Frequently Asked Questions

Booking with Vanbert is simple. Enter your departure city, destination, travel dates, and number of passengers on our platform. We will match you with available aircraft and operators. Compare your options, select your preferred flight, and confirm your booking. You can also call our concierge team at +1 (561) 664-7695 for personalized assistance.

No membership is required. Vanbert operates as an on demand marketplace. You can book a single flight without any commitment, membership fees, or long term contracts. Simply search, compare, and book whenever you need to fly.

We can arrange flights with as little as 4 hours notice, subject to aircraft availability. For peak travel periods, holidays, and specific aircraft preferences, we recommend booking at least 48 to 72 hours in advance. Shuttle seats should be reserved as early as possible as they sell out quickly on popular routes.

Charter pricing depends on the aircraft type, route, and availability. A light jet from Fort Lauderdale to Nassau typically ranges from $8,000 to $12,000 for the full aircraft. Midsize jets and heavy aircraft cost more. Empty leg deals can save up to 75%, and shared shuttle seats start from $550 per person. Request a quote on our platform for exact pricing.

For full charter bookings, cancellations more than 72 hours before departure receive a full refund minus a $500 administrative fee. Cancellations 24 to 72 hours before departure are 50% refundable. Cancellations within 24 hours are non refundable. Shuttle cancellations more than 48 hours out incur a $150 fee. Empty leg bookings are generally non refundable.

Our network includes over 3,000 aircraft ranging from light jets like the Citation CJ3+ and Phenom 300, midsize jets like the Hawker 800XP and Citation Sovereign, to heavy and ultra long range aircraft like the Gulfstream G-IV and Challenger 605. Turboprops such as the Pilatus PC-12 and King Air 350 are also available for shorter routes and shuttle services.

Our primary corridor connects South Florida with The Bahamas. Popular routes include Fort Lauderdale to Nassau, Miami to Nassau, Fort Lauderdale to Exuma, West Palm Beach to Nassau, Miami to Harbour Island, and Fort Lauderdale to Turks and Caicos. We can also arrange custom routes to any airport in The Bahamas and the Caribbean.

Flight times vary by route and aircraft. Fort Lauderdale to Nassau is approximately 55 minutes. Miami to Nassau is about 50 minutes. Fort Lauderdale to Exuma is roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes. Fort Lauderdale to Turks and Caicos is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Actual flight times may vary based on weather and air traffic conditions.

Empty leg flights occur when a chartered aircraft needs to reposition without passengers, for example returning to its home base after dropping off passengers or flying to pick up the next group. These flights are offered at significantly reduced rates, often 50% to 75% off the standard charter price. The trade off is less flexibility with dates and times since the flight schedule is already set.

Shuttle flights are scheduled shared seat services on popular routes. Instead of chartering the entire aircraft, you purchase individual seats at a fraction of the full charter cost. Shuttle flights operate on a regular schedule between key Florida and Bahamas destinations. You get the speed and comfort of private aviation with the convenience of set departure times and per seat pricing starting from $550.

Yes. Our shuttle service allows you to book individual seats on scheduled shared flights. This is ideal for solo travelers, couples, or small groups who want the private aviation experience without the cost of chartering an entire aircraft. Check our shuttle schedule for available routes and departure times.

Every operator in the Vanbert network holds an FAA Part 135 air carrier certificate and undergoes rigorous safety vetting. We require operators to be audited by Wyvern Wingman or ARGUS Rated, the two leading third party safety auditing organizations in private aviation. We continuously monitor operator compliance, maintenance records, pilot qualifications, and insurance coverage.

All operators hold FAA Part 135 Air Carrier Certificates, which is the certification required to operate on demand charter flights in the United States. Additionally, operators in our network carry Wyvern Wingman or ARGUS Rated safety certifications. Pilots meet or exceed FAA minimum flight hour requirements and undergo regular proficiency training and check rides.

Every operator in our network is required to maintain comprehensive liability insurance with minimum coverage of $100,000,000 per occurrence. This covers passenger liability, third party liability, and hull coverage for the aircraft. Vanbert independently verifies insurance documentation and ensures coverage is current before any flight is operated.

U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter The Bahamas. You may also need to complete a Bahamas Health Travel Visa depending on current requirements. For other nationalities, visa requirements vary. Our concierge team will guide you through all documentation requirements and ensure you have everything in order before your flight.

Private flights to The Bahamas clear customs at the destination airport. The process is typically quick and straightforward. You will need to present your passport and complete a Bahamas immigration card. Our team can arrange customs pre clearance coordination and assist with any documentation to make the process as seamless as possible.

Luggage capacity varies by aircraft type. Light jets typically accommodate 4 to 6 standard suitcases plus carry on bags. Midsize jets can handle 6 to 8 suitcases, and heavy jets offer even more capacity. For oversized items such as golf clubs, diving equipment, or surfboards, please let us know when booking so we can recommend the right aircraft. Our team will confirm luggage capacity with your specific booking.

Miami to Nassau is one of the shortest international private jet routes in the world at roughly 185 nautical miles and 45 to 60 minutes of flight time. Turboprops and light jets are most commonly used on this route. Pricing depends on aircraft category, season, and whether an empty leg is available. Contact our team for a transparent quote with three aircraft options.

Yes. Private jets are one of the best ways to travel with pets. Dogs, cats, and other pets fly in the cabin with you with no carrier restrictions. The Bahamas requires an import permit from the Bahamas Ministry of Agriculture, a recent veterinary health certificate, and proof of rabies vaccination. Our team can guide you through the pet import process and recommend pet-friendly aircraft and operators.

Yes. Vanbert regularly arranges flights with as little as 4 hours of notice when aircraft availability permits. Last-minute bookings often unlock access to empty leg flights at significant discounts. Call our 24/7 concierge at +1 (561) 664-7695 for immediate availability.

If weather or other safety conditions prevent your flight from operating, the charter is either rescheduled to the next available window or fully refunded at your option. Safety is never compromised. Our dispatchers monitor conditions continuously and will proactively notify you of any risk to your itinerary before departure.

Yes, indirectly. Vanbert can land turboprops like the Pilatus PC-12 on short strips as small as 2,500 feet, reaching remote islands such as Staniel Cay, Cat Island, Mayaguana, and Crooked Island. For islands without any airstrip we arrange a combination flight plus boat or helicopter transfer. Our concierge will design the fastest door-to-dock routing for your destination.

Most clients arrive 15 minutes before departure. There are no TSA lines, no boarding calls, and no gate. You walk from your vehicle directly to the aircraft. For international flights to The Bahamas we recommend 20 to 25 minutes to allow for a brief customs declaration. Your car is parked planeside and your luggage loads with you.

A charter operator owns or manages the aircraft and holds the FAA Part 135 certificate that allows them to sell flights. A charter broker such as Vanbert arranges those flights on behalf of clients, comparing operators, aircraft, and pricing to find the best match. Brokers work for the passenger, operators work for their fleet. Vanbert only works with fully vetted ARGUS, Wyvern, and IS-BAO audited operators.

Alcohol in reasonable personal quantities is permitted. Firearms require a Bahamas firearm import permit issued by the Commissioner of Police in advance of arrival and must be declared at customs. Ammunition is limited to specific quantities. Fishing and hunting equipment is generally allowed with proper declaration. Our team can assist with firearm permits and customs paperwork for hunting and sport trips.

Tips are never required and are at your discretion. It is common to tip a dedicated flight attendant for exceptional catering and cabin service, typically $50 to $200 per leg. Pilots generally do not accept tips. For repeat crews on longer itineraries, a thank-you gesture is appreciated but not expected. All gratuities are optional.

Private jets operated under FAA Part 135 with third-party safety audits such as ARGUS Platinum, Wyvern Wingman, and IS-BAO Stage 3 meet or exceed commercial airline safety standards. Two-pilot crews, modern turbine aircraft, and rigorous maintenance are standard. Vanbert only dispatches aircraft from operators holding the highest third-party safety ratings, and we verify insurance, pilot experience, and maintenance records on every trip.