Tips For Avoiding Charter Scams

Whenever you put down a big payment for an air chartered flight
reservation, ask if it's protected against operator failure--by state or
federal law, or trade association. If no protection exists, consider buying
trip-cancellation insurance (for about 5% of your payment). Or have your
agent find an operator that offers adequate protection.
Another thing to watch out for when booking an air charter flight is scams.
Beware of charter flight companies that ask you to give out a credit card
number over the phone. A piece of information that scam artists know and you
should too is the sixty(60) day limit on disputing credit-card charges. This
means that if your charter flight operator says that you cannot leave for
the flight for at least two months, and that you have to pay upfront with a
credit card, do not proceed with the deal. However, paying by credit card
does allow the buyer to challenge the charge made within sixty days. This
can be an invaluable tool in preventing rip-offs.
Other red-flags indicative of airline scams is the company putting too much
immediate pressure on customers to choose on the spot to fly their
particular air charter. This is likely evidence of an undesirable trip or
company.
As is the case for most goods and services, prices that seem too good to be
true probably are. So-called package deals which offer free airfare but
expensive hotel arrangements should be given a through second-thought. The
total cost of travel packages should also be evaluated; this includes all
service charges, taxes, fees, and the conversion of foreign prices into U.S.
dollars when applicable.
Most charter flights are safe and a very convenient way to get to an
unusual destination. Most travelers who remain aware and use common sense
are able to easily navigate the waters of choosing the air charter that is
right for them.