The short answer
A private charter lets you choose the date, start time and sometimes the route, and suits families and groups who want control. A shared seat is cheaper per person but follows a fixed departure and the pace of the group. Both use the same aircraft types and safety rules, so the difference is flexibility and cost.
For shared tours ask how many seats are filled, whether the departure is guaranteed and what happens if it is cancelled for lack of passengers. For private charters ask about the aircraft, the number of seats and the cancellation rules.
Key facts
- Private
- Flexible, higher cost
- Shared
- Fixed, lower cost
- Ask
- Guaranteed departure?
- Group
- Families prefer private
How it works
- Count your groupSeats needed.
- Ask for both quotesPrivate and shared.
- Check guaranteeDeparture terms.
- Check cancellationWeather and seats.
- Book flexible datesIf possible.
When private makes sense
Private suits families, older travellers or groups who want flexible timing and a quieter experience. You can often choose when to go and sometimes adjust the stops. Shared seats suit solo travellers and couples who are comfortable with a group schedule.
Ask whether a shared departure is guaranteed or depends on enough bookings.
Questions to ask
What is the seat limit, how is weight handled, what happens if the weather stops the flight and what is the refund policy? Get the answers in writing.
Insider tip
If your group fills four to five seats, private can be close in per-person cost.
Avoid this
Do not assume a shared tour departs if seats are unfilled.
Related questions
Can I pick the route?
Private charters often allow some flexibility.
Are shared tours safe?
They use the same safety rules as private flights.
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