Commonly Asked Questions

 

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How does the Stratus Alliance work?
The Stratus Alliance was formed to help our customers benefit from the convenience, safety and cost savings of charter services provided in the Cirrus aircraft. Stratus Alliance does not own or operate aircraft. All flights are operated by FAA certificated Part 135 air carriers. Stratus Alliance acts solely as the marketing and sales agent for the participating 135 carriers. In that capacity, and through special arrangements with these carriers, Stratus Alliances provides exclusive access to a growing network of Cirrus aircraft across the country. Further the Stratus Alliance looks out for the safety of its customers by reviewing the operations of each participating Part 135 air carriers. In short, Stratus Alliance streamlines the chartering process and lets you get back to business.
What is Stratus Alliance?
Stratus Alliance is a growing network of preferred private air charter partners, with a goal to make flying convenient and affordable. Each air charter partner is an FAA-licensed air carrier with sole responsibility for all flights operated through the Stratus Alliance. Stratus Alliance is the marketing and sales agent for these carriers. Through its access to such licensed carriers, Stratus Alliance offers the benefits of flying privately and directly into local and regional airports on the world's best selling single-engine aircraft.
 
How much does it cost?

For members of the Stratus Select membership program, prices start as low as $395/hour to charter a Cirrus SR22. That price is for the entire aircraft, which can accommodate up to three passengers comfortably. In many cases, it costs no more to fly with one of Stratus' preferred operators than it does to fly full-fare or business class on an airline. For example, with our membership program, a 1.5-hour flight from Houston to Dallas is less than $600 for the one-way trip, or approximately $200 per person for a three-passenger trip.

Additional value-added benefits include time-savings – our network can be up to twice as fast as commercial air travel and more than twice as fast as driving.

Contact us now to fly destination direct® with the best prices through our membership program.

What type of aircraft can I fly with a Stratus preferred operator?

The Stratus Alliance network of preferred operators currently offers a fleet of Cirrus SR22's. We can also arrange for operators to provide larger aircraft when required.

Cirrus Design is the world's leading innovator of single-engine aircraft. For five consecutive years, the SR22 has been the world's best-selling airplane. The main mission of Stratus is to offer a lower-cost alternative to regional travel and make it possible for more people to experience the benefits of private air charter. Make StratusAlliance.com your first resource for regional travel needs.

How much time am I really saving?
Great question - the answer is "a lot!" Take a look at our sample trip for a more detailed explanation.
 
 
How does it work? How do I book a flight?

1. For newer travelers we suggest our easy to use Trip Builder. Seasoned charter customers can specify their origin and destination pairs quickly using the Quick Quote form on our home page.


2. Enter your departure and destination locations (quick quote also accepts dates and number of passengers) .

3. Based on the number of passengers, you will be given an opportunity to review aircraft options and pricing.

4. After selecting an option, you are provided with a quote. The entire reservation can be completed online. You will receive a phone call from a Stratus Alliance customer service representative upon completing the transaction to welcome you aboard.

You can also call our reservations center at 866-336-0819 if you prefer.
 
I've never chartered an airplane. How is it different from flying commercial?

Flexibility

  • You schedule your flight, and are not restricted to airline schedules. With Stratus, you can book a flight within 3 hours of departure, based on aircraft availability. Why? Because of our unique relationship as marketing and sales agents for participating carriers which gives us immediate access to their availability.
  • You can cancel or change your flight with no penalties by contacting Stratus within a minimum of 6 hours before departure.

Convenience

  • Parking near the departure ramp at local and regional airports is typically free, or at some airports,
    you can be dropped off right next to the airplane.
  • Flights are secure, but there are no check-in or security lines for charter passengers at local and regional airports to cause flight delays.
  • Stratus allows you to fly directly into smaller cities closer to your final destination.
  • Bring a pet, as small animals are welcome on board.

Time-savings

  • More local and regional airport options allow you to cut down your drive-time from home and to your final destination.
  • No need to arrive 1-2 hours before departure only to wait in long lines in the airport.
  • The ability to work and meet privately en route makes each flight hour more productive. This is an added benefit of private air charter that the airlines or travel by automobile cannot offer.

Where can I fly?

The efficient Cirrus SR22 is perfect for regional day trips. Preferred operators in the Stratus Alliance network now offer the cost effectiveness of low cost private aircraft charter flights throughout the entire United States!

Make the Stratus Alliance network your first choice for private, low cost air travel and choose from hundreds of regional and local airports to arrive closer to your destination.
 

How much do other charter services cost?
It depends on the type of aircraft you fly. For example, a light jet that seats 6-8 people begins at a rate of $2,500 per hour. You also have to be careful with hidden costs. Stratus will not penalize you with fuel surcharges. When you fly a Cirrus, you're getting a new, high-performance aircraft with the latest in advanced technology and safety features than you may not get in a commercial airline cockpit.
 

What is your cancellation policy?

The Stratus Alliance cancellation fee is 50% of the quoted price if the flight is cancelled within 24 hours of departure, and 100% of the quoted price if cancelled within 2 hours of departure. A no-show will be charged the full amount of the quoted price.

Is a single-engine airplane really as safe as flying in a jet?

Cirrus revolutionized the industry by bringing the same dynamic advanced avionics into its cockpits that you'd find onboard the world's top commercial airliners.

Cirrus also pioneered the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPSTM) technology to give pilots and passengers one more option in the event of a serious in-flight emergency. When activated, the life-saving CAPSTM system deploys a 55-foot diameter parachute that lowers the airplane safely to the ground while suspended securely beneath the parachute. The security and peace-of-mind provided by CAPSTM is unequalled, and it comes standard with all Cirrus aircraft.
 

How can I invest in Stratus Alliance?
Learn more by looking over the information on our Investors page or by contacting us using one of the methods available on our contact page.
 
Do you have job openings?

Learn more by visiting our Career Opportunities page.