Understanding Peak Charter Seasons: When & Where Demand Spikes

When it comes to planning private charter travel, when you fly can be just as important as where you’re going. During peak charter seasons, travelers can face higher prices, limited availability, and logistical challenges — unless they plan smart.

In the following Q&A with Justin Hunt, Manager of Charter Sales at Pentastar Aviation, we break down when and where demand spikes, how pricing works, and what clients can do to stay ahead of the curve.

Q: What are the key peak seasons for private charter travel, and what drives demand during these times?

Justin Hunt: Peak seasons tend to align with major leisure travel windows — especially during cold-weather holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, as well as spring break and Presidents’ Day weekend. Everyone wants to fly on the same few days, which drives up cost.

Q: Which destinations see the highest spike in charter requests during peak seasons (e.g., winter holidays, summer getaways, major events)?

Hunt: In the winter, ski destinations like Aspen, Vail, and Jackson Hole are popular, while warmer locations such as South Florida and the Caribbean also see high demand. In the summer, Europe becomes a hot spot.

We also see short-term demand spikes tied to major events like the Super Bowl, Formula One races, or the Kentucky Derby. One thing to keep in mind: FBOs often charge “special event” fees for these unique events, which are separate from the aircraft cost and passed on to the client. These fees have increased in recent years — in some cases reaching $15,000 to $20,000 — just for event-related ground handling.

Q: How far in advance should clients book charters during these high-demand periods to ensure availability and preferred scheduling?

Hunt: The more notice clients can give, the better. That said, many operators won’t release quotes too far in advance — typically not until 60 to 90 days before the trip. These windows depend on aircraft owners’ schedules and can shift based on things like fuel prices or special event activity. Our role is to monitor availability and act quickly on our client’s behalf when that window opens.

Q: What factors influence pricing during peak charter seasons, and how can travelers plan around them?

Hunt: Supply and demand are the biggest drivers, but aircraft location and trip duration also play a role. Leisure trips often involve longer stays, which means the aircraft sits idle — adding costs for crew, hotels, parking, or possibly reposition fees.

One helpful strategy is to travel against the flow, if possible. If everyone is heading south and you’re going north, that can work in your favor pricing-wise.

Q: How does Pentastar prepare operationally to handle increased charter volume during these periods?

Hunt: We’re structured for high volume year-round. Every client is assigned a charter representative who’s available as needed, with a 24/7 Operational Control Center supporting every charter trip. Unlike smaller companies, we don’t rely on seasonal ramp-ups. Every request is treated with urgency, no matter the time of year. That’s a key part of the Pentastar difference.

Q: What travel tips would you give to first-time charter clients looking to book during peak times?

Hunt: Dates like December 26 and January 2 are especially difficult and expensive. Flexibility — even by a day or two — can open-up better aircraft options and pricing.

Q: How can clients work with Pentastar’s team to create more flexible or cost-effective travel plans during high-demand months?

Hunt: Don’t hesitate to ask questions, especially if private aviation is new to you. We don’t operate like commercial airlines, and there’s no such thing as too much information. Sharing your full itinerary, passenger count, pets, luggage and preferences helps us deliver the best possible experience for your needs and budget.

Ready to Plan Your Next Trip?
Whether you’re navigating a peak travel season or planning a last-minute getaway, Pentastar is here to make your journey seamless, personalized, and stress-free. Our team is always ready to help you find the right aircraft, the right schedule, and the right solution for your unique needs.

Explore our charter services to get started.