frequently asked questions

Why choose Villiers for your private flight needs?

When it comes to your private flight requirements, there are numerous compelling reasons to choose Villiers as your premier flight broker. We go above and beyond to ensure your complete satisfaction, providing a truly exceptional experience from start to finish.

  1. Unbeatable Pricing: At Villiers, we understand the importance of securing the best price for your flight(s). Our skilled team excels at negotiation, whether it's for an empty leg, a modified empty leg, or an on-demand charter flight. We are committed to delivering competitive rates, ensuring you receive exceptional value for your investment.
  2. Low Commission Rate: We believe in building long-lasting relationships with our clients. That's why our commission rate is kept low. Our success hinges on your satisfaction and future loyalty, driving us to provide unparalleled service and competitive deals.
  3. Prompt and Comprehensive Responses: When you submit a flight request to Villiers, you can expect swift and detailed responses. We understand that time is of the essence, and we value your decision-making process. Our team will provide you with a range of options and all the pertinent information in as efficient a manner as reasonably possible, empowering you to make well-informed choices with complete confidence.
  4. Dedicated Support: From the moment you contact us until after your flight, Villiers remains by your side. We closely monitor all activities to ensure that everything goes according to plan. Additionally, if required we will keep your office contacts, assistants, friends, or loved ones informed about the aircraft's movements, ensuring seamless logistics coordination and providing a sense of security throughout your journey.
  5. Transparency and Honesty: Trust is the cornerstone of our relationship with clients. We believe in open and honest communication, sharing all relevant information upfront. By providing complete transparency, we empower you to make the best decisions, tailor-made to your specific needs and preferences.

Choose Villiers for an unparalleled private flight experience. We are dedicated to surpassing your expectations and delivering the highest level of service and satisfaction.

What are the benefits of opting for on-demand charter flights?

When it comes to private air travel, on-demand charter flights offer a variety of advantages. At Villiers, we place your convenience as a top priority and customise our services to meet your specific requirements. Here are the key benefits of choosing on-demand charter flights:

Guaranteed Availability: With on-demand charter flights, your trip is guaranteed without any uncertainty. Villiers handles all the negotiations and secures your flight in advance, ensuring that your travel plans are secure. You can have peace of mind knowing that your flight will be ready when you need it.

Enhanced Control and Flexibility: On-demand charter flights provide you with greater control over your travel experience. You have the freedom to select the aircraft that best suits your flight requirements. Factors such as distance travelled, preferred airports, aircraft nationality, aircraft age, and more can be taken into consideration. This level of flexibility allows you to tailor your journey according to your unique preferences.

Cost-Effectiveness for Same-Day or Multi-City Itineraries: On-demand charter flights often prove to be more cost-effective, particularly for same-day trips or itineraries involving multiple cities. When you require a flight that waits for your return journey or involves multiple destinations, on-demand charters minimise costs by accommodating your specific timing restrictions. This ensures efficiency and cost savings for your travel plans.

Personalised Service and Attention: At Villiers, we understand the significance of personalised service. With on-demand charter flights, we prioritise your individual requirements and preferences. Our dedicated team works closely with you to ensure that every aspect of your journey is tailored to perfection, delivering a seamless and exceptional travel experience.

Discover the benefits of on-demand charter flights with Villiers. We are dedicated to providing the highest levels of service, flexibility, and value, exceeding your expectations with every flight.

What defines an on-demand charter flight?

An on-demand charter flight refers to the process of renting an aircraft for a specific flight, allowing you to have full control over the timing and itinerary. This means you have the freedom to decide when and where you want to fly. Villiers provides this service, offering competitive rates and a seamless booking experience.

With an on-demand charter flight, you have the ability to choose the aircraft that best suits your preferences, taking into account factors such as size, age, and budget. Once your selection is approved and payment is made, the aircraft is exclusively reserved for you and your guests, ensuring it will be available to fulfill your requested travel plans.

The advantage of on-demand charter flights lies in Villiers' ability to negotiate preferential rates with operators due to our extensive flight hours year after year. This allows us to pass on cost savings to our customers, ensuring you receive excellent value for your private air travel.

Experience the convenience and flexibility of on-demand charter flights with Villiers. Take command of your travel arrangements and enjoy a personalized flight experience tailored to your specific needs and preferences.

What if no empty legs are available and none can be adapted to suit my itinerary?

In pursuit of finding you the best prices, we follow a comprehensive process. If we determine that no empty legs are currently available or can be modified to align with your specific itinerary, we will take the next step to ensure your travel needs are met.

At this stage, we will reach out to our trusted partner operators and engage in negotiations to secure the best prices for an on-demand charter flight. Our goal is to provide you with a tailored solution that suits your requirements, even if it means exploring alternative options beyond empty legs.

Rest assured, our commitment to delivering exceptional service and value remains unwavering. We will go the extra mile to ensure you have access to competitive pricing and a seamless travel experience, regardless of the availability of empty legs.

Count on Villiers to explore every avenue and provide you with the best possible solution for your private air travel needs.

Is the availability of empty legs guaranteed?

When it comes to empty leg flights, it's important to understand that their availability cannot be guaranteed. As empty legs are dependent on the completion of a primary charter, their occurrence is subject to change.

For long-haul flights, we can typically provide a assurances on empty legs with a notice period of two to three days in advance. Meanwhile, for short-haul flights, empty legs are generally assured one or two days before the intended departure.

Whatever the situation may be, we will keep you informed about the status of the empty leg, and you will not be asked to make any payment until the flight is confirmed. In the event of a cancellation, our team of dedicated Villiers Private Aviation Advisors is available 24/7 to assist you in finding an alternative solution for your trip.

While we strive to accommodate empty leg requests, their availability is contingent on various factors. At Villiers, we are committed to providing exceptional service and ensuring a seamless travel experience, even if alternative arrangements are required.

What is a "Rerouted Empty Leg"?

A "rerouted empty leg" refers to an empty leg flight that undergoes a deviation from its original planned route in order to accommodate passenger requirements. In simple terms, it involves redirecting an empty leg to include additional stops for pick-up or drop-off purposes. As an example:

Consider a scenario where there is an empty leg scheduled to fly from New York to Paris. However, your desired travel route is from New York to London, seeking the most advantageous pricing. In this case, we engage in negotiations with the flight operator to modify the itinerary of the empty leg. The aircraft would be arranged to make a stop in London first, allowing you to disembark, before proceeding to its final destination.

By opting for a rerouted empty leg, you can benefit from significant cost savings, (although since the modified empty incur some expenses for deviating from the original flight plan, they are not as good value as a'pure' empty leg). The specific discount percentage depends on various factors, such as the nature of the modification (e.g., distance, time) and the aircraft's size.

At Villiers, our expertise lies in sourcing and securing rerouted empty legs that align with your specific travel requirements. By capitalizing on these opportunities, we aim to provide exceptional value while ensuring a seamless and personalised travel experience for you.

Why are empty legs so affordable?

Empty legs are affordable due to their unique nature and cost structure. The primary reason behind their affordability lies in the fact that the initial passenger has already paid for the empty leg when booking their trip, effectively covering the fixed cost of the flight. This creates an opportunity for operators to offer the remaining seats on the aircraft to other passengers at reduced rates.

By capitalising on these opportunities, individuals can experience the benefits of flying private at more competitive prices. The discounts offered on empty legs can vary substantially, though tend to be 30 - 40% less than a comparable full charter flight. These savings make empty legs an attractive option for cost-conscious travellers seeking private air travel.

At Villiers, we leverage our extensive network and industry relationships to secure access to these empty legs, allowing our clients to enjoy luxurious private flights at a fraction of the usual cost. Take advantage of these exceptional opportunities and embark on your next journey with Villiers for an unforgettable and cost-effective travel experience.

What is an empty leg?

An empty leg flight refers to the operation of a private jet without any passengers on board. This typically occurs in two scenarios: when an aircraft transports passengers to their destination and returns to its base,e or when it travels to another airport without passengers to pick up individuals for their journey.

When an aircraft completes a trip with passengers and returns "empty," it means the return leg of the journey does not have any passengers on board. Similarly, when an aircraft flies from one location to another without passengers, it is referred to as an "empty" flight until passengers are picked up at the destination.

It is estimated that approximately one in three private jet trips constitutes an empty leg flight. These flights present an opportunity for cost savings and unique travel options, as the availability of empty legs allows individuals with some flexibility to their schedule to take advantage of discounted prices.

At Villiers, we specialise in sourcing and offering access to empty leg flights, enabling our clients to experience the convenience, luxury, and affordability of private jet travel. Explore the possibilities and enjoy a remarkable journey with Villiers' selection of empty leg flights here.

Are private jets safe?

At Villiers, we place the highest importance on ensuring the safety of our passengers. We take comprehensive measures to guarantee that all aircraft featured in our services meet stringent safety standards. Here's how we prioritize your safety:

  1. Updated Certifications: We diligently verify that all jet operators hold current Aircraft Operator Certificates, operating licenses, and insurance documents. This ensures strict compliance with regulatory requirements.
  2. Premium Fleet: The chartered aircraft available through Villiers are carefully selected to be either new or recently renovated. Our commitment to offering a high-quality fleet ensures that you fly on modern and well-maintained aircraft, meeting the most rigorous safety standards.
  3. Experienced Pilots: Your safety is entrusted to highly skilled and experienced pilots. They operate in strict adherence to the regulations established by the civil aviation authority of the aircraft's registration country. The presence of two professional pilots or a pilot/co-pilot team ensures proficient handling of your flight.
  4. Attentive Flight Attendants: On larger jets, a dedicated flight attendant is on-board to attend to your comfort and needs. They also play a vital role in ensuring passenger safety throughout the flight.

With these comprehensive safety measures in place, we provide you with peace of mind as you embark on your private jet journey. At Villiers, your safety is our utmost priority, and we are committed to delivering an exceptional and secure travel experience.

How to charter a private jet?

Chartering a private jet has become a popular trend, offering a luxurious and prestigious mode of travel. If you're interested in chartering a private jet, here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Understand the Benefits: Chartering a private jet provides you with freedom, flexibility, and privacy. You can enjoy the exclusivity of travelling with your friends or guests, choose departure and arrival airports according to your preference, and save time by avoiding long queues and crowded airports.

Contact a Private Jet Broker: To begin the chartering process, reach out to a reputable private jet broker. They will assist you in booking the right private jet that suits your needs.

Determine Your Requirements: Consider factors such as the number of passengers, amount of luggage, flying direct or with stops, and airport restrictions. These details will help your private jet broker in selecting the appropriate aircraft for your journey.

Safety and Quality Assurance: Check the safety ratings of the jet, cabin crew, and operator. Ensure that operators and brokers adhere to industry standards, such as the ARGUS industry standards.

Booking and Payment: Work with your private jet broker to book the aircraft and arrange payment. Brokers often have established relationships with operators, allowing them to secure significant discounts and provide a more reasonable price plan. Payments can be made via wire transfer, credit/debit card, Bitcoin, or as prescribed by the firm.

Finalise Trip Details: Share your catering preferences, any allergies, and whether you require a cabin attendant with your private jet broker. Ensure your travel documents, such as passports and visas, are valid. The broker will prepare a contract for you to review and sign.

Day of the Flight: Unlike commercial flights, you only need to arrive at the airport 20 minutes prior to departure. Private jet terminals, managed by Fixed Base Operators (FBOs), provide exclusive services for charter flight passengers. Hand over your itinerary and aircraft registration to the handling agent, and your luggage will be transferred directly to the plane. After necessary checks and pre-flight procedures, you'll be ready to fly.

Onboard Experience: The onboard experience varies based on the type of private jet chartered. Catering services are available, with options ranging from standard offerings to customised orders. Flight attendants, if requested, will assist with serving meals and providing service. Pilots focus on flying the aircraft, and larger jets may offer entertainment systems and Wi-Fi access.

Arrival and Post-Flight: Upon arrival, an agent will be present to transport you and your luggage to the private jet terminal. Private chauffeur services can be arranged by your private jet broker for seamless transfers to your final destination. Luggage collection is efficient and quick, avoiding the typical wait times of commercial flights. If you have a return flight, coordinate with the crew and communicate any changes or adjustments through your private jet charter representative.

By following these steps and relying on the expertise of a private jet broker, you can enjoy a smooth and luxurious charter flight experience.

How much time should I allow before departure?

At Villiers, we recommend that our clients arrive at the airport 15 to 20 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. This allows ample time for necessary procedures such as security checks and, if applicable, customs clearance. It's important to note that certain airports operate on a slot system, which can occasionally pose challenges in securing a new slot promptly. Therefore, allowing sufficient time for these formalities ensures a smooth and punctual departure.

Can I choose my flight departure time?

Yes, when chartering a private jet with Villiers, you have the flexibility to select your preferred departure time. We strive to accommodate our clients' scheduling preferences whenever possible. However, it's important to note that certain airports have restricted operating hours and may not be available 24/7. In such cases, if you wish to depart or land outside of the airport's normal hours of operation, additional fees may apply. Our dedicated team will assist you in exploring the available options and any associated costs to ensure your travel arrangements align with your desired itinerary.

Can I fly to multiple destinations on the same day?

Yes, it is indeed possible to optimise your travel and make multiple stops on the same day when chartering a private jet with Villiers. Our team can help you plan an itinerary that includes multiple destinations based on your requirements. However, it's important to consider crew duty time limitations. On average, flight crews cannot exceed 10 hours of duty time in a single day due to safety regulations. While we strive to accommodate your travel needs, it's crucial to ensure compliance with these regulations to maintain the safety and well-being of both passengers and crew.

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

In most cases, it is possible to accommodate last-minute passengers on your private jet flight, provided that the aircraft's cabin has available seats and the addition of passengers does not exceed the maximum take-off/landing weight limitations. However, it's important to note that there may be certain considerations and fees associated with adding extra passengers.

Depending on the number of additional passengers, there might be additional charges such as passenger taxes or adjustments to the catering budget. It's advisable to consult with our team for specific details and any associated costs.

Furthermore, if your flight involves countries with immigration procedures, the addition of a passenger may cause some delays in the overall flight. Immigration processes can vary from country to country, and it's essential to account for potential time required for the necessary clearances.

Our dedicated team at Villiers is available to assist you in evaluating and accommodating any last-minute passenger requests, ensuring a seamless and efficient travel experience.

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

As a valued client of Villiers, you have the flexibility to make changes to your private jet flight schedule or even alter the destination. We understand that travel plans can evolve, and we aim to accommodate your needs to the best of our abilities. However, it's important to note that changes to the schedule or itinerary may be subject to certain considerations and additional fees.

Our dedicated team is here to assist you in assessing the feasibility of schedule or itinerary changes and provide you with the relevant information regarding any potential additional costs. We aim to ensure that your travel plans align with your preferences while considering the operational constraints.

Please feel free to reach out to us with your specific requirements, and we will work closely with you to make the necessary arrangements and keep you informed about any applicable fees.

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