When a family office or executive assistant books a private flight, they carry responsibility for someone else's safety, privacy and time. The questions below help structure a request so that options can be compared fairly and nothing important is assumed.
Who operates the flight?
In charter, the company you speak to is not always the company that operates the aircraft. Ask who the operator is and which authority oversees it. Operator certification and safety-audit standards differ by country; a qualified aviation professional can explain what applies to a specific flight.
What does the quote actually include?
Charter quotes are built differently across the market. Before comparing figures, confirm in writing how each quote treats:
- Positioning flights and any return of an empty aircraft.
- Airport, handling and landing fees, and any de-icing or overnight costs.
- Crew accommodation and duty limits on long or multi-day trips.
- Catering, ground transport and special requests.
- Applicable taxes, which depend on route and jurisdiction.
Passengers, privacy and authority
Agree in advance who may give instructions on the principal's behalf and how changes are confirmed. Share passenger and travel-document details only through a secure channel once a booking is confirmed — not in a first enquiry.
If discretion matters, say so early. A good adviser will explain what information operators and authorities legitimately need, and what can be kept to a minimum.
Changes and cancellations
Private travel plans move. Ask what happens if the departure time slips, the passenger count changes, or the trip is cancelled. Terms are set by the operator and the contract, so read them before confirming rather than relying on a verbal assurance.
Questions
- Can an assistant manage bookings for a principal?
- Yes, provided the principal or office confirms the assistant's authority. LUND GROUP can coordinate with authorised assistants and family-office staff.
- Should we send passport details with the first request?
- No. Share a non-confidential brief first; identity documents are requested through a secure channel only when a booking is being finalised.
Related services
Discuss a Private RequirementThis article is general information only and is not a binding offer, nor legal, tax, investment or financial advice. Availability and terms are set by independent providers and must be confirmed in writing; jurisdiction-specific points should be confirmed with qualified professionals.
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