What to Ask a Private Jet Broker Before You Book
Private aviation is built on trust. But not every broker deserves it.
While there are many reputable charter providers, there are just as many middlemen with no real accountability, little aviation experience, and few answers when things go wrong.
At PorterJets, we’ve built our business by doing things differently – and by educating clients who’ve been burned before.
If you’re evaluating a private jet broker, here are seven questions you should always ask before signing or swiping.
1. Is This Quote for a Confirmed Aircraft or Just a Placeholder?
Many brokers send quotes before they’ve actually secured the aircraft – meaning what you’re looking at may not be real.
Ask: Is this a live quote with a tail assigned, or just a sample?
At PorterJets, we quote actual aircraft with photos, tail numbers, and real availability.
2. Do You Operate Transparently – or Just Pass Quotes Through?
Unlike air carriers, charter brokers are not required to register with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask how they operate.
Ask: Do you clearly disclose who operates the flight and how pricing is handled?
At PorterJets, we:
Always identify the FAA-licensed operator responsible for the flight
Provide tail numbers and safety ratings up front
Ensure clients know exactly what they’re booking – and who’s behind it
We believe in full transparency, even when the regulations don’t require it.
3. Do You Own or Operate the Aircraft?
Some brokers pretend to be operators – but they’re simply middlemen. You deserve to know who’s actually flying the plane.
Ask: Who is the operator? Can I see their Part 135 certificate?
We clearly identify the operator, crew qualifications, and safety ratings for every flight.
4. Is the Price Guaranteed? Or Can It Change Later?
Many “low” quotes are bait-and-switch tactics – the broker books it, then calls later to say the price went up.
Ask: Is this quote fixed and guaranteed upon contract?
At PorterJets, our pricing is transparent and contractually locked unless you make a change.
5. Can You Provide Safety Ratings and Insurance Coverage Details?
Every aircraft should be ARGUS- or Wyvern-rated, and the operator should carry appropriate liability insurance.
Ask: What are the aircraft’s safety audit scores? What insurance does the operator carry?
We disclose this upfront – because if your broker can’t answer, that’s a red flag.
6. Who Do I Call if Something Goes Wrong Day-Of?
Some brokers disappear the moment you sign. Others outsource the entire experience to someone you’ve never met.
Ask: Do you provide real-time support during the trip?
PorterJets provides direct, personal support before, during, and after your flight. You’ll never be guessing.
7. Do You Provide Lifestyle Services – or Just Book the Plane?
A real partner in private aviation does more than move you from point A to point B.
They understand that your travel isn’t just about the flight – it’s about the experience surrounding it.
Ask: Can you help with villas, yachts, event access, or bespoke itineraries – not just logistics?
At PorterJets, we offer full-service lifestyle coordination, including:
Ground transportation with vetted chauffeurs
Inflight catering to exact dietary or luxury specs
Villa and hotel sourcing with insider access
Private yacht charters, wellness support, and restaurant reservations
Custom gifting, celebrations, and family-friendly accommodations
We don’t just manage flights – we elevate everything around them.
8. What Exactly Is Included in This Quote – and What’s Not?
Many quotes look competitive at first glance – until unexpected fees show up later.
Some brokers omit repositioning costs, crew overnights, catering, or FBO fees to make pricing appear lower.
Ask: Is this an all-in quote? Are there any additional charges I should expect before or after the flight?
At PorterJets, we provide clear, detailed quotes that outline:
Aircraft cost and routing
Crew and repositioning fees
FBO, landing, and wait-time charges
Optional add-ons like catering, Wi-Fi, or lifestyle coordination
No vague line items. No surprise invoices. Just full transparency.
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