Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the advantages to chartering as opposed to flying with the commercial airlines?
- What kind of airplane can I charter through American Winds?
- Is the cost of my flight predicated on the number of passengers in my group?
- Which destinations can I travel to on an American Winds chartered airplane?
- Can I fly into major airports?
- Can I change my schedule or itinerary once the trip has begun?
- What documentation do I need to fly on a private charter aircraft?
- Are pets/service animals allowed on an air charter flight?
- How much luggage can I bring aboard a private charter?
- How far in advance do I need to make a reservation to rent an aircraft?
- Where do I need to go to board my private charter plane?
- How far ahead of my departure time should I plan on arriving at the airport?
- Is ground transportation included in the price of my private charter?
- Can American Winds provide catering or other special services?
- Are there trip cancellation fees?
- How do I pay for my charter flight?
What are the advantages to chartering as opposed to flying with the commercial airlines?
With a private air charter, you can eliminate the time you spend waiting for airport check-in, security, connecting flights and baggage claim. You can increase your productivity by conducting business en route without interruptions or distractions. Flying nonstop between your destinations minimizes time away from your home or office and eliminates additional travel expenses. You control your arrival and departure times. If your schedule changes, you won’t have the fees or hassles often associated with commercial carriers. Because we specialize in light aircraft, American Winds can fly into thousands of airports, many of which are not served by commercial airlines or cannot accommodate larger aircraft. We make your comfort and security a priority. American Winds maintains control over the quality of its fleet, pilot training, operational standards and passenger/baggage manifests.
What kind of airplane can I charter through American Winds?
We feature the Piper Seneca II, a twin-engine turboprop that is 60% more cost-effective than other type of charter aircraft.
The Seneca features:
• Comfortable 5-passenger seating
• Modern avionics
• Travel speed of 195 mph
• Quality maintenance by on-site mechanics
If you require another type of aircraft, we can work to make other arrangements for you.
Is the cost of my flight predicated on the number of passengers in my group?
No. With American Winds, you fly at one flat rate per hour + a daily rate for the pilot, no matter how many people fly with you. The more passengers, the less expensive the cost is for you. Our Piper Seneca II provides comfortable seating for up to 5 passengers.
Which destinations can I travel to on an American Winds chartered airplane?
We can to fly you to more than 5,000 airports as opposed to just over 500 available through commercial airlines. Chances are there is a private charter flight airport much closer to your actual destination than the airport required for commercial aviation
Can I fly into major airports?
Yes, if the airport has a fixed-based operator (FBO). The FBO is a commercial business on airport property
that, among other things, serves as the private aircraft terminal for an airport.
Due to heavy air traffic, arriving/departing from a major airport may increase your travel time which will add
to your flight cost. By arriving/departing from a smaller airport serving private aviation, you avoid the crowds
and congestion of major airports. You’ll arrive faster and often closer to your destination. We can provide
airport options when you request a charter flight to help find the most economical solution possible.
Can I change my schedule or itinerary once the trip has begun?
Yes. Just contact us immediately so we can make the necessary adjustments to your flight schedule.
What documentation do I need to fly on a private charter aircraft?
The same forms of ID will be required – check here for the list of acceptable forms of ID.
Are pets/service animals allowed on an air charter flight?
We do allow pets/service animals. We ask that any pets be well behaved and travel in an airline-approved
pet carrier.
How much luggage can I bring aboard a private charter?
To meet aircraft weight and balance limits, the number of passengers flying must be considered when
determining exactly how much baggage you may bring. Our charter service will assess your baggage
requirements at the time of booking. Please be sure to let us know in advance if you are bringing any
unusually large items such as skis or golf clubs.
There are restrictions on the items you are permitted to have on aircraft – click here for the list. Passengers
are not permitted to fly with the Samsung Galaxy 7s Note, per FAA regulations issued in Aug. 2016. In
addition, smoking is not permitted on our private charter flights.
How far in advance do I need to make a reservation to rent an aircraft?
We are available 24/7/365. Our private charter can depart with as little as 1-2 hour’s notice. As a rule, it is a
good idea to begin planning your flight at least one week in advance.
Where do I need to go to board my private charter plane?
American Winds operates out of Akron Fulton Int’l. Airport (KAKR), 1600 Triplett Blvd., Suite 400 in Akron,
Ohio. Our staff will be available to greet you, introduce you to your charter pilot and assist you with baggage
and boarding the plane.
How far ahead of my departure time should I plan on arriving at the airport?
We can be ready to leave within 1-2 hours of notification. Plan on arriving at the airport about 20-30 minutes
ahead of time.
Is ground transportation included in the price of my private charter?
At the time of you book your charter, please let us know if you require transportation from the airport to your hotel or any other venue. Let us know your vehicle preference – tax, limo or rental car. NOTE: There is a nominal service fee in addition to the cost of ground transportation, catering, hotel accommodations and special requests.
Can American Winds provide catering or other special services?
Breakfast, lunch, dinner or snacks – let us know your dietary needs or special requests for your flight.
American Winds Air Charter would like to make your flight experience as enjoyable as possible. We can
provide your favorite newspapers, magazines, blankets or travel pillows.
If you or one of your fellow passengers need special accommodations due to a medical condition, let us
know at the time of booking. We will work our hardest to accommodate your needs and ensure you have a
comfortable flight.
Need help finding accommodations in your destination area? Let us know how we may be of assistance.
NOTE: There is a nominal service fee in addition to the cost of catering services, hotel accommodations and
special requests.
Are there trip cancellation fees?
Yes. All charter flights require a 50% deposit. Details on American Winds the terms and conditions of
cancelling a charter flight will be in found in your charter flight contract.
How do I pay for my charter flight?
All charter trips with American Winds require prepayment via a wire transfer preferably 48 hours prior to
departure, unless otherwise stipulated in your charter flight contract. Under special circumstances, we may
accept a major credit card; additional service fees may apply.