Alta Flights FAQs
Q. What does the price of the charter include?
A. The price of the air charter is calculated by the total of the following charges:
Depending upon your destination, your anticipated length of stay, and the number of passengers traveling, air charter can be more cost effective when compared to commercial airlines. Whether it is 5 to 7 passengers traveling for a daytime meeting or 16 to 18 passengers traveling for an overnight golf excursion or wine tour, air charter rates are typically equal to or less than last minute airline fares. For business or pleasure, no other form of air transportation gets you where you want to go faster, safer or more hassle-free.Flight Charge per Statute Mile
Fuel Surcharge per Statute Mile
Hourly or Daily Standby Charge
Crew Expenses (hourly rate, hotel accommodation, ground transportation, etc.)
Nav Canada Fees
Landing Fees
Applicable Air Travelers Security Charge, Airport taxes (charged per person)
Applicable Airport taxes (charged per aircraft)
Applicable ramp fees, hangarage fees, call-out fees (charged per aircraft)
GST is additional
Q. Does the cost of the air charter change with the number of passengers on the aircraft?
A. Not really, the majority of the costs are for the entire aircraft regardless of the number of passengers. The only exceptions are the individual passenger taxes that are charged per person.
Q. Can we charter the aircraft one-way?
A. All flight charges are based on round trip routings. Each flight originates from and returns to the original city that it is based in, either Calgary or Edmonton. We can re-position anywhere to pick-up or drop-off passengers with the additional mileage and applicable fees charged.
Q. What about an overnight charter or for several days?
A. The customer sets the schedule for their charter. You can charter for one day, overnight or for several days with multiple stops. We will check availability of the aircraft for the duration of your proposed trip and suggest the most efficient route for you to plan. We will even take care of hotel, ground transportation and catered meals so that you only have to concentrate on your business.
Q. How much luggage is each person allowed?
A. Luggage weight allowance will be determined by the type of aircraft you are travelling on, how many passengers, distance you are going as well as the weather conditions at the time. This will all be determined ahead of time and will be on your initial quote in writing. Usually, luggage is 1 bag per person to a maximum of 50 lbs. Golf clubs, fishing gear, equipment, etc. is additional baggage and would have to be determined ahead of time.
Q. When should we check in?
A. Alta Flights Charters passengers should check in at least thirty (30) minutes prior to their departure from our terminal or from their departure point. Return departure from your destination will be as soon as everyone arrives and is on board.
Q. Where do the planes depart from?
A. We have our own private terminal at both the Calgary and Edmonton International Airports which offers our customers spacious on-site parking and comfortable passenger lobbies. (See Locations for directions and About Us - Tour Our Facilities)
Q. If we want to depart earlier or later then originally scheduled, can this be done?
A. Yes, our pilots carry cell phones or you can contact our Flight Operations Department on our toll free number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and we would be pleased to adjust your flight schedule.
Q. How many passengers do your planes carry?
A. We can accommodate 1-18 passengers or multiples thereof. (See Our Fleet for the aircraft types and descriptions)
Q. Are there washroom facilities on board?
A. Our jet aircraft have facilities on board and some of our other aircraft have washrooms that can be installed on board depending upon number of passengers and cargo requirements.
Q. Can special catering requests be made?
A. Yes, ideally a couple of days in advance. We also have complimentary commissary included at no extra charge.
Q. If you are flying our group into Edmonton, do you have facilities at your terminal for us to conduct our meeting there?
A. Yes, we do. We have a Boardroom available for rent that can accommodate 12 - 25 people. Have your Edmonton contacts meet you here at our terminal for your meeting. We will even include complimentary parking for them. You just get off the aircraft here, have your meeting and get back on and fly home. You will probably even beat them home. (See About Us - Tour Our Facilities)
Q. Any other Questions?
A. We would be pleased to answer your questions or provide a quotation, either by phone, or request a quote online.
Q. What do I need for U.S. Customs to fly to the U.S.A.?
A. Passports Now Required For US Travel
Currently, Canadian citizens need proof of both their identity and citizenship in order to apply for entry into the U.S.
Alta Flights Charters reminds air travelers that new document requirements came into effect January 23, 2007, as per the United States' Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). At this time, all passengers including Canadian and U.S. citizens are required to present a valid passport when traveling by air to the United States.
We strongly recommend customers who do not hold valid passports apply for new passports well in advance of travel plans.
This new regulation is a change from prior requirements. Effective January 23, 2007, driver licenses and other government-issued photo identification will no longer be accepted as valid travel documentation for Canadian and U.S. citizens traveling by air between Canada and the United States. Alternatively, NEXUS Air cards will be accepted by U.S. authorities when traveling by air from Vancouver International Airport to the United States.
Additional information on Canada-U.S. border regulations is available from the Canada Border Services Agency www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca. Information on Canadian passport applications is available from Passport Canada www.pptc.gc.ca.
Q. Who from Canada, Mexico and Bermuda, Needs a Nonimmigrant Visa to Enter the United States Temporarily?
A. Citizens of Canada traveling to the U.S. do not require a nonimmigrant visa, except for specific purposes. To learn more about document requirements to enter the U.S., see Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). For complete details about the new travel requirements under WHTI, review the Customs and Border Protection website (www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/whti)
Permanent residents (aka landed immigrants) of Canada must have a nonimmigrant visa unless the permanent resident is a national of a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), meets the VWP requirements, and is seeking to enter the U.S. for 90 days or less under that program.
Additional resources regarding procedures for Canadian visitors to the United States can be found on the U.S. Embassy (canada.usembassy.gov) and Consulate websites in Canada. Learn more about requirements for Canadian citizens planning business travel (www.amcits.com/businfo.asp) to the U.S.
