Non-Medical Jet Charter for Passengers That Need Extra Help
While ‘Charter Assist’ isn’t a formal term in the private aviation industry, we use it internally to describe a select group of services we can access for our clients.
Charter Assist is an enhanced level of accommodations that go above and beyond a typical air charter. Designed for individuals who need a more personalized level of assistance—but do not require in-flight medical care. This service is ideal for seniors, travelers with mobility challenges, or those recovering from illness or injury who are medically stable and able to fly privately without the need for air ambulance support.
We strive to assist everyone who inquires about our private jet charter services. Specialty flights such as a Charter Assist are subject to a review of the passenger’s specific needs. Aspects such as their medical condition, medical history, and weight. In certain cases, a non-emergency air ambulance may be our ultimate recommendation as a more appropriate option. Our Advisors will determine this during your first phone call.
We can provide boarding and deplaning arrangements for individuals who have difficulty climbing stairs or need help entering the aircraft. This service generally has a 250 lb. weight limit, but our team can review exceptions and restrictions on a case-by-case basis.
✈️ What “Charter Assist” Means in This Context:
It’s a non-medical assisted travel service designed for:
- Elderly passengers that have trouble boarding and deplaning.
- Mobility-impaired travelers (e.g., wheelchair users).
- Patients discharged from hospitals or rehab facilities who are stable and are not relying on medical staff. Patients that are able to travel to the plane in a normal vehicle, wheelchair accessible van, or ambulette to and from the facility to the airport.
- Individuals with cognitive impairments who need travel supervision.
Boarding Techniques
Boarding techniques may include methods such as the “Fireman’s Carry” or “Fireman’s Lift”, performed by ambulance personnel, local fire department teams (volunteer or paid), aircraft crew, or FBO line staff.
When available, crews may also use patient lifting or transfer devices—such as a Joyer lift or Molift system—to make boarding safer and easier.
If appropriate, a stair chair system can also help transport the patient onto the aircraft.
All of these services are subject to personnel and equipment availability, and may be limited to specific service areas.
Ideal Use Cases For Charter Assist Service
✅ A 78-year-old patient recently discharged from a rehab facility needs to travel home across the country. Due to severe arthritis, they can’t manage to navigate the stair risers but are otherwise medically stable. With a Charter Assist flight, trained personnel can help lift them into the aircraft using a stair chair, or the “Fireman’s Carry”, allowing them to pivot safely into their seat—all without requiring an ambulance or medical staff.
✅ A 55-year-old family member with Multiple Sclerosis needs to see a specialist in another state. Although they can’t manage aircraft stairs, they are medically stable and don’t require any medical devices. Using a Charter Assist service, they can travel comfortably from their home to the doctor and back—potentially all in the same day—avoiding the hassle and stress of commercial flights and lengthy trips.
What’s Included?
| Feature | Charter Assist | Non Emergency Air Ambulance |
| Onboard Medical Crew | ❌ None | ✅ Yes (generally paramedics, nurses, or doctors) all subject to patient medical needs |
| Medical Equipment Onboard | ❌ None | ✅ Yes (ICU-level if needed) to be determined by a medical professional |
| Passenger Condition | ✅ Medically stable, needs mobility aid / boarding assistance | ❌ Stable but requires medical care |
| Ground Transportation | ✅ Not Included but we can assist with arrangements of Wheelchair van or ambulette for an additional fee | ✅ Ambulance (basic or advanced life support), Ambulette, or Wheelchair accessible van |
| In-Flight Companion (Optional) | ✅ Non-medical escort may be arranged, or you may have the ability to bring family member(s). Number of passengers TBD based on aircraft size | ✅ Family member(s) may travel with. Aircraft Size Dependant |
| Boarding Assistance | ✅ Yes (stretcher or lift if needed) | ✅ Complete Bed-to-Bed services available utilizing a stretcher bed platform. |
Who Can Benefit From Charter Assist?
- Are elderly or frail and need travel supervision
- Use a wheelchair or walker
- Are recovering from surgery or a hospital stay (but are medically stable and can sit upright in a normal aircraft seat)
- Have cognitive conditions (e.g., Alzheimer’s, dementia) and need travel assistance
- Have completed rehab or care and need to fly home.
- Want to travel comfortably with a companion, without the clinical nature of an air ambulance
📞 Want to Learn More or Schedule a Flight?
Contact an Air Charter Advisor to get a quote or ask questions about your unique travel needs. Just fill out the form above and select “Air Ambulance” from the “Service Requested” drop down.
Disclaimer – Charter Assist Services
Air Charter Advisors is not a licensed air ambulance operator, medical transportation provider, or healthcare provider. We do not directly employ medical personnel and do not conduct medical assessments, offer medical advice, or provide any form of medical care or treatment. All “Charter Assist” services are non-medical in nature and are intended solely for passengers who are medically stable and do not require onboard medical care.
By utilizing this service you agree to hold us harmless from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, or losses arising from or related to the passenger’s health status, medical condition, or outcomes before, during, or after the flight. In the event we facilitate non-emergency medical or air ambulance transportation, all medical personnel and equipment are provided by independent third-party vendors, and we assume no responsibility for their services.