With the rise in private charter flights came an increase in charter scams. Have you been a victim? Do you know the signs?
The Robb Report recently noted an increase in cases of fraud in the private aviation world. The article cited the Aviation Charter Association (ACA) and European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) joint statement that warned travelers of fake websites selling non-existent flights in Europe. While in the United States, there is less of an issue with non-existent flight but a significant upswing in illegal charter reports, meaning planes are flying without proper certification, read not legit.
For newbies, to private charters, a pretty photo and reasonable price can be quite alluring. However, being caught up in a ruse during pandemic times would undoubtedly add insult to injury, so let’s highlight what to look for when selecting and purchasing a charter flight.
1. Know your tools. At Mira Vista Aviation, we use third parties like Wyvern and Argus to review our safety standards and keep our overall operations top notch. Passengers can also use these companies to examine the legitimacy of the charter company and pilots. It’s important to note all charter operations have a Part 135 Certificate. This certificate is provided by the FAA and thus subject the company to the strict safety requirements companies like Argus and Wyvern review.
2. If you wouldn’t buy designer wear in that manner online, don’t buy a plane ticket. There is a familiar feeling of when something is awry, listen to your gut. If you would not regularly conduct business online in the manner, the charter operator is doing business, back out. It is essential to keep your personal data safe.
3. Learn about what you are purchasing. A first-class ticket on a Dreamliner is different than the first-class ticket on a regional aircraft. Just the same buying a charter on a Citation CJ4 is much different than purchasing a charter on a Gulfstream IV. Do your research to know what you’re looking for in both distance and comfort, so you aren’t sold something that doesn’t meet expectations as well as needs.
4. The internet lies. You know this. We know this. The world knows this. Using keywords and purchasing ads on search engines allows small companies to compete with the bigger, more searched SEO hogs online. However, it also enables scammers to appear more reputable by being a top search hit. Just because a company is number one on Google doesn’t mean it should be your go-to charter operator.
5. The customer is always right. A charter is not equivalent to purchasing your very own aircraft, so some rules do apply out of respect to the actual aircraft owner. However, you should be able to choose various comfort accommodations, including food and beverage service, or whether bedding is required. Also, you can select departure times with weather and other variables in check. Should the company you work with seem like they don’t want to work with you, this may be a sign that not all is well.
There are many more elements we could add to the checklist to ensure your working with a broker or operator that isn’t scamming you. Our ultimate, foolproof tip is to use Mira Vista Aviation. Mira Vista Aviation offers full transparency in what is available to our clients. Thanks to our well-versed sales team, we can cut out the middleman, so no broker is necessary, saving you further costs. Our fleet includes mid to long-range gets meaning we can provide a solution to an in-state, cross country, or international flight, nonstop.
Mira Vista Aviation is verified. Remember how we mentioned we invite third parties to test our skills? In 2020, Mira Vista Aviation became approved and awarded with the honor of the ISBAO (International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations) Stage III seal with the Mira Vista name now listed on the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) registry of IS-BAO registered operators. This means we’re kind of a big deal, read best of the best.
Save yourself time and keep your personal information safe, book with Mira Vista Aviation.