Two charter quotes for the same route can differ by tens of thousands. Sometimes that is the aircraft. Often it is what each quote leaves out. These are the questions worth asking before anything is signed.
1. Which aircraft, exactly?
"Light jet" or "midsize" is a category, not an aircraft. Ask for the type and, where possible, the year and cabin layout. Range, cabin height and baggage space vary a great deal within a category.
2. Is positioning included?
If the aircraft is based elsewhere, it must fly empty to collect you and, often, to return home. Those positioning legs are usually charged. A quote that looks cheap may simply leave them out.
3. What about the crew?
On multi-day trips, the crew's hotels, meals and overnight fees are normally charged. If the aircraft waits for you for several days, ask whether it is cheaper to send it home and bring it back.
4. Which fees are extra?
Landing, handling, parking, catering, de-icing in winter, airport slots and international fees may each be extra. A good quote lists what is included and what is estimated.
5. Which taxes apply?
Taxes on charter flights depend on the country and the route. Ask for them to be shown on the quote rather than "taxes as applicable".
6. What happens if the plan changes?
Read the cancellation terms and the policy for delays caused by weather or a technical problem. Ask what replacement aircraft would be offered and at whose cost.
A note on empty legs
Empty legs, the one-way positioning flights a charter company sells at a lower price, can be good value if your plans are flexible. They can also be cancelled or moved when the paying trip changes, so keep a fallback.
This guide is general information, not legal or regulatory advice. Flights are flown by licensed charter companies. See private aviation, arranged on request.