Pricing & Scheduling

How is Capital Air Express different from a private JET charter?

We offer many of the same advantages people associate with private aviation—your own aircraft, flexible scheduling, private terminals, direct flights and access to regional airports—but with aircraft designed for shorter regional trips. Instead of paying for the speed, size and operating costs of a jet when you don't need one, our piston aircraft provide a practical and significantly more affordable way to fly private.

What forms of payment do you take?

We can take credit cards for transactions under $10,000 (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express). Transactions $10,000+ will be paid via wire.

How does pricing work? Is the price per person?

No. You are chartering the entire aircraft, so pricing is not per passenger. Whether one person or several people are traveling, the charter price is based primarily on the aircraft, flight time, and dates of travel. Passenger and luggage weights may affect which aircraft can accommodate your trip.

How many people can you take?

Our Piper Saratogas and Malibus seat a maximum of 4 passengers. Depending on the weight of all passengers and the distance of your trip, we may be limited to 2 passengers or require a fuel stop.

The Piper Navajo can take up to 6 passengers.

Can you take me to a College Foot Ball game or other sporting event like the Masters?

Absolutely! College football games and other major sporting events are some of our most popular trips, and private charter can make getting there much easier. Because game weekends can bring heavy air traffic, limited airport parking and fuel, and ATC delays, we recommend booking early and arriving at least one day before events you absolutely cannot miss. Be sure to review our College Football Weekend Travel Policy or Masters Week Policies when planning your trip.

Are there fees for special events?

Yes, sometimes. Many airports charge additional landing, parking, or overnight fees during special events, which we may pass on to you. This can include things like college football games, concerts, the Masters Tournament, Kentucky Derby, etc as well as holidays during popular vacation spots, like Destin, FL during Memorial Day weekend. For Block customers, additional time will be deducted rather than invoicing a separate charge.

How far in advance do I need to book?

We recommend at least 1 week’s notice for booking during normal periods, 3-4 weeks for school breaks, special events and holidays. If you are flexible on your departure times (“I need to go Tuesday but can leave any time.”) we can often squeeze you in with less notice, like 48 hours.

Do you fly every day of the year?

No, there are a few days we don’t fly at all. We do not operate flights on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve departures after 12 noon EST, and Christmas Day. We also have quarterly “Safety Stand-Down” days where our entire company convenes to review all safety policies and procedures.

For 2026 those remaining dates are: October 28th.

For 2027 those dates are: January 27th, April 21st, July 21st, and October 20th.

Please check out our Safety page for more details on why we do Safety Stand Down.

Do you fly 24 hours a day?

Our primary operating hours are 7am-10pm every day of the week. Departures before 7am or arrivals after 10pm may incur additional fees if approved. Please see our Services page for a detailed explanation on our service hours.

Can I do a same day round trip flight?

Yes! If you’ve got a meeting or special event you’d like to fly to in the morning and then come home the same day, we can do that. We can wait up to 6 hours depending on trip flight time. Wait times of 4 or more hours will have a $500 fee, or ½ hour for Block Time Customers. However, if you have plans that will be costly or upsetting to miss, we HIGHLY recommend flying to your destination at least 1 day in advance. Please view our complete Same Day Round Trip Policy here.

Can you wait overnight?

Yes! If you’d like us to fly you in somewhere in the evening and then take you home the next day, we can do that. Overnight wait fees start at $1000 and vary by location, or deduct 1 hour for Block Time customers.

What information do you need to book my trip?

Please let us know where you want to go (city or airport is fine) and when you want to go, dates and departure or arrival times. We will need the first and last name of every passenger and their weights, including babies and pets if any. Finally, the amount of luggage you plan to bring. Please be as specific as possible; for example; 3 carry on sized suitcases each weighing 25 lbs and a cooler with drinks and snacks 10 lbs. International trips will require passport information and home address of each passenger.

Aircraft and Pilots

Can I choose my plane?

We do not charge a different price between the Saratogas and Malibus but we don’t guarantee which one you will get. Aircraft assignments are based on the mission needs- number of passengers, weight, distance, and where our aircraft are positioned at any given time (this includes block customers). The Navajo is a different price point and will always be guaranteed upon booking.

Are your aircraft pressurized?

Some are and some are not. Our Piper Malibus are pressurized, while the Piper Saratogas and Piper Navajo are not. If this is important to you, let our team know when requesting your trip.

How far can your airplanes fly?

Our aircraft are primarily designed for regional trips. The distance we can fly nonstop depends on the aircraft, passenger and luggage weight, weather, and other operational factors. Longer trips may simply require a fuel stop. If you tell us where you're going and who is traveling, our team will determine the best option for your trip.

Can you fly into any airport?

We can fly into the vast majority of airports that are public use and have a paved runway. We may be able to fly into private, paved airports if you are a resident or guest of the community; permission is usually needed ahead of time. Our single engine planes need a runway minimum of 3000 feet and the twins a minimum of 5000 feet, depending on geographical details of the airport and/or weather conditions at the time of your trip.

Do you fly with 1 or 2 pilots?

Our Piper Saratogas and Malibus are rated for 1 pilot and that is how we normally fly them. A second pilot may be available upon request for an additional charge. The Piper Navajo is always flown with 2 pilots, both of whom are included in the hourly rate.

How long can the plane and pilots be available to me?

The FAA sets the maximum duty time day at 14 hours- this means the pilots may fly and wait for no more than 14 hours in a day and require a certain amount of rest between work days. Our company policy duty time maximum is 12 hours when operating single pilot, which we typically do for single engine planes.

Should I tip my pilot?

Tipping is not expected and tips are not factored into pilot pay. Some passengers choose to tip if they feel a pilot has gone above and beyond (pun intended) in the level of service provided. If you would like to tip, $50 per leg is customary, but again not necessary.

Luggage

How Much Luggage is Allowed?

Since we’re flying smaller aircraft, it depends on a lot of factors such as which plane you’re utilizing, the distance of your trip, and the weight of all passengers. We will ask about how much luggage you plan to bring when booking. Please let us know if you have any specialty items such as baby equipment or medical devices.

Can I bring my Golf Clubs?

Yes, the Saratogas and Malibus have room for 2 sets of clubs and the Navajos have room for 4. We recommend using a travel golf bag, or at least head covers.

Can I Bring My Firearm?

Yes, firearms must be stored unloaded in hard sided, locked cases and will not be accessible during flight.

Can I Bring My Pet?

Yes! Pets are welcome with Capital Air Express and we do not charge any additional pet or cleaning fees unless someone has an accident. All animals except dogs must be crated or in an appropriate container. Dogs may be uncrated if well behaved and comfortable flying. Please notify us ahead of time if you plan to bring a pet as some animals require special paperwork or accommodation while flying.

Your Flight

How early should I get to the airport?

Please arrive at the FBO 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

What is an FBO?

An FBO, or Fixed Base Operator, is essentially the private aviation terminal at an airport. Instead of navigating a large commercial terminal, you'll typically meet your pilot at the FBO, where you'll have access to a lobby, restrooms and other passenger amenities before walking directly to your aircraft.

Do I have to go through TSA?

No. Our passengers do not go through the traditional TSA security process used for scheduled commercial airline flights. You'll generally arrive at the FBO 15 minutes before departure, meet your pilot, load your belongings, complete the required passenger safety briefing and depart.

What happens if I’m running late?

Please let your pilot or our scheduling team know if you are delayed, we can wait up to 30 minutes. Delays of 30 minutes or more may result in flight cancelation or a fee.

Do You Provide Food & Beverage?

Yes! We provide a complimentary assortment of light snacks and Coca-Cola products (we are Atlanta based after all!) You are also welcome to bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.

Can You Help Me Arrange Ground Transportation?

Rental cars or rides are best arranged through the FBO. Most FBO’s have a preferred rental car provider (Enterprise, Hertz, or Go Rentals) and can arrange for a car to be dropped off or even meet you at the plane.

Do You Have WiFi On Board?

Yes! All of our aircraft are equipped with Starlink WiFi, so you can watch a show, play games, or reply to emails.

Can I smoke or vape on my flight?

No. Smoking and vaping are not permitted aboard any Capital Air Express aircraft. This includes cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, vape pens, and similar devices. FAA regulations and guidance prohibit the use or charging of electronic smoking devices onboard aircraft. You may bring a vape or e-cigarette with you, but it must remain with you or in your carry-on baggage and be protected from accidental activation.

Changes and Cancellations

Can I make last-minutes changes to my trip?

After booking, you may request changes and we will do our best to accommodate, however Itinerary and manifest MUST be finalized 24 hours before departure. Same day changes to passengers or destinations will not be permitted.

What happens if the weather is bad?

We will be in communication with you in the days leading up to the trip if we have any concerns about weather and will do our best to work with you regarding a possible change in schedule. Decisions will be made in advance so you are never at the airport waiting and receive unexpected notice of delay or cancelation. Cancellations due to weather are non refundable and will remain as credit on account for future trips.

What is your cancelation policy?

Customer cancellations are non refundable regardless of notice time and will remain as credit on account to be used for future trips within 12 months. In the unlikely event that Capital Air cancels your flight for anything other than weather, a full refund will be issued.