01Application, approval, and order of precedence
These Charter Terms set forth general conditions for charter air transportation arranged through Sonic Flights. Sonic Flights works with various operating carriers and contracting entities, which may differ depending on the aircraft chartered and the arrangements for each individual charter. Please refer to your specific charter agreement for the identity, capacity, and respective obligations of the parties. “Client” and “Charterer” refer to the customer entering the applicable charter agreement.
All terms, rates, fees, aircraft availability, and other conditions stated on this website are subject to change and to Sonic Flights’ express approval prior to each individual charter. No provision of this website, quotation, or inquiry shall, by itself, constitute a confirmed reservation or a binding commitment to provide charter transportation.
The signed charter agreement for each individual charter, together with any documents expressly incorporated therein, shall govern that charter and supersede all terms and conditions published on this website relating to that charter. In the event of any conflict, inconsistency, or discrepancy, the signed charter agreement shall prevail. Subsequent changes to these website terms shall not amend or otherwise modify a previously signed charter agreement.
All provisions remain subject to applicable law and any rights or obligations that cannot lawfully be excluded or waived.
02Quotes and reservations
A charter quote is not a confirmed reservation and can change without notice. All reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis and subject to aircraft and crew availability at the time of booking. Each charter requires Sonic Flights’ approval and acceptance of the applicable charter agreement by the required parties. The signed agreement establishes the binding terms for that charter.
The charter quote is aircraft-type specific. Should the need arise to change aircraft, cost may vary accordingly. The customer shall be informed of any such change prior to flight and of any additional cost, if applicable.
03Representation and operating carrier
Sonic Flights acts as a charter brokerage and marketing and booking intermediary. The operating carrier and any other contracting entities depend on the aircraft and charter selected and are identified in the applicable charter agreement and required disclosures.
Sonic Flights is not a direct air carrier and does not exercise operational control over flights. The operating carrier maintains full and complete operational control of the aircraft and all flight operations at all times.
Client authorizes Sonic Flights to arrange and schedule charter air transportation on the Client’s behalf with the designated operating carrier and agrees to hold harmless and indemnify Sonic Flights from any and all claims arising from the operation of the aircraft.
04Cancellation terms
Standard trips
- Upon signing of contract: 10% fee.
- Within 7 business days of departure: 33% fee.
- Within 48 hours of departure: 100% non-refundable.
Special event / international / one-way / open leg / holiday trips
Trips that are international, one-way, open leg, or that fall within 7 days of a statutory or federal holiday are 100% non-refundable at all times.
All cancellation fees will be automatically charged to the payment method provided upon booking if a wire payment is not received within 24 business hours.
05Late departure fees
Domestic flights. Delays caused by Client, passengers, or guests beyond the scheduled departure time are subject to a $1,000 late departure fee after 45 minutes, plus $250 for each additional 15-minute period thereafter, to cover GPU, crew standby, and ramp costs.
International and Mainland U.S. to Hawaii flights. Delays beyond the scheduled departure time are subject to a $2,500 late departure fee after 60 minutes, plus $500 for each additional 15-minute period thereafter.
After 120 minutes of delay, the trip may, at the discretion of the operator or flight crew, be deemed a “no-show” and cancelled in full with a 100% cancellation penalty.
Crew duty-time limitations, future scheduled flights, and pre-planned crew rest periods may restrict the ability to continue waiting if passengers are delayed. For international departures, airport slots, handling appointments, and government or customs clearances may also limit departure flexibility. If a delay results in loss of an approved slot, additional handling or rescheduling costs incurred to re-secure new departure clearances or permits will be billed back to the Client.
To accommodate flexible or uncertain timing, Clients must arrange a pre-scheduled rolling departure window in advance.
06Costs not included in the quote
All quotes are provided net of tax, unless otherwise specified. Brokers and resellers are responsible for their own applicable Federal Excise Tax (FET) and related surcharges.
Quoted amounts do not include, but are not limited to:
- Special event fees, unless specified in the quote.
- De-icing and anti-icing services.
- Private/VIP terminal (FBO) fees for international flights.
- Non-standard catering requests, such as caviar, lobster, truffles, and premium alcohol.
- Interior damage and cleaning charges, excluding pet damage and cleaning, which are covered by the pet policy below.
All such costs will be billed at actual cost plus a 15% handling fee.
07Pet policy
Dogs are permitted on domestic U.S. flights at no additional charge, provided their breed, weight, and quantity are disclosed at the time of booking.
- Any damage caused by pets will be billed at cost plus a 25% handling fee.
- Failure to disclose pets in advance may result in a $2,500 undisclosed pet fee.
- For non-U.S. domestic flights or Hawaii-bound/return trips, a $1,500 pet cleaning fee will apply unless explicitly waived and disclosed on the quote.
- Approval is required for animals other than dogs.
08Firearms and hazardous materials
Sonic Flights must be notified at the time of booking if passengers wish to transport firearms or hazardous materials onboard. Firearms may only be transported in compliance with FAA/TSA regulations. The operator will provide trigger locks and retain keys for the duration of the flight.
Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices are prohibited under the agreement’s notice of the U.S. DOT order effective October 15, 2016. Crews will verify compliance prior to boarding.
Hazardous materials must not be carried in baggage or on one’s person contrary to applicable law and operator requirements. The agreement warns that violations may result in imprisonment and fines up to $250,000, citing 49 U.S.C. 5124.
Consult FAA PackSafe and TSA prohibited-item guidance for current restrictions, and confirm transport requirements with the operator before travel.
09Indemnification
Charterer shall be solely responsible for any and all liabilities arising out of or relating to (i) Charterer’s relationship with any end user; (ii) failure to inform end users of these Terms & Conditions or the carrier’s terms; or (iii) conduct or performance of any transportation by the direct air carrier or end user.
Charterer agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Sonic Flights and its affiliates, officers, directors, contractors, and employees (“Indemnitees”) from and against all claims, losses, or expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, related to the air transportation services arranged under the agreement, except for claims arising from an Indemnitee’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.
10Limitation of liability
Indemnitees are not responsible for damages or delays due to operator cancellations, equipment issues, governmental actions, weather, war, civil unrest, or causes beyond their control.
TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL ANY INDEMNITEE BE LIABLE FOR ANY INJURY, DEATH, LOSS, CLAIM, DAMAGE, OR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY AIR TRAVEL OR SERVICES ARRANGED BY SONIC FLIGHTS.
If liability is nevertheless established, it shall not exceed the fee paid to Sonic Flights for arranging such services.
11Operational control
During all phases of flight, the designated operating carrier retains complete and exclusive operational control, as defined in 14 CFR § 135.77 and § 1.1, over the aircraft and crew. The pilot-in-command may terminate or refuse any flight or take any action necessary for the safety of the aircraft, passengers, or crew.
All transportation is subject to the applicable air carrier agreement identified or incorporated in the signed charter agreement. Any itinerary changes may affect price.
12Travel documents
All passengers must present valid government-issued identification in accordance with TSA and FAA regulations. For U.S. domestic travel, the agreement requires a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or passport.
For all international travel, valid passports, visas, and entry documents must be provided and submitted to Sonic Flights promptly. Passenger documentation for international departures must be submitted no later than seventy-two (72) hours prior to departure. Failure to provide required documentation by this deadline may result in a $250 per passenger late submission fee and/or flight delay.
All travelers are responsible for ensuring that their identification and travel documents comply with applicable U.S. and foreign entry requirements. Sonic Flights shall not be liable for delays or cancellations resulting from invalid or incomplete travel documentation.
13Payment terms and billing
A valid credit card authorization is required at the time of booking to secure aircraft availability.
If full payment is not received seven (7) days prior to departure, or if the trip is booked within seven (7) days of departure, Sonic Flights will charge the credit card on file for the full trip amount plus a 5% processing fee.
Client agrees that all post-flight expenses, including but not limited to de-icing, FBO fees, additional catering, or cleaning/damage costs, will be invoiced after the trip and must be paid by wire transfer within forty-eight (48) hours of invoice issuance. If not paid within this period, the credit card on file will be charged for the balance due plus a 5% administrative fee.
All late, unpaid, or chargeback amounts shall accrue interest at the rate of 1.5% per month (18% per annum) until paid in full.
Client further agrees to be liable for all legal fees, collection costs, and expenses incurred by Sonic Flights in the event of non-payment, chargeback disputes, or any collection or enforcement action.
Use the payment instructions supplied with your booking documentation.
14Governing law, venue, and electronic delivery
Governing law and venue. These Terms & Conditions shall be governed by the laws of the State of Colorado, without regard to conflict-of-law principles. All disputes shall be litigated exclusively in state or federal courts located in Denver County, Colorado.
Electronic delivery. Delivery of an executed counterpart by fax, digital signature, or email is deemed as effective as delivery of an original.
15Acceptance and applicable law
By signing the applicable charter agreement, Client acknowledges and accepts the terms contained in that agreement and authorizes the charter arrangements specified therein. Acceptance and authorization relate to the specific charter and parties identified in the signed agreement. Viewing this website or submitting an inquiry does not constitute execution of a charter agreement.
Nothing on this page replaces required flight-specific disclosures or waives rights that cannot lawfully be waived, including applicable disclosure and refund protections under 14 CFR Part 295.