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Questions, answered.

Everything you need to know about chartering with Will Smith Aviation — pricing, booking, safety, and what to expect on board. Don't see your question? Call (813) 421-9070.

Pricing & quotes

How does charter pricing work?
Charter is priced by the hour for the specific aircraft you fly, built on the time to fly the aircraft, crew, fuel, and airport fees. The planner gives you an instant ballpark; your firm quote reflects the exact aircraft, routing, and schedule. There are no membership fees to get a quote.
Are the prices on the website final?
No — the planner shows planning estimates only. Final pricing is confirmed in your firm quote, which accounts for live aircraft availability, fuel, positioning, international fees where applicable, and your exact dates.
Do you offer jet cards or block hours?
Yes. Our Jet Card lets you pre-purchase flight hours at a fixed rate, built around the routes you fly most. Tell us how you travel on the Jet Card page and we'll put together a card sized and priced for you.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept credit card (subject to a 4% transaction fee), wire transfer, and ACH. To book, we require either a 10% deposit or a credit card hold, with full payment due at least 24 hours before departure.

Booking & changes

How far in advance should I book?
Aircraft are subject to availability, so we always suggest booking sooner rather than later. We cannot always accommodate flights within 48 hours, so the earlier you reach out, the better we can match the right aircraft to your trip.
What happens if I need to cancel or change my trip?
Plans change and we'll always work with you. Specific cancellation and change terms are in your charter agreement and depend on how close to departure the change happens and the aircraft involved. Contact us as early as possible and we'll find the best path.
Can I change passengers or the schedule after booking?
Minor changes can often be accommodated depending on aircraft and crew availability. Reach out and we'll confirm what's possible for your trip.

Safety & aircraft

How safe is private charter with Will Smith Aviation?
Our fleet operates under our own FAA Part 135 certificate, and we're ARGUS Gold rated — an independent third-party safety standard. When a trip calls for an aircraft outside our fleet, we source it through vetted operators flying on their own certificate. Maintenance on our fleet is handled in-house by the same team that manages the aircraft, and operations are monitored 24/7.
What aircraft will I actually fly?
You choose an aircraft class (turboprop through ultra long range); the specific aircraft is confirmed with your firm quote based on availability. The planner shows typical seating by class.
Who are the pilots?
Every flight is operated with dual crew — two pilots — and many of our captains bring deep experience, with some exceeding 20,000 hours.

On board & logistics

Can I bring my pet?
Yes — pets always fly in the cabin with you, either in a carrier or on a leash depending on size and breed. Let us know the type and size when you request your quote.
Is catering available?
Yes. Catering and beverages can be arranged with your trip — from simple refreshments to full meals. Tell us your preferences when booking.
How many passengers and bags can I bring?
Capacity depends on the aircraft class — the planner shows seats per class. Baggage limits vary by aircraft; we'll confirm specifics for your group and luggage when you request a quote.
Can you arrange ground transportation?
Yes — we can arrange ground transportation for an administrative fee. Let us know your needs when you request your quote.
How early do I need to arrive?
Typically just 15 minutes before departure — there's no commercial security line. Your crew and ground team will have everything ready.

Still have a question?

A real person is ready to help — usually within the hour.

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