Charter flights: what they are, how they differ from scheduled flights and how to buy

Charter flights are often mentioned when you buy tours and last-minute packages, but not everyone understands how they differ from ordinary ones. Here is the explanation in simple words.

What a charter flight is

A charter is a flight organized on the order of a tour operator or another organization: the airline provides the aircraft (or part of it), and the operator sells the seats to its own clients. A scheduled flight runs on a permanent timetable, and its tickets are sold by the airline and its agents.

Charters usually go to popular resorts: Turkey, Egypt, Thailand, Vietnam, the UAE and others.

The pros of charters

• A low price. Especially combined with a hotel (a package tour), when the operator buys seats in bulk.
• Direct flights to resorts where scheduled flights are few.
• A convenient time of departure to match a hotel check-in.

The cons of charters

• Fixed dates. Departure and return are usually on strictly set days, often in packages of 7, 10 or 14 nights.
• Less flexibility. Exchange and refund are limited and sometimes impossible.
• Schedule changes. The operator may change the departure time or combine flights.
• Baggage and service limits: the allowances are stated in the contract.
• Ticket sales. A charter ticket cannot always be bought on its own: more often a "seat on the plane" is sold through the operator. Check the terms.

A charter or a scheduled flight: how to choose

1. If you are going to a resort for 7-14 days, a charter with a hotel may be better value.
2. If you need flexible dates and the possibility to refund or exchange a ticket, choose a scheduled flight.
3. If you need a connection and travel through several cities, you need a scheduled flight: flights with a layover.
4. Compare the total cost with baggage: no-baggage fares: what you can take.

How to buy a charter ticket

1. Find a tour or a "seat on the plane" with a tour operator or an agent.
2. Check the contract: dates, times, baggage allowances and the terms of cancellation and changes.
3. Find out who is responsible for delays and changes.
4. Arrange insurance, including trip cancellation cover: travel insurance for trips abroad.
5. Check in following the operator's instructions: online check-in guide.

You can compare the prices of scheduled flights on Aviasales and in the HotTrip flight search.

Frequently asked questions

What is a charter flight in simple words?

It is a flight organized on the order of a tour operator: an aircraft is hired for a certain group of clients and does not fly on a permanent timetable.

Are charter flights cheaper than scheduled ones?

Often yes, especially as part of a tour, but not always. Compare the total price including baggage, dates and refund terms.

Are charter flights safe?

Charters are operated by licensed airlines under the same safety requirements as scheduled flights. The differences lie in how sales are organized and in the terms of the ticket.

Can I get a refund on a charter ticket?

The operator sets the terms: a refund is often possible only with a deduction or not possible at all. Check the terms before paying.

Cover: photo by Asad Photo Maldives on Pexels