Can anyone become a member?
No. Members must be referred by other members and may be required to be approved through the application process. Anyone wishing to become a member without a member referral must be approved through the application process.

How much does it cost to become a member?
It costs $1000 to become a member ($150 non refundable application fee and an $850 initiation fee).

Does Flight Maker sell it's membership list to other companies?
Absolutely not. We will not share or sell our list of members to any company for any purpose. Any communication with our members will be through our tightly controlled communication network.

Are there any monthly or annual dues to be a member of Flight Maker?
No. Currently there are no monthly or annual dues.

What cities does Flight Maker serve?
We serve over 85 cities and destinations in the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean. If you have a destination that you travel to frequently, and it's not on the list, please send an email to operations@flightmaker.com. If we have other requests for the same destination, we'll consider adding your suggested destination to our list of cities.

How far in advance should I post my plans?
We suggest you post your plans when you decide to take a trip. The more time you give the matching process to occur, the better chance you have for success. There is no restriction on how far in advance of your travel date you post your plan.

What can I do to increase my chances of getting a match?
The more flexible your itinerary, the better your chances of a match. You can best increase your chances of getting a match by having flexibility in your travel date. Also, being flexible in terms of preferred airports and preferred time of departure is helpful.

How long does it take to get a match?
There is no standard length of time. Obviously, the more popular routes will have the most activity and matching. When posting a new plan or joining an active plan, you will be able to set a date (called the "confirmation date") that is your deadline for having a confirmed flight.

Can I schedule a round trip?
You can create a round trip by having two active plans, one for your outbound flight and the other for your return flight. Because the two flights are independent events, Flight Maker doesn't link the two flights. If you have a quick trip of one or two days, where it makes sense for the airplane to stay with you, Flight Maker can provide you with attractive quotes. If you want other members to join you on either leg to offset your cost, Flight Maker can do that also.

Will others see my name when I'm posting a new plan or joining an active plan?
No. The activity on our website is totally anonymous to all users.

If I'm traveling alone, can I still post my plans or join other active plans?
Yes. Our system is designed for small groups of travelers, including parties of 1. We encourage all of our members, regardless of the number in their party, to first search for current plans to join. If no current active plans fit your itinerary, then you can "Post a New Plan" for others to join, even if you're traveling alone.

How will I know when other members have joined my posted flight plan?
Our sophisticated system monitors everything and sends you an automatic email alert when other members join your posted flight plan.

When I post my travel plans or join an active plan am I committed to those plans?
No. You are not committed to your plans until a full match occurs, the flight itinerary and actual cost are to the satisfaction of all participating travel parties, and all parties have paid. You may cancel your plans at anytime prior to the flight being "confirmed".

What if two matching parties have different Preferred Airports selected?
Flight Maker has designed our cities and airports in a way that all the available airports for each city will be relatively convenient for all passengers. It is rare to have matching parties going to the same city with each party insisting on different airports. However, if this happens, Flight Maker will separate the plans into individual non matching plans.

Will I know the names of the other people I'm flying with prior to departure?
No. Flight Maker coordinates all the details of the flight and maintains the privacy of all participants.

Can I be bumped from an active plan?
Yes, but only during the matching process. The Flight Maker software is designed to create "Full Matches" (where 100% of the cost is covered) as quickly as possible. You can only be bumped from an active plan if another party joins other parties in your active plan, resulting in a "Full Match". Once your flight is confirmed, you cannot be bumped for any reason.

What if I don't want to receive email travel alerts?
Simply don't select any preferred destinations, events, or activities in your personal profile.

At what point am I absolutely confirmed and committed to the flight?
You are confirmed and committed once a full match occurs, the flight details and the actual costs are finalized by Flight Maker, and all parties agree to the details and pay for their portion of the flight.

How do I pay for my share of the flight?
After a match occurs, and the flight itinerary and the actual cost are finalized and acceptable to all parties, you will pay Flight Maker for your portion of the flight. Payment is by credit card only. After payment by all parties, the flight then becomes "confirmed".

Is the cost always equal to the cost of first class commercial airfare?
No, not always. Our goal is to create private jet travel opportunities at a cost comparable to first class commercial airfare. Sometimes the cost is less than first class, other times it may be more. A lot depends on how many people you want on the plane, the pricing plan you choose, and the competitive nature of the commercial service serving the route.

What are the fees Flight Maker charges for matching members and selling empty legs?
Flight Maker charges a fee of 12.5% of the total charter cost for matching members, arranging the flight details, and handling credit card transactions. For example, if the total cost to charter a plane is $6,000, and Flight Maker has arranged for three couples to take the flight, each couple would pay $2,250. The fee for selling an empty leg is 10% of the total revenue generated, provided Flight Maker originates the primary flight. If Flight Maker does not originate the primary flight, then Flight Maker charges a fee of 20% of the generated revenue.

Will all the flights be non stop?
Some aircraft may have to stop for refueling, depending on the distance of the flight and headwinds. We strongly urge our members to choose an aircraft type that can complete the trip without refueling. When checking on pricing, our system will highlight the aircraft type that may have to stop for refueling. Very often an aircraft can make a trip west to east non stop, but going east to west between the same two cities, has to stop for refueling due to head winds.

Do all aircraft have enclosed lavatories?
No. Some light jets do not have enclosed lavatories. All mid size and heavy jets we use will have enclosed lavatories. If your flight is on a Light Jet and you require an enclosed lavatory, please check with us before confirming your flight.

Will there be a flight attendant on board?
The light jets and mid size jets will not have a flight attendant. Most heavy jets will have a flight attendant. If there is no flight attendant with a specific heavy jet, we will make sure you are aware of this before you commit to a confirmed flight.

What about on board catering?
Our standard catering is fruit plates, snacks, and soft drinks. For coast to coast flights and flights on heavy jets, there may be additional catering if requested by all travel parties.

What type of beverages (non alcoholic and alcoholic) will be on board?
All flights will have soft drinks and bottled water on board. Flight Maker discourages consumption of alcoholic beverages on board flights where there are joining travel parties.

What if I want to bring my own food on board?
You may bring light snacks on board. Any foods, which create strong food odors that would be noticeable to the other passengers, are not allowed.

How many passengers fly on a plane?
We restrict the number of passengers on a plane. You will very often see that "Maximum Passengers" is less than "Aircraft Seats". Comfort of all passengers is important to us. Therefore, we set the "Maximum Passengers" allowed at less than the seats on the aircraft. You may want to further reduce the "Maximum Passengers" allowed on your plane. For example, you and your spouse may only want to share a light jet with another couple (or two other people). When posting your new plan, you will have the ability to reduce the number of "Maximum Passengers" from 6 to 4. Obviously, when you reduce the number of "Maximum Passengers", you will be required to pay a larger fraction of the overall cost.

What happens if I'm late?
The plane will leave at the scheduled departure time and you will forfeit all money you've paid to Flight Maker for that particular flight. We strongly recommend you arrive at the airport 30 minutes before departure time. If all the travel parties arrive before the scheduled departure time, the pilot may board all passengers for an early departure. Our policy is to not hold a plane past the scheduled departure time for any reason. It is unfair and inconvenient for those who are on time to have to wait for others.

Are children allowed to travel?
You have your choice. When posting a new plan, you will have the choice of selecting "Children On Board", "No Children Allowed", or "No children in our party but OK for other parties with children to join". When joining active plans, the system will let you know if children are allowed. We define a child as 10 years of age or younger.

Can I invite my friends to travel with me?
Yes, provided you are on the flight with them. Immediate family and friends may be a part of your travel party. However, please keep in mind, you are responsible for the actions and behavior of your travel guests. All passengers must abide by the same travel guidelines required of members.

Can I travel with my pet or an animal?
Pets may be allowed provided Flight Maker is notified of a pet before the flight is confirmed, and provided Flight Maker receives approval from the charter operator and the other Flight Maker members on the flight.

Can I smoke on board?
No. All Flight Maker charters are non smoking flights.

How much luggage am I allowed to take with me?
Each aircraft has a limited amount of luggage space. You will be limited in volume and weight by your pro rata share of the cost of the flight. For example, if you are paying for one third of the flight and the aircraft has luggage space of 75 cubic feet, you will be limited to 25 cubic feet of luggage.

What happens if I show up with too much luggage?
The pilot makes the final decision on your luggage. If it is determined you have exceeded your luggage allocation, the Fixed Base Operator will ship the excess luggage to your destination via an overnight shipper at your expense. We recommend that you send to your destination, in advance, any large pieces of luggage, such as golf bags or skis. This is relatively inexpensive, makes traveling much easier, and avoids hassles when boarding the aircraft. Check with your Flight Maker customer representative for shipping rates.

Can I use my computer on board?
Yes, provided you check with the pilots before boarding. They will give you guidance on when it is safe to use electronic devices during the flight.

What if I want to bring my own music?
No problem, provided you have personal headphones that prevent other passengers from hearing the audio. Also, you must check with the pilots for instructions on when it is safe to operate the electronic device during the flight.

How will I know where to go when I arrive at the departure airport?
Flight Maker will supply you with directions and information well in advance of the departure date.

Will I be able to park my car at the departure airport?
In most cases the answer is "yes". However, this is not always the case. Your Flight Maker customer representative will have that information available when confirming the flight. If parking is not available, we will provide contact information for ground transportation service to and from the airport.

How will the flight crew identify me and my travel guests?
All members of your travel party, 18 years of age and older, are required to present a government issued photo ID, such as a drivers license or passport. In advance of the trip, Flight Maker will supply the charter operator with a passenger manifest. The charter operator is required to run a check of this list against a federal screening list to confirm that all passengers are allowed on the plane. Prior to boarding, the pilots will check all names against the passenger manifest. For security reasons, anyone not on the passenger manifest will not be allowed to board the plane.

What about ground transportation?
Flight Maker works with several national and local ground transportation/limousine services to provide ground transportation at your destination. Let us know in advance, and we'll take care of scheduling this service. All ground transportation costs are the responsibility of the individual travel members and require credit card payment. Most destinations, but not all, have rental car service available. Please check with us in advance to determine the availability.

What's the procedure for being picked up at my destination?
You will provide to the party picking you up, the name of the FBO (fixed base operator), the charter operator name, and the aircraft tail number. They will then identify themselves at the airport by presenting the charter operator name and tail number to the FBO personnel. The FBO controls access to arriving aircraft. In some cases, the party picking you up will be allowed to bring their vehicle right up to your aircraft. Different airports have different policies and procedures.

Can I call the charter operator to make changes to the flight details or schedule?
No. Flight Maker coordinates and schedules everything.

What happens if our flight is diverted for any reason? Who pays for accommodations, additional transportation, etc.?
It is very rare, but occasionally flights do get diverted to alternate destinations. If the flight is diverted due to mechanical problems, the operator will arrange and pay for alternative flight or transportation costs. If the flight is diverted due to factors out of the operator's control, such as weather, the operator will divert to the nearest available airport. If, in the pilot's determination, there is little probability that the flight can reach the final destination, the flight will terminate at the alternate airport. All passengers will be responsible for their own accommodations and transportation to their final destination.

What happens if the flight is delayed or canceled due to weather problems?
Safety is our primary concern. Therefore, the charter operator and pilots will determine if a flight is diverted, delayed, or canceled due to weather. If the plane is diverted to an alternate airport due to weather, the pilot will determine if it is possible to wait for the weather to clear and resume the flight. It's possible the weather may not clear. In which case, the flight will terminate at the alternate airport. If the flight terminates at the alternate airport, Flight Maker will arrange for alternative transportation to the destination airport at the expense of the passengers. If any delay results in additional charges by the operator, the passengers will be billed for their pro rata share of the additional expenses. If the flight is canceled prior to departure due to weather, all members will be refunded their money. The flight may be rescheduled, provided all members wanting to reschedule collectively agree to pay 100% of the cost. Typically, weather related problems mostly occur in mountainous terrain destinations.

What happens if the flight is grounded due to mechanical problems?
Safety is our primary concern. If a flight is grounded due to mechanical problems, one of two things will happen. If it is determined that the plane can be properly repaired within a reasonable time frame, such as 2-3 hours, the flight will be delayed until the repairs are made. If it is determined that the repairs will require more than 3 hours, a similar aircraft type will be substituted, either by the same operator or from another qualified operator.

What is a "contingent empty leg"?
An "empty leg" is when an airplane is flying empty on its way to pick up passengers or after dropping off passengers. If the passengers being picked up or dropped off cancel their plans, the entire charter flight is canceled, including the "empty leg". The "empty leg" is "contingent" upon the plans of others.

What is a "definite empty leg"?
An "empty leg" is when an airplane is flying empty on its way to pick up passengers or after dropping off passengers. If the passengers being picked up or dropped off cancel their plans, the charter flight is canceled and there is no "empty leg". The "empty leg" is "contingent" upon the plans of others. However, Flight Maker will offer "Definite Empty Legs". "Definite Empty Legs" offer the attractive pricing of "Empty Legs" but are not contingent. With "Definite Empty Legs", once a match occurs, all matching parties have a scheduled flight that is not subject to cancellation.

Can I post an empty leg for sale on Flight Maker for a charter that I've booked outside of Flight Maker?
Yes. However, the charter operator you are using must be one of our approved operators. If you want to find out if the charter operator you're using is one of our approved operators, you may call us at 800.460.1628.

What happens if I need to cancel?
If you want the option to cancel, Flight Maker offers cancellation insurance which you may purchase at the time of flight confirmation. This allows you to cancel anytime up to 24 hours before departure and receive a refund of 75% of your flight cost. If you have not purchased cancellation insurance and you cancel, you will forfeit the entire cost of the flight. Flight Maker will repost your flight to allow other members to take your place and reimburse you for any generated revenue from the sale of your flight.

If I have to cancel, will Flight Maker repost the flight so I can get my money back?
Yes. If you have to cancel, Flight Maker will immediately repost the plan as "Active Confirmed" so other members may purchase your position, enabling you to possibly recover your cost. However, there is no guarantee that other members would want to purchase your position.

What happens if one of the joining travel parties cancels after the flight is "confirmed"?
This won't affect you. Your flight is confirmed and will depart according to schedule. Your portion of the cost will not increase.

What about safety? Who are the operators providing the air charter service?
Flight Maker uses a select group of charter operators nationwide. Safety and reliable service are very important to us.

How many pilots will be flying the plane?
FAA regulations require two qualified pilots.

Does Flight Maker hire the lowest bidder to provide the charter service?
Not necessarily. Flight Maker uses a select group of charter operators that meet our strict requirements of third party operation and safety audits, minimum insurance coverage, and pilot training. From this group of qualified operators we select the best pricing. Typically the best pricing for a specific flight is the result of an operator having a well positioned aircraft. If an operator does not meet our standards we will not use them, regardless of how attractive their pricing.

Will I know the name of the operator providing the charter service for my flight?
Yes. Once a flight is confirmed, you will receive an email providing you with that information. You will also be able to view the operator's website. For security reasons, only the members participating in your flight will have access to the operator's name and the aircraft tail number.

Will I be able to view an image of the actual aircraft I'll be flying in?
Yes. On the Flight Maker website you will be able to view images of representative aircraft, but not the actual aircraft. Once a flight is confirmed, you will be able to go to the operator's website and view an image of the actual aircraft.

How big are the planes?
There are three "Types" of aircraft: Light Jets, Mid-Size Jets, and Heavy Jets. Within each of the three categories there are several aircraft models, such as Lear 35, Hawker 800, and Gulfstream III.

What is an FBO?
FBO stands for Fixed Base Operator. FBOs typically provide fuel and services for charter operators, including passenger and pilot lounges, and overall ground support. They also control access to the individual arriving and departing aircraft. Very often the point of departure will be at an FBO that is different from the operating base of the charter operator providing the service.

Will Flight Maker entirely replace my need to use commercial air service?
No. Our goal is to provide you with attractive private jet travel options. We recognize that there will be times that flying commercially is a necessity. However, we strive to make commercial air travel less of a necessity.