While prepared flights leave at regular intervals with tickets being bought up to the day of exit by the common public, a charter flight is generally scheduled far ahead as an element of a personal travel package.

Most charters are filled by tour firms, booking the charter flight as a part of a package deal which includes accommodation, rentals, and other activities for a complete holiday. These tour companies charter a plane for a particular day and route, and sell the seats themselves. On occasion companies, schools, or organisations will book a charter flight to get an improved rate from the airline. While during the past a charter flight could only be secured thru a tour company, lately charter airlines have opened up their ticket sales to the overall public. [Read more...]