How does booking a private jet work, step by step?

The process looks nothing like booking a scheduled flight – there is no fixed timetable, just an individual setup tailored to the route:

Submit a request

Provide route, date, number of passengers, luggage and any special requirements (pets, wheelchair access, a cold chain for medical equipment) – free and non-binding, via PrivatJet One.

Compare offers

Several charter operators from the PrivatJet One network submit offers with different aircraft, which are then compared by price, availability and cabin configuration.

Contract and booking confirmation

Once you choose an offer, a charter contract follows, covering flight time, price, payment terms and the operator’s details (Air Operator Certificate).

Preparation

Passport details and customs paperwork for international flights, catering preferences, luggage dimensions and – if needed – the limousine transfer are finalised.

Departure day

Arrival at the Fixed Base Operator (FBO) is usually 15–20 minutes before departure, with boarding directly at the aircraft – no classic security line to wait in.

That’s it.

PrivatJet One compares charter offers by jet class, route and price, making the otherwise opaque pricing of the business aviation market transparent.

Which aircraft types and jet classes are available?

Not every aircraft suits every route. Short distances and smaller airports call for different models than intercontinental flights:

A detailed breakdown of extra costs such as landing fees or de-icing can be found in our private jet rental experience report. Anyone wanting to compare individual models in detail can dig deeper on PrivatJet One.

What sets the classes apart?

Besides passenger count and range, three factors mainly decide which class fits a trip: cabin height (in turboprops and light jets you often have to stoop, from midsize upward you can stand upright), cruising speed (typically Mach 0.74 to 0.90), and equipment – ultra long range jets usually offer a sleeping cabin and sometimes a separate shower, which makes a real difference on a ten-hour nonstop flight.

How is the price made up: block hours and empty legs

Billing is based on block time – the time from closing the cabin door to opening it at the destination, not just the minutes actually in the air. Depending on the jet class, the hourly rate typically runs between about €2,000 and €10,000. On top of that come:

• Landing fees and handling: €800 to €2,500 per airport, sometimes considerably more at busy airports (for example during major trade fairs or sporting events).
• Positioning flight: If the aircraft is not already at the departure airport, the empty leg to get there is billed too – often at half the hourly rate.
• Crew overnight stay: On round trips with a stopover, hotel and meal costs for the crew are added.

Empty legs: cheap, but inflexible

An empty leg happens when a jet has to fly back to its home base without passengers after a charter, or needs to be repositioned for its next assignment. These legs can be booked at discounts of 50 to 75 percent compared to a regular charter price. The catch: the date, route and aircraft type are already fixed and can shift at short notice or fall through entirely – an attractive way to save money for flexible frequent flyers, but not ideal if you need to be at a fixed real estate appointment the next morning.

What charter services exist – private, business, medical and more

Charter flights aren’t just for leisure trips. Depending on the occasion, different aircraft and additional services come into play – a weekend trip for three needs a different setup than a medical repatriation with a doctor and nursing staff on board, or a delegation trip for ten people with its own security detail. Anyone looking for the right setup for their occasion will find in the table below which jet class is typical and what extra equipment or personnel can be booked alongside it:

For the medical segment, PrivatJet One offers more detail directly on privatejets.one, and the same applies to corporate travel, including how billing and tax treatment typically work.

How does the ground transfer work – limousine, driver and FBO

The comfort of chartering doesn’t end at the aircraft door. A good part of it happens on the ground:

1. FBO instead of terminal: Charter flights depart from and land at a Fixed Base Operator – a small, dedicated terminal away from scheduled traffic, with no long security or check-in lines.
2. Limousine service: A driver picks you up at home or at the office and drives directly onto the apron, right up to the aircraft – no changing between terminal and gate.
3. Handover at the destination: At the destination airport, another vehicle is usually already waiting, while the FBO ground staff take care of the luggage.
4. The last mile: For hard-to-reach destinations such as islands or ski resorts, a helicopter transfer sometimes covers the final leg.

Limousine service, FBO handling and, where needed, a helicopter connection can all be booked directly along with the request, so the result is one continuous door-to-door transfer instead of separately organised legs.

Who is this service for?

Real estate investors with nationwide appointments

Anyone who regularly views properties in several cities or buys real estate directly often saves an entire travel day with a charter flight – especially for appointments away from the major airport hubs. Investors reviewing properties as a capital investment across several regions at once can bundle multiple viewings into a single day, something scheduled flights can rarely match.

Business travellers

Short-notice meetings, several stops in one day, or destinations without good scheduled connections can be planned far more flexibly with a charter flight than with regular airline routes.

Group and delegation trips

For family offices, teams or larger groups, a Light Jet often already pays off from around four to six people – frequently costing about the same per head as a business-class ticket, without connections or waiting times.

Frequently asked questions about booking a private jet

Is the request with PrivatJet One free and non-binding?

Yes. The request via PrivatJet One is free of charge, you receive non-binding offers and only decide afterwards whether to book.

How quickly will I get an offer?

Depending on the route and availability, initial offers are usually ready within a few hours, and sometimes on the same day for short-notice requests.

Do I have to book a whole jet even if only two of us are travelling?

Yes, charter flights are billed per aircraft, not per seat. For smaller groups, a Very Light Jet is usually the better fit than a larger class.

What does an empty leg cost compared to a regular charter?

Empty legs typically cost 50 to 75 percent less, since the aircraft has to fly the route anyway. The trade-off is that the date and route are already fixed and can no longer be changed.

Is the limousine transfer included in the price?

The transfer to and from the aircraft can be added directly to the request and is billed separately – it isn’t automatically part of every offer, but it is standard with most operators in the network.

Anyone wanting to see live fleet availability can find the current overview on privatejets.one – or submit the request directly and easily right there.

The real “First Class”

No announcements. No fellow passengers on the phone. No crowds. Just me, two employees, a laptop and three hours of productive working time between three cities. That was the moment when I understood why so many successful entrepreneurs use private jets. It’s not about glamor. It’s about the workplace on board – whether for a real estate meeting in London or an investor meeting in New York.

What a charter flight in Germany really costs

Most people overestimate the cost of a private jet charter – or they underestimate it and are surprised at the bill. As is so often the case, the truth lies in the middle. What I can say from my own experience and research:

• Very Light Jet (2-3 people, short-haul up to 2 hours): from approx. €2,500-3,500 per flight – this corresponds to a business class ticket for three people
• Light Jet (4-6 people, intra-European routes): from approx. 5,000-9,000 € – ideal for teams of four to six people
• Midsize jet (6-8 people): from approx. €9,000-15,000 – more comfortable, more luggage, longer distances
• Heavy Jet (8-12 persons): from approx. 18,000 € for inner-European routes, from approx. 35,000 € for long-haul routes such as Dubai

Important: These prices apply to the entire jet, not per person. If you fly four people and split the price, the cost of a light jet is often similar to a business class ticket – with the difference that you arrive at your destination 90 minutes earlier and have no airport stress.

The exact route prices for all routes from German departure airports can be found in the private jet comparison on privatjet.one – the most transparent comparison portal in the German-speaking world.

The jet classes explained: what fits what

One of the most common mistakes when chartering for the first time: booking too much or too little jet. Here is my assessment from practical experience:

Very Light Jet: Perfect for single travelers or couples on short routes (less than 2 hours). Cramped cabin, little luggage, but inexpensive and flexible. Examples: Phenom 100, Eclipse 550.

Light Jet: The workhorse of the business charter. Enough space for four to six people, sufficient luggage, comfortable travel on inner-European routes. Examples: Phenom 300E, Citation CJ3+. I use this class most often.

Midsize Jet: When more comfort is required and the group is larger. Standing height in the cabin, separate luggage compartment, longer range. Examples: Citation XLS+, Bombardier Challenger 350.

Heavy Jet: For longer routes and larger groups. Dubai non-stop, New York non-stop – this is heavy jet territory. Cabins with sleeping facilities, kitchen, separate office area. Examples: Gulfstream G650ER, Bombardier Global 7500. I have written a detailed comparison of the major private jet brands separately.

When is a private jet worth it – my personal calculation

I make a simple calculation every time I make a booking decision. For me, time is money. If I plan a two-hour buffer on a scheduled flight, arrive at the airport an hour beforehand and the transfer on the other side takes 45 minutes – then a “cheap” scheduled flight actually costs me four to five hours of my working day.

A private jet flies at my time, lands at the small terminal, cab time ten minutes. Total time: two hours. The time difference is two to three hours – each way, so four to six hours on a return flight. If I honestly tell myself what these hours are worth to me, the charter is often the cheaper alternative.

This is especially true for real estate entrepreneurs, investors and the self-employed with busy schedules. Anyone who travels a lot knows that the airport costs time, and time costs money. The private jet gives time back.

Safety and quality: what I look out for

• AOC certification: The Air Operator Certificate is mandatory – no reputable broker will send a jet without a valid AOC. The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) provides guidance on standards and member companies.
• Transparent pricing: no hidden fees for catering, landing or night fees
• Jet age: Better to choose a jet that is less than 10 years old – newer models are quieter, more efficient and more comfortable
• Flexibility: What happens if the weather fails? Good broker = good alternative solution

Empty Legs: the insider tip for smart travelers

Those who are flexible can make considerable savings. Empty legs are return flights where the jet flies empty – because the client has only booked a one-way flight.

These flights are offered with a discount of up to 75%. The catch: the date, time and route are fixed.

If you still travel often and sometimes find a suitable empty leg, you will save considerably.

Private jet as a tool, not a status symbol

After several years of charter experience, my conclusion is clear: anyone who sees the private jet purely as a luxury symbol is thinking too short-sightedly. As a productivity tool – as an office in the air, as a time saver, as a source of flexibility – it is often the most economical decision for entrepreneurs with busy schedules. The calculation is more often correct than you might think. You just have to do it honestly.

What is the monthly fee — and why is it not a “miscellaneous item”?

The house fee is the monthly contribution that each property owner pays to the homeowners’ association (WEG). It covers all costs related to the common property — everything from the staircase and facade to the elevator. Unlike with a single-family home, the ETW owner does not pay these costs directly to suppliers or tradespeople, but as a monthly prepayment to the WEG management.

House fee as a second payment alongside the bank

Economically, the house fee is a second payment alongside bank financing. Someone planning a €1,500 loan payment will quickly pay an additional €280–360 per month for an 80 m² apartment — and for life, even after the loan is fully repaid.

• Mandatory contribution: legally binding according to the economic plan, decided in the owners’ meeting
• Prepayment: paid monthly, settled annually (supplement or credit balance)
• Composite amount: chargeable operating costs + non-chargeable management and reserve costs
• Cash flow relevant: significantly reduces the net rental yield, often by 0.5–1.2 percentage points
• Indicator: too low a maintenance fee is usually a warning sign — no bargain

Legal basis: WEG, WEMoG and economic plan

The amount is not arbitrarily determined, but set by the economic plan according to § 28 WEG and decided upon by majority vote at the owners’ meeting. With the WEG reform (WEMoG), the decision-making authority for structural changes has been simplified — a simple majority is now sufficient, which speeds up renovations, but also increases the risk of special levies. Anyone who refuses to pay risks late fees and, in extreme cases, the revocation of property ownership under § 17 WEG.

What the WEG reform specifically changes for investors

• Certified manager: owners are entitled to a certified manager — quality improvement, but also higher management costs
• Structural changes: a simple majority suffices (§ 20 WEG) — majority can enforce modernisations, costs are borne by those who benefit
• Online meeting: allowed since the reform — easier participation for investors with multiple properties
• Right to sue: now with the WEG, not anymore with individual owners — faster processes

What is included in the service charge?

The composition varies depending on the property — crucial factors are year of construction, equipment, and existing communal facilities. A property without an elevator has a completely different cost structure than a new build with underground garage and concierge.

What is not included in the housing fee

Misunderstanding: Several costs are not included in the housing fee, but are paid separately — and must be planned for separately in every cash flow calculation.

• Own electricity/gas: Direct contract with the energy provider
• Internet, phone, TV: except in case of shared cable contract
• Repairs in common property: everything within your own walls (flooring, interior doors, sanitary fixtures)
• Land tax: paid directly to the tax office
• Home contents insurance: for your own furnishings, it is private
• Financing costs: interest and repayment to your own bank — not part of the WEG

How high is the housing fee? Realistic ranges by property type

The often-cited rule of thumb “2.50–4.00 €/m²” is okay as an average, but too rough for investors. Anyone wanting to calculate realistically must differentiate by property type — luxury properties can cost twice as much.

Ranges by property type

In luxury properties, the service charge regularly eats up 1–1.5 percentage points of gross yield. Those who calculate with standard values systematically beautify the investment calculation.

Location effect: A-city vs. medium-sized city in direct comparison

Location also significantly drives the service charge. In A-cities, management and caretaker costs regularly exceed those in medium-sized cities by 20–35% — even with identical property quality.

Service Charge Increase Over Time

What many investors overlook: service charges continuously increase — typically 2–4% per year, even up to 5–8% during periods of high inflation. Drivers include especially energy, building insurance, and management fees. For a serious 10-year cash flow plan, this increase must be modeled in.

• Insurance: +5–10 % p. a. (natural disasters, higher reconstruction costs)
• Energy (general electricity, heating): highly variable, significantly increasing in the long term
• Property management fee: +3–5 % p. a. common since the WEG reform
• Building manager/cleaning: +3–4 % p. a. (wage development)

Monthly charges and return: The cash flow effect

For investors, the monthly charges are not an abstract item, but a direct return killer — as long as they are not transferable to the tenants. The truth: Approximately 30–40 % of the monthly charges remain with the owner, the rest can be passed on to the tenant. Anyone who wants to calculate the purchase price factor and seriously input it into the cash flow calculator must necessarily factor in this owner’s share.

Example calculation: 80-m² apartment as an investment

The following overview shows three typical scenarios — from the renovated existing property to the luxury property — and makes the return loss due to the non-transferable monthly charges visible.

Special charge killer: Return killer special charge – Stress scenario

What the standard calculation does not show: every 7–10 years, a special charge threatens in every WEG. Whoever has not planned for roof renovation, facade or new heating system loses an additional half return point in reality. The stress scenario for the renovated stock:

• Special charge for roof renovation: 12.000 € one-time after 8 years
• Converted to remaining term: corresponds to additional 1,500 €/year of equity commitment
• Effective return reduction: further −0.47 %p on the net return
• Consequence: from 3.60 % gross, realistically often 2.2–2.5 % net after tax

What the gross return hides

As described in the guide on calculating gross return, the gross return is only the starting point — only after deducting the non-recoverable portion of the service charge, the ongoing maintenance reserve, and financing costs does it become clear what really remains.

Maintenance reserve — the most sensitive part of the service charge

The reserve is legally required (§ 19 Abs. 2 No. 4 WEG) and is saved on a separate WEG account. The key point: it belongs to the WEG, not to the individual owner. When selling, you receive nothing in return — the buyer takes over proportionally.

How much reserve is sensible?

The necessary reserve amount depends directly

Exemptions for inheritance tax 2026

Important: The tax-free allowances apply per person and can be used again every 10 years (gift during lifetime!).

Inheritance tax rates 2026 by value and tax class

Calculation example: Single-family house in Munich (800,000 €)

A child inherits a house worth 800,000 €:

• Tax-free allowance: 400,000 €
• Taxable inheritance: 400,000 €
• Tax rate (tax class I, 300,001–600,000 €): 15 %
• Inheritance tax: 60,000 €

Would a non-relatives person inherit the same house:

• Exemption: 20,000 €
• Taxable acquisition: 780,000 €
• Tax rate (tax class III): 30 %
• Inheritance tax: 234,000 €

Family Home: When is the real estate tax-free?

The self-occupied family home can be completely exempt from inheritance tax – but only if all three conditions are met:

1. The deceased lived in the property until death
2. The heir is spouse or child
3. The heir moves in and occupies the property for at least 10 years

Warning: For children, additionally applies: The living area must not exceed 200 m². For larger properties, the portion exceeding 200 m² is taxed proportionally.

5 Strategies for Minimizing Inheritance Tax on Real Estate

1. Gifts during lifetime: Exemptions can be used again every 10 years. With early planning: Child receives 400,000 € tax-free every 10 years – over 20–30 years, this way the entire real estate value can be transferred.
2. Right of use reserved: Parents transfer the real estate to their child, but retain the right of use (right to live in the property + rental income). The value of the right of use significantly reduces the taxable acquisition.
3. Register right of residence: Similar to the right of use, but only the right to live in the property without rental income. Reduces the gift value, hence less tax.
4. Limited liability company or GmbH & Co. KG: Real estate in corporate structures can use tax exemptions of 85–100% under certain conditions (business assets).
5. Partial sale before inheritance: If there are multiple heirs, part of the real estate can be sold and the proceeds distributed – reduces the overall tax burden.

Common questions about inheritance tax on real estate

Muss ich eine geerbte Immobilie sofort verkaufen, um die Erbschaftssteuer zu zahlen?
Nein. Das Finanzamt kann auf Antrag die Erbschaftssteuer bis zu 10 Jahre stunden, wenn die Steuer nur durch den Verkauf der Immobilie beglichen werden könnte und der Erbe die Immobilie selbst bewohnt.

Welchen Wert setzt das Finanzamt für eine Immobilie an?
Das Finanzamt berechnet den Grundbesitzwert nach dem Bewertungsgesetz (BewG). Seit 2023 werden dabei Bodenrichtwerte und Liegenschaftszinssätze stärker berücksichtigt – was die steuerlichen Werte deutlich nach oben getrieben hat und in vielen Fällen höher liegt als der tatsächliche Verkehrswert.

Kann ich ein geerbtes Haus steuerfrei verkaufen?
Ja, wenn der Erblasser die Immobilie seit mehr als 10 Jahren besessen hat (Spekulationsfrist), oder wenn der Erblasser – oder Sie als Erbe – die Immobilie in den letzten 3 Jahren selbst bewohnt haben. Die Erbschaftssteuer ist dabei unabhängig von der Einkommensteuer beim Verkauf zu betrachten.

Wie hoch ist die Erbschaftssteuer bei einem Haus im Wert von 1 Million Euro?
Erbt ein Kind (Steuerklasse I, Freibetrag 400.000 €): steuerpflichtiger Erwerb 600.000 €, Steuersatz 15 bis 19%, Steuer ca. 90.000–114.000 €. Erbt ein Geschwisterkind (Steuerklasse II, Freibetrag 20.000 €): steuerpflichtiger Erwerb 980.000 €, Steuersatz 30%, Steuer ca. 294.000 €.

How will real estate prices develop in 2026?

After two years of correction, German real estate prices are showing a moderate recovery. The forecasts for 2026:

Source: CBRE Germany Real Estate Outlook 2026, IVD, Empirica. As of April 2026.

Current Construction Interest Rates in 2026: How Much Does a Real Estate Loan Cost?

Construction interest rates have significantly decreased in 2025/2026 – from over 4% (2023) to currently 3.2–3.8% for a 10-year interest rate lock. This corresponds to a monthly relief of approximately €200–300 for a loan of €400,000.

Example: 2% amortization, €300,000 net loan amount. Individual offers may vary.

Buying vs. Renting in 2026: When is Buying Worthwhile?

The decision to buy or rent depends on three factors:

• Equity: At least 20% of the purchase price plus ancillary costs (approx. 10–12%) should come from equity. If you buy for €500,000: at least €150,000 equity needed.
• Hold period: Buying becomes worthwhile from about 10 years of holding period (speculation tax is waived, break-even compared to rent is reached).
• Price factor: Below a factor of 25x = buying is clearly better. Above a factor of 35x = rental yield is too low, renting can be cheaper.

When is 2026 the best time to buy?

Market observers recommend for 2026:

• Buy if an interest rate lock of at least 15 years can be secured
• A-cities (Munich, Berlin, Hamburg): Prices are rising again – the earlier the better
• B-cities (Leipzig, Dresden, Nuremberg): Strongest returns, still good prices
• Waiting for the “perfect” price is expensive: Every 0.2% interest rate increase costs more than 5% price drop over 10 years

What changes in 2026 regarding real estate purchases?

• Energy efficiency: Buildings with energy classes F, G, H must be renovated to at least E by 2030 – price discounts for inefficient properties are increasing
• Land transfer tax: Several federal states are planning increases; in Bavaria, Saxony, Hamburg still 3.5–4.5%
• Subsidy programs: KfW 296 (Climate-friendly new construction), BAFA (Heating), BEG programs – especially attractive for owner-occupiers

Frequently Asked Questions About Real Estate Purchases in 2026

Werden die Immobilienpreise 2026 weiter steigen?
In A-Städten (München, Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt) ist mit Preissteigerungen von 2–5% zu rechnen. Treiber: sinkende Zinsen, strukturelles Unterangebot (Neubau weit unter Bedarf), stabiler Arbeitsmarkt. B-Städte wie Leipzig und Dresden zeigen noch stärkere Zuwächse.

Wie viel Eigenkapital brauche ich 2026?
Als Faustregel: mindestens 20–25% des Kaufpreises als Eigenkapital. Bei einem 500.000-€-Objekt bedeutet das 100.000–125.000 € Eigenkapital – plus Kaufnebenkosten von ca. 50.000–60.000 € (Notar, Grunderwerbsteuer, Makler). Gesamt: mindestens 150.000–185.000 € liquide Mittel.

Was sind die Kaufnebenkosten beim Immobilienkauf 2026?
Kaufnebenkosten liegen je nach Bundesland bei 9–12% des Kaufpreises: Grunderwerbsteuer 3,5–6,5% (je nach Land), Notar ca. 1,5–2%, Grundbuch ca. 0,5%, Makler 0–3,57% (Käuferanteil bei Bestandsimmobilien).

Lohnt sich Kaufen trotz hoher Zinsen?
Bei 3,2–3,8% Zinsen (2026) ist Kaufen für langfristige Eigennutzer und Kapitalanleger in guten Lagen attraktiv. Die Zinsen sind deutlich unter dem Höchststand 2023 (4,2%), und die Preise haben sich von ihrem Peak 2022 erholt, ohne wieder die Höchststände zu erreichen.