Cost of charter flight vs ????

[Canuck223]

A question came to me today. While discussing our upcoming vacation plans, we were discussing the costs of driving two vans full of family down to Myrtle Beach from Toronto, vs flying down and renting vehicles.

I had to sit back and ask, how much more would it be to charter a plane, and might it actually be an option?

We have my 70 year old father driving one van, and his back can't take more than 10 hours of driving a day, so we burn two days in travel on both legs. Between the gas, road meals, and hotels, the drive isn't cheap. Flying Porter down plus renting two vehicles isn't super cheap, but also saves a full day each way.

Would a charter flight for 5 adults and 3 children be insane, or viable?

[all_ramped_up]

well that depends! are you thinking of chartering a Lear 45 or a Cessna 206? lol

[Canuck223]

well that depends! are you thinking of chartering a Lear 45 or a Cessna 206? lol

How about we split the difference and go with a Falcon 10 or Piaggio P-180 AVANTI.

[Cat Driver]

Actually I am pricing out two trips now for a company I do some part time work for.

The Falcon 10 is $2,500.00 per hour and will carry eight passengers....then of course there are the extras that get added on.

[Canuck223]

Actually I am pricing out two trips now for a company I do some part time work for.

The Falcon 10 is $2,500.00 per hour and will carry eight passengers....then of course there are the extras that get added on.

So of course I have to ask, how would a trip like I envision be billed? When the client will be a week before returning, is he billed for the flight time and fuel x4? (as in Toronto to Myrtle and return for the starting leg, then again for the return?)

[High and Behind]

So of course I have to ask, how would a trip like I envision be billed? When the client will be a week before returning, is he billed for the flight time and fuel x4? (as in Toronto to Myrtle and return for the starting leg, then again for the return?)

You bet. You'll pay for 4 legs and only ride on 2.

Unless you want to pay to hold the airplane down there. Then you'll pay for 2 legs, 4 rounds of golf 30 meals and 10 nights of accomadation. And maybe have to post bail for one of the pilots, you never know.

[ahramin]

700 miles

King Air 200 ~$5 / mile

4 legs

= $14 000

I'd say you would be much better off taking the airlines.

[Canuck223]

700 miles

King Air 200 ~$5 / mile

4 legs

= $14 000

I'd say you would be much better off taking the airlines.

I suspected as much, but I figured with this big a group, and the obvious advantages, it was worth asking.

[flyincanuck]

www.priceline.com. Use the negotiator.

Hotwire works too.

I use priceline to book hotels and car rentals all the time and get a steal. Use the "negotiator" (aka name your price). I start with 50% of what's being asked.

My PB was $13 car rental. Paid more in gas than for the rental!

I've had some outstanding hotel deals at 4/5-star resorts for 40-70/night.

[rigpiggy]

fly out of buffalo, you'll probably pay for rental car/hotel with the savings

[Canadian Skyhawk]

We operate a corporate Navajo Panther at $2.75/mile. You could probably find a Chieftain (8 passenger seats) at the same price. Not as fast as a King Air, but practically half the cost. So 700 miles X $2.75 X 4 = $7,700. For eight people, it may still be a better deal to go with the airlines, though you certainly won't get the personalized schedule and service. Good luck!

[wallypilot]

http://www.priceline.com. Use the negotiator.

Hotwire works too.

I use priceline to book hotels and car rentals all the time and get a steal. Use the "negotiator" (aka name your price). I start with 50% of what's being asked.

My PB was $13 car rental. Paid more in gas than for the rental!

I've had some outstanding hotel deals at 4/5-star resorts for 40-70/night.

There might be some good deals through the name your price, but I have been royally screwed over as well. Like, i name my price, get the receipt, prepay then show up and Priceline hasn't made the appropriate arrangements for me to get my car. 1 am with family in tow, i was pretty pissed when I had to pay full price (like the price no one ever pays) for my car because there were no others. Even though I'm sure this isn't very frequent, I'll never use priceline again....i wouldn't want to risk it.

To the original poster, I agree with one other post on here that flying out of Buffalo could save a bunch of $$$.

[Canuck223]

If I was going to fly to Myrtle on a commercial flight, I'd fly direct from Toronto Island Airport on Porter.

My brother in law is doing just that.

We're driving down on the Friday, and returning the following Saturday. He can't afford to be away from his business two weekends in a row, so he's flying down. The cost of the flight, including taxes is under $500.

[ArcticKat]

Here's a pretty comprehensive list of aircraft available for charter with costs per hour. I'd considered this as an option too, once upon a time.

http://www.globalplanesearch.com/view/all/AllBJCH.htm

Search carefully, this is a world wide listing.

[mad dog 80]

Check out Myrtle Beach Direct Air Goes directly from Niagara Falls to MYR and often has cheappie specials directair.com I think

Robbie I used to fly these flights for them

[flyincanuck]

@ wallypilot: tough luck!!!

I use priceline at least once a month for either a car or hotel and have never had an issue like that.

Sounds like you were caught up the creek. Guess the best they could do is "credit" your account...and that doesn't help when you're at your destination!