As with any endeavor, proper planning is key, and when it comes to managing your experience as a fractional aircraft owner, things are no different. Booking your flight far in advance is always highly recommended to avoid issues, but what happens when you try to book at the last minute, and what are the unknown factors that could ruin your trip?
Successfully booking last minute starts with understanding the difference between your provider’s Minimum Booking Notice (typically 10 to 12 hours) and the “optimum” notice you give to them. The difference is essential to understand because even though your agreement terms may state that you can book with some minimum notice, the operator may not be able to successfully fulfill your request in a timely manner due to scheduling or other conflicts, no matter what the agreement says.
For example, while it’s possible to book an 8 AM departure with just 10 hours’ notice, this can easily create significant challenges in delivering the expected timely service. In many instances, even if an aircraft is available, issues such as crew availability, weather conditions that preclude positioning an aircraft last minute, and unexpected mechanical issues can all conspire to delay your trip. This can obviously lead to a series of complications that unravel your schedule, or even require you to depart from an alternate airport with little to no notice.
So what’s optimum, you might ask? With so many fractional flyers and only a finite number of aircraft to service them, we recommend 36-48 hours minimum on every trip in your Primary Service Area to help ensure that you enjoy a timely departure. “But wait,” you say, “doesn’t the operator have to be there in 10 hours since it’s in the agreement?” Technically yes, but the fine print in your agreement may say otherwise, and while the intention is to always meet your expectations, the reality is often quite different.
Keep this tip in mind for your next last minute trip and you’ll be off the ground right on time.