Glossary
Federal Excise Tax (FET)
Why it matters
Why federal excise tax (fet) matters
FET shows up on most domestic charter invoices—if two proposals differ only because one lists tax separately, you are comparing quote styles, not operators.
Cost
How it affects cost
Federal law sets the rate and taxable base. Repositioning, fuel surcharges, and catering treatment can change what counts toward FET—brokers should explain their line-item structure, not ask you to guess.
Example
A quick example
Related terms
Other terms to know
Common questions
Is FET always charged on private charter?
Many domestic U.S. charter transportation charges are subject to FET under federal tax rules. International legs and certain fee treatments differ. Your quote should state tax treatment explicitly.
Is FET included in all-in quotes?
Sometimes bundled, sometimes itemized. All-in and plus-tax quotes are not the same. Ask which structure you are reading before you compare brokers.
Does repositioning count toward FET?
Tax treatment depends on how charges are structured on the invoice. Ask whether positioning hours sit inside or outside the transportation charge used for FET.
Guides that explain this
- How Much Does a Private Jet Cost?What drives private jet cost—hourly rates, flight time, repositioning, minimum hours, taxes, and handling—and how to budget with planning ranges before you request quotes.
- Private Jet Quote Checklist: What to Confirm Before You BookA practical checklist for reading a private charter quote: aircraft, all-in pricing, taxes, repositioning, airports, crew, weather, cancellation, international handling, and operator credentials.
- Charter Quote Red Flags: Read a Proposal Like an OperatorOperator and broker literacy for $15k–$80k trips: Part 135, ARGUS and Wyvern, FET, segment fees, repositioning, minimum hours, duty time, de-icing, airport pairs, category mistakes, and quote red flags.
- What Is Included in a Private Jet CharterWhat a standard charter price typically covers, from the aircraft and crew to fuel and basic refreshments, so you know what you are actually paying for.
Calculators that use this
- Charter CostFree private jet flight cost calculator: estimate charter cost from flight time, aircraft category, trip type, and extras. Planning ranges only—not quotes.
- Aircraft Hourly RateSee planning hourly rate ranges by aircraft category and estimate a flight cost from hours, with a reference table across all categories.
Last reviewed May 2026. Estimates use planning assumptions that we revisit periodically.