Timing
How far in advance do I need to make a booking for a flight?
When do I need to arrive for my flight?
Is there a charge to remain on the ground for several hours?
I need to stay overnight - can I have the aircraft wait for me?

Flight Particulars
My flight is tomorrow - is it too late to add on an extra stop?
I'd like to take a few extra passengers - will that cost extra?
The weather forecast indicates bad weather - will the flight be cancelled?
Is it possible to arrange catering for the flight?

Baggage Restrictions
There seems to be lots of room - why is the amount of baggage that I can take limited?
I would like to travel with my dog - will this be possible?
Are there any items I can't take with me in my luggage?
Is Maritime Air Charter certified to carry dangerous goods?

How far in advance do I need to make a booking for a flight? <back>
All bookings are made on a first-come, first-serve basis, so depending on our schedule, you may be able to book a flight for the same day, or you may find that a specific date next week is already booked up. If you think that you may require a booking on a certain day, you can let us know and we will notify you if that day is becoming booked up.

When do I need to arrive for my flight? <back>
For most domestic flights, with the exception of Sable Island, you need only arrive early enough to be introduced to your pilots and have your luggage loaded - 10 minutes is usually adequate. This is also true of flights into the United States, so long as all travelers have submitted copies of their passports at least one day in advance. If any new passengers arrive to take the flight, a delay of at least 2 hours must be expected, as passenger passport information is required to be received and reviewed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security at least 1 hour prior to boarding the aircraft (refer to the page on international flights)

Is there a charge to remain on the ground for several hours? <back>
Wait times up to 4 hours are free; for longer wait times, however, our pilots will require meals and possibly rest time in a hotel in order to prevent fatigue and maintain the highest level of safety. A reasonable fee that covers these costs will be charged.

I need to stay overnight - can I have the aircraft wait for me? <back>
Our rates (and the airport fees) are based on flights that return on the same day, however, if our schedule permits it, it may be possible for the aircraft to remain overnight (note that overnights are not possible for flights to Sable Island). There will be a nominal fee to cover the cost of hotels, cabs and meals for the pilots; there may also be additional fees for the aircraft (parking, hangarage or de-icing, if required). Multiple overnights are occasionally possible on longer trips - feel free to talk to our manager for more details.

My flight is tomorrow - is it too late to add on an extra stop? <back>
Not at all - you can change your itinerary even on the day of the flight, adding in or removing stops as necessary. Simply call our office or speak to your pilot as soon as you are aware of any possible changes so the appropriate flight details such as fuel stops, etc may be taken care of.

I'd like to take a few extra passengers - will that cost extra? <back>
Usually, no - when you book a flight, the entire airplane is yours at a fixed rate (a few airports do charge per person fees - these are generally in the $15-25 range). We do require sufficient notice of the number of passengers so that the fuel load does not exceed the maximum permissible weight for the aircraft. In rare cases, such as a long distance flight with a heavy passenger load, adding passengers may require adding an extra fuel stop, which would somewhat increase the cost of the the charter.

The weather forecast indicates bad weather - will the flight be cancelled? <back>
Certainly, but your rate already includes some basic refreshments such as coffee, donuts or muffins (or similar), pop, juice, bottled water, and several snack items (cheese and crackers, raisins, gum, etc). If you would like something specific, such as sandwiches, we will be happy to arrange it for you at cost.

Is it possible to arrange catering for the flight? <back>
Cancellation of charter flights to major airports is a rare occurrence - our aircraft and pilots are capable of handling most weather conditions safely. While snow and wind generally do not affect the flight, extreme conditions such as freezing rain or very dense fog may delay departure. Your pilot will not take-off in unsafe conditions, so you do not need to worry in that regard. Also, while large airports such as Halifax have good instrument approaches, some small airports have limited approach facilities and may require reasonable weather in order to allow a landing. For that reason, it is a good idea when you make your booking to leave a contact number where you can be reached just prior to the flight, so if a weather delay is necessary we can discuss it with you. If you have any concerns about weather, we will be more than happy to address them.

There seems to be lots of room - why is the amount of baggage that I can take limited? <back>
Every aircraft has a maximum weight limit set by the manufacturer - this includes not only the total weight of all passengers and crew, but baggage and fuel as well. This limit cannot be exceeded without compromising safety and breaking the law. Also, the distribution of weight is critical, so your pilot may occasionally ask you to sit in a certain seat location for the flight.

I would like to travel with my dog - will this be possible? <back>
Yes, you can take your dog(s) or cat(s) along with you so long as they are in pet carriers. The advantage that our aircraft have in this regard is that your pets will be within sight and easy reach during the flight.

Are there any items I can't take with me in my luggage? <back>
Items that are classified as dangerous goods are restricted from being carried in passenger baggage. These include, but are not limited to, flammable and corrosive liquids, compressed gases, explosive items such as fireworks, etc. Certain personal care items such as aerosol products are exempted in small quantities (i.e. 2 cans of 500 ml or smaller). If you have any questions regarding what items are allowed to be carried on board the aircraft, please contact our office. Hiding dangerous goods in luggage is not only unsafe, but against the law.

Is Maritime Air Charter certified to carry dangerous goods? <back>
Yes, we are certified to transport Classes 1-5, 8, 9 and certain Class 7 dangerous goods under the Canadian Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, however, you must provide the appropriate documentation (i.e. Shipper's Declaration) from a cerified dangerous goods shipper, and the goods must be packaged in accordance with Canadian Transport of Dangerous Goods Regulations.