficult to get a flight even if you are not concerned about COVID-19.

Travel and Coronavirus

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) both have information about travel for the public, and both have issued travel warnings for places that you want to avoid because they have ongoing or sustained disease transmission. To date the places with Level 2 or Level 3 travel advisories (which means nonessential travel to these areas is not recommended) include China, Iran, South Korea, Japan, and Italy. The CDC and WHO have also advised against any travel for people who are in high-risk groups, such as the elderly, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems. If you fall into that group, you are advised not to get on a commercial airplane.

Minimizing Your Risk

For many people, travel is an essential part of your life, whether for personal or business reasons. That can make it very difficult to minimize your risk and avoid commercial airlines while still doing the things you need to do. Chartering a private plane is one solution that allows you to travel to the places you need to go while avoiding not only the coronavirus, but all sorts of communicable diseases that can be transmitted between travelers in airports and on airplanes. Charter planes can be booked privately or with a very small group of people so you know exactly who you will be in close proximity to you during your flight. While many people are focused on the health concerns of travel, there are other benefits to chartering a private plane, even after the coronavirus threat is gone. They include:
  • Choosing the flight schedule that works best for you
  • Avoiding the stress and hassle of commercial airports
  • Avoiding security lines, bag checks, and TSA screenings
  • Traveling to places commercial airlines cannot always go, such as smaller or regional airports

Schedule Your Flight Today

If you need to travel and also want to avoid the current risks associated with commercial airlines, contact Plane Travel to find out how easy it is to charter a private plane and get where you need to be.

Questions to Ask When Booking a Charter Flight

Booking a charter flight isn’t something that most people are familiar with, and if this is your first time going with a charter plane company over flying commercial, the entire experience can seem a little overwhelming. Flying charter offers a lot of advantages over traditional air travel, including the ability to go places that commercial planes don’t fly, the ability to tailor a schedule to meet your specific needs, and—perhaps most important of all—avoiding that cramped middle seat between two strangers. Before you book your first charter flight, though, here are some questions you should ask to make sure you have a safe and stress-free flight.

1: Do You Own Your Planes?

Some charter airline companies just rent their aircraft, while others own a fleet. Generally you will get better service and more flexibility to customize your trip if you go with a company that owns its own airplanes. In addition, a charter plane company that has its own fleet will often have more control over safety and maintenance.

2: Can I See Some Information About the Safety of Your Aircraft?

Any reputable charter airline company will be willing to show you all their safety information, including things like:
  • Maintenance records
  • History of accidents or incidents for an aircraft or a pilot
  • Total hours your pilot has flown (250 is required to get a commercial license, but many companies require 2,500 or more)
  • Any health issues with the pilot(s) that could impact your safety in flight (and whether there are one or two pilots on your flight)

3: Are There Daily Minimums or Fees?

If you plan to rent a charter plane that shows an hourly rate, you might assume that a short flight—say 45 minutes—would be pro-rated. However, some companies require a daily minimum, so you’ll get charged for that no matter how short your flight. Some companies also have add-ons like short hop fees or high-density fees to major metropolitan airports due to arrival and departure delays, which can add even more to your bill. Nobody wants a surprise bill after the trip, so make sure you ask about all fees and minimums up front.

4: Are There Weight/Luggage Limitations?

Since charter aircraft are smaller than commercial airliners, it’s important to know the weight limits, including any restrictions on luggage, before you fly. You don’t want to arrive and learn you can’t take the 7 bags you packed for a month-long stay on a Caribbean island, then have to figure out how to consolidate your stuff into just one bag before boarding. If you’re ready to book a charter plane to a destination in the southeastern U.S., Florida, the Bahamas, or the Caribbean, Plane Travel can get you there. Call us today to find out more about how easy it can be to book a charter flight.