A charter flight is a type of air travel that differs from scheduled flights in that it is privately arranged and typically organized for a specific group or organization. In other words, the aircraft is not operated by the airline on a regular route, but is rented by a tour operator, company, sports team, or individual passenger for a specific route and time.

- Flexible scheduling: Departure and arrival times can be adjusted according to the passenger’s needs

- Customized routes: Direct flights to destinations not served by regular scheduled airlines

- Less waiting: No long queues or layovers at the airport

- Ideal for group travel: Perfect for sports teams, business travelers, and VIP events

- Comfort and privacy: Cabin layout, catering, and services can be tailored to individual preferences

- Private holiday groups (such as international tours organized by travel agencies)

- Business trips and corporate events

- Emergency evacuations or medical flights

- VIP and government protocol transportation

- Weddings, concerts, sports events, and similar organizations

In short, charter flights offer freedom and flexibility. The flight is tailored to your needs, you don’t adapt to the aircraft, the aircraft adapts to you.

Timing is crucial when it comes to getting the best price for a charter flight ticket. Unlike scheduled flights, charter services are usually planned in advance by tour operators, so booking early offers a clear advantage. Here are the best timing strategies:

1. Early Booking Period

The ideal time is 2–3 months before the flight date.

Since tour companies rent aircraft in advance, early reservations often come with better prices.

Especially during peak seasons like summer holidays or national holidays, booking 4–6 months ahead can be highly beneficial.

2. Last-Minute Deals

If your travel plans are flexible, you might find discounted tickets 1–2 weeks before departure for seats that haven’t been filled.

However, this is risky — the flight may be fully booked or prices may increase.

3. Day-of-the-Week Strategy

The general rule applies to charter tickets too: prices tend to be lower on Sundays and Tuesdays.

Flights scheduled for weekday mornings are usually cheaper.

Important Notes:

Charter flight schedules may change, so it’s essential to check your departure time at least one day in advance.

Cancellation and change rights are often limited.

In charter (non-scheduled) flights, cancellations and changes are generally not permitted. These flights are organized using aircraft that have been pre-booked by tour operators or private companies, so the ticket conditions differ from those of regular scheduled flights.

Things to Know About Charter Flights:

- No cancellation rights: Even if you don’t board the flight, no refund is issued

- No changes allowed: Date, name, or route modifications are typically not accepted

- Reservation is binding: Once the ticket is purchased, you’re expected to fly

- Online check-in is often unavailable: Check-in is usually done at the airport counter

These rules are part of what makes charter flights more affordable. Instead of flexibility, they offer cost advantages.

Charter (tarifesiz) uçuşlarda bagaj hakları, tarifeli seferlere göre biraz daha farklılık gösterebilir çünkü bu uçuşlar genellikle tur operatörleri veya özel şirketler tarafından organize edilir. Ancak genel kurallar şu şekilde özetlenebilir:

Charter Uçuşlarda Bagaj Hakları

1. Kabin Bagajı (El Bagajı)

- Genellikle 5–8 kg arasıdır

- Boyut sınırı: Yaklaşık 55 x 40 x 20 cm

2. Kargo Bagajı (Valiz)

- Standart hak genellikle 15–20 kg arasıdır

- Bazı charter seferlerde bu sınır 10 kg olabilir, tur operatörüne bağlıdır

- 32 kg üzeri tek parça bagajlar kabul edilmez, en az ikiye bölünmelidir

- Fazla bagaj için ek ücret alınır, genellikle kilogram başına hesaplanır

Airline regulations for transporting pets are clearly defined to ensure both the safety of the animal and the comfort of other passengers. However, these rules may vary depending on the airline, whether the flight is international, and the regulations of the destination country. Below are the general guidelines you should know:

General Pet Transport Rules

1. In-Cabin Transport

- Only cats, dogs, and small songbirds (such as canaries or parakeets) are accepted

- The total weight including the carrier must not exceed 8 kg

- Carrier dimensions should generally not exceed 23 cm in height, 30 cm in width, and 40 cm in length

2. Transport in the Aircraft’s Cargo Hold

- Larger pets are transported in this section

- Carrier dimensions should not exceed 75 x 75 x 125 cm

- The total weight including the carrier must not exceed 50 kg

3. Documents and Vaccinations

- For international flights, a vaccination certificate, microchip, and veterinary health report are mandatory

- The pet must be at least 8 weeks old

4. Reservation and Fees

- A reservation for the pet must be made in advance

- The transport fee is usually calculated as an extra baggage charge and varies depending on flight distance

5. Restrictions and Exceptions

- Some airlines do not accept pets at all

- Transport in the cargo hold may be denied in extreme hot or cold weather conditions

- Aggressive or ill animals may not be accepted