How to Book Private Jet Travel Between Caribbean Islands

Book private jets between Caribbean islands through charter brokers like NetJets or Victor, or directly with operators like SVG Air or InterCaribbean Airways. Expect $3,000-15,000 per flight depending on aircraft size and distance. Book 2-3 days ahead for flexibility, longer for peak season.

  1. Choose your booking method. Use charter brokers (NetJets, Flexjet, Victor) for full-service booking with vetted operators, or book directly with Caribbean specialists like SVG Air, Mustique Airways, or LIAT Express for potentially lower costs but more legwork.
  2. Select aircraft based on passenger count and distance. Light jets (4-6 passengers) like Citation CJ3+ work for short hops under 1,000 miles. Mid-size jets (6-8 passengers) like Hawker 800XP handle longer routes. Super-mid jets (8-10 passengers) like Citation X+ cover any Caribbean distance with comfort.
  3. Check airport capabilities at your destinations. Verify runway length and facilities. Some islands like Saba (1,300 ft runway) require specific aircraft certification. Popular private jet airports include Princess Juliana (St. Maarten), Norman Manley (Jamaica), and Grantley Adams (Barbados).
  4. Get quotes and compare total costs. Request all-inclusive quotes including fuel surcharges, landing fees, overnight charges for crew, and positioning costs. Caribbean landing fees range $200-800 per airport. Fuel surcharges add 10-15% to base charter cost.
  5. Confirm crew requirements and permits. Ensure operators have proper Caribbean overflight permits and customs handling experience. Some islands require advance crew declarations. International flights need customs clearance at first point of entry.
  6. Book and arrange ground services. Confirm booking with 50% deposit. Arrange customs/immigration fast-track service ($100-300), ground transportation, and any special requests like catering. Provide passenger manifests 24 hours before departure.
Can I split costs with other passengers on empty leg flights?
Yes, but true empty legs between Caribbean islands are rare due to positioning logistics. Most 'empty leg' deals are actually discounted regular charters. Check Victor, JetSuite, and PrivateFly for legitimate shared flights.
How far in advance do I need to book?
2-3 days minimum for light jets during off-season. Peak season (December-April) and larger aircraft need 1-2 weeks. Hurricane season (June-November) requires flexibility as weather can ground flights with little notice.
What happens if weather cancels my flight?
Caribbean weather changes quickly. Reputable operators offer rebooking within 24-48 hours at no extra charge. Budget extra time for important connections. Consider travel insurance that covers charter flight delays.
Are there jet cards specifically for Caribbean travel?
NetJets and Flexjet offer Caribbean-focused programs with guaranteed availability and fixed hourly rates. SVG Air offers a Caribbean island-hopping card for $25,000 minimum. These work best if you fly the region regularly.