Frequently Asked Questions
Top 5 Questions
What makes Surf Air different from commercial?
Flying on a commercial flight leads to the complicated, crowded, and time-intensive experience. From the booking process to flight traffic and congestion at commercial airports to endless delays and crowded lines, travelers waste valuable time and money daily.
Surf Air introduces you to a revolutionary way to fly. It starts with a 30-second booking, and a new and easy arrive-and-fly process. Arrive just 15 minutes before your flight takes off, enjoy our lounges, and walk onto the plane. Surf Air is how flying should be.
What makes it different from other private or charter options?
Flying in a private charter or jet can be expensive, with much planning required well in advance. With Surf Air, you can book flights minutes before departure and have the experience of flying in a private aircraft without private jet pricing, and in the company of no more than 7 other Members—like-minded travelers who you’ll come to know by name. Surf Air offers flights based on a schedule, so unlike chartered service, you’ll need to choose from available flight times.
What’s the difference between Surf Air Scheduled flights and Surf On Demand charter flights?
Surf Air Scheduled flights allow you to book a seat on a flexible all-day schedule from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe. Surf On Demand charter flights are private charter flights that allow you to fly anywhere, anytime, on the aircraft of your choice.
Memberships
What is the Surf Air membership?
Surf Air offers a single membership with a range of benefits from dynamic discounts to an elevated flying experience on both Surf Air Scheduled Flights and Surf On Demand charter.
Members can purchase add-on products, prepay for credit, and purchase flight packages to share with friends and family.
How early or late can flights be booked in advance?
When seats are available, flights on the Surf Air network may be booked up to 15 minutes in advance of a flight’s scheduled departure time.
How do I book a Surf On Demand charter flight?
With our self-service Surf On Demand marketplace, you can choose and customize your entire flight from time to aircraft. With transparent pricing and an easy checkout experience, you’ll be on your way without having to deal with the back and forth of a slow-to-respond charter brokerage desk.
How much do Surf On Demand charter flights cost?
Surf On Demand charter flights vary according to several dependencies. The most important criteria are: number of passengers, length of flight, and type of aircraft (for example: jet vs. turboprop). Usually, charter flights will start around $500 per flying hour and over $10,000 per hour for larger aircraft. The good news, it’s easy to see pricing and availability in the Surf On Demand marketplace.
How are memberships billed?
Memberships can either be paid in full for the entire commitment term or can be billed monthly.
How much is a Surf Air membership?
Our Membership starts at $295/month or $3,540/year.
How do I know if a Surf Air membership is right for me?
If you drive two to six hours regularly or fly commercial for more than two round-trips in a region we serve, you need a Surf Air membership. No need to waste valuable work (or play) time stuck in long airport lines, on hold with call centers, or navigating through complicated online bookings. Traveling with Surf Air eliminates the pain, hassle, and wasted time that accompany current travel options. With all that extra time, you could be focusing on what matters most.
What are the benefits of a Surf Air membership?
As part of an empowered community, our Members can book flights in seconds, arrive at their local airport just 15 minutes before flights depart, enjoy personalized service, and get exclusive offers from Surf Air partners.
Members also receive perks such as exclusive rates at hotels, rental car agencies, an around-the-clock concierge team to book bespoke experiences beyond air travel, and many more partnership perks.
How is Surf Air simplifying the flight experience?
Quite simply, flying with Surf Air is a game changer. Travel free from lines and fees, arrive at the airport right before your flight, and take off in minutes with personalized service. It doesn’t get much better than that.
What makes a Surf Air membership preferable to driving?
If you take frequent car trips for two-to-six hours at a time, you’re often faced with the choice of whether to fly or to drive. Since the current flying routine takes so much time and causes unnecessary hassle, driving may seem like the more appealing option. Though driving might save you money, you lose a great deal of time on the road.
With Surf Air Scheduled flights, you save valuable time that you would otherwise spend driving. Surf Air gets you to your destination quickly and allows you to work or relax while you fly hassle-free.
How does Surf Air membership work for businesses? Is there a business group plan?
Surf Air memberships are tied directly to each individual. Business requirements are incredibly unique, so we partner with certain companies to create custom plans that suit their needs. If you’re interested in other corporate or business membership options, please contact us at memberships@surfair.com for consideration.
In-Flight Experience
What in-flight amenities are on Surf Air Scheduled flights?
Flying is comfortable with Surf Air. Each of the Pilatus PC-12s is equipped with business-class seating where every seat is both a window and an aisle. There are also complementary snacks and drinks (alcohol included) on every flight.
How many bags may I bring on Surf Air Scheduled flights?
Members may bring multiple pieces of baggage so long as the total weight does not exceed 30 pounds and the total outside measurements do not exceed 44 linear inches.
Can I bring a child on a Surf Air Scheduled flight?
Yes. Children two and under may sit on the lap of a parent or guardian and do not require the purchase of an additional seat. We do only allow one lap-child per flight, so please contact memberservices@surfair.com to confirm your child.
Minors between the ages of 8-17 are permitted to travel unaccompanied on Surf Air, provided a form is signed upon drop-off and pickup by the child’s guardians. Please contact memberservices@surfair.com to notify them of unaccompanied minor’s travel.
How old does my child need to be to board a Surf Air Scheduled flight alone?
Children over the age of 15 are permitted to fly unaccompanied by an adult on Surf Air flight. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian or adult with written permission from the child’s legal guardian(s).
Can I bring a pet on a Surf Air Scheduled flight?
We allow one animal per flight, with registered Service Animals taking priority. We require 48 hours’ notice to book any animal, by notifying us at animals@surfair.com– so we may ensure animal priority and accommodate member allergy concerns. An animal fee of $50 will be charged for all non-service animals that do not occupy a seat. All animals over 20 lbs. (that do not fit safely in the lap or footprint of the owner) must occupy a seat with a single-use flight pass. Animals will not be permitted to travel on a standby basis.
What type of aircraft for the Surf Air Scheduled flights?
We fly the Pilatus PC-12, a beautiful, eight-seat executive aircraft with custom-designed interiors by Bespoken New York—so you’ll always have a spacious and comfortable leather seat.
Are the aircraft loud?
Our aircraft are quieter than many private jets; inside our aircraft, you’ll be able to sleep, work, or comfortably talk with your fellow fliers.
Who flies the aircraft?
Surf Air has pilots who have graduated from the best aviation universities and have flown thousands of passengers on commercial, military, charter, and private aircraft. Pilots are selected based on their experience, unwavering commitment to safety, desire to be the absolute best in the field, and passion for genuine personal service. What’s more, all Surf Air Scheduled service flights always fly with two pilots.
Is there a restroom on the aircraft?
Yes. There is a small private restroom on each of our Surf Air scheduled PC-12 aircraft. Candidly, on an aircraft of this size we recommend keeping it vacant and for emergency use only. Please reach out to Member Services for amenities for On Demand charter aircraft.
Will I have WiFi on the aircraft?
Not currently, but our airports have complimentary WiFi service.
What if my flight gets canceled due to weather?
Despite our most valiant efforts, we cannot control the weather. Weather may cause disruptions; for instance, the Santa Ana winds may blow or the coastal fog may roll in, preventing safe travel. We will do their best to make up the time, but cannot guarantee that flights will occur as planned, and safety will always be the priority.
Routes & Airports
Where can I park my car at an airport?
Each airport varies in parking policies and pricing, and is subject to change. Please call Member Services ahead of time if you would like more details on where to park.
- 10-day maximum
- $20 per overnight (same day is complimentary)
- A virtual parking permit is required for overnight parking
- Parking permit can be obtained online here
- You may hold onto your car keys
TRK – Truckee: (10356 Truckee Airport Rd Truckee, CA 96161)
- Parking permits are obtained via ParkMobile app
- Same day parking is complimentary
- $25 per overnight, with a 7 day maximum at the ‘Terminal Lot’
- $15 per overnight, with a 14 day maximum at the ‘Long Term Lot’
- $150 per month at the ‘Long Term Lot’
- See more detailed information on the airport website here
What other services will be available at your airports?
The airports where Surf Air fliers depart and arrive are outfitted with WiFi, snacks, beverages, restrooms, a comfortable lobby and lounge, plenty of outlets to charge your devices, parking options, and helpful Surf Air Flight Concierge on site to assist you with check in, luggage, and boarding procedures. We want to make you as comfortable as possible every step of the way.
Booking & Reservations
What is Surf Air's Scheduled flight disruption policy?
Effective December 2023
Operational Promise
For Surf Air Members:
All-You-Can-Fly Member Compensation:
- Flight Cancellations or delays greater than 90 minutes – Member may choose from one of the following:
- Complimentary Guest Flight (one-way), valid for 90 days
- Complimentary parking for 3 days (can save for future use)
- Flight Cancellation Penalty reversal
- Same-day or next-day commercial flight, up to $400
Pay-As-You-Fly Member (or guest) Compensation:
- Flight Cancellations or delays greater than 90 minutes – Member may choose from one of the following:
- Complimentary Guest Flight (one-way), valid for 90 days
- Complimentary parking for 3 days (can save for future use)
- Flight Cancellation Penalty reversal
- Same-day or next-day commercial flight, up to $400
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Operational Promise
For Marketplace Passengers (Non-Members):
Flight Delays:
- Delay of 1:30hrs – 3.59hrs: We’ll rebook you on an alternate Surf Air flight + receive up to $50 in Surf Air credit
- Delay of 4hrs – 5.59 hrs: We’ll rebook you on an alternate Surf Air flight + receive up to $100 in Surf Air credit
- Delay of 6 or more hours: We’ll rebook you on an alternate Surf Air flight + receive up to $150 Surf Air credit. Alternatively, we will issue a full refund to your original form of payment + up to $150 in Surf Air credit
Flight Cancellations:
- For flights cancelled within 72 hours of departure: We’ll rebook you on an alternate Surf Air flight + receive up to $150 in Surf Air credit. Alternatively, we will issue a full refund to your original form of payment + up to $150 in Surf Air credit.
- For flights cancelled outside of 72 hours of departure: We’ll rebook you on an alternate Surf Air flight + receive up to $50 credit. Alternatively, we will issue a full refund to your original form of payment + up to $50 in Surf Air credit.
Misc terms:
- The above compensation applies to flights disrupted that Surf Air assumes responsibility for. Compensation excludes flight disruptions outside of our control due to weather, force majeure, or Temporary Flight Restrictions.
- Surf Air is not responsible for covering alternative travel for events outside of our control, but we can assist with re-accommodating on another Surf Air flight. Whether the disruption is within or outside of our control, passengers may save their Surf Air credit for future use OR waive any fare difference if needing another similar flight.
- If your flight is disrupted, passengers may always rebook complimentary on similar Surf Air flights despite any cost increase.
- If you are required to stay overnight due to no comparable flight options, Surf Air may cover up to $400 in hotel stay + meals + ground transportation, if provided with corresponding receipts. Meal reimbursement must not exceed $100 and lodging must not exceed $400, with a $400 reimbursement total available.
- Passengers will not be eligible for an overnight hotel stay if the cancelled flight was scheduled to depart from an airport within thirty (30) miles of the Member’s residence.
- When possible, the Surf Air team will rebook the alternative travel versus reimburse.
- If you’re flying complimentary & your flight is impacted, Surf Air will rebook you on an alternate Surf Air flight, but will not cover flights on an alternate airline or any additional costs incurred.
- Surf Air credit is valid for 12 months from the issue date.
- Surf Air guest vouchers are valid for 90 days from the issue date, unless otherwise stated.
What is the cancellation policy?
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Surf Air Scheduled flights
- The cancellation policy will depend on the type of ticket purchased. This is visible during the booking process as well as in each confirmation email.
Surf On Demand charter flights
- Members: Flights cancelled at least 48 hours prior to the departure time are eligible for a 100% refund in Surf Air Credit.
Non-Members:
- Flights cancelled at least 72 hours prior to the departure time are eligible for a 100% refund in Surf Air Credit.
When should I arrive before my flight departs?
Surf Air Scheduled flights: Check-in ends 15 minutes prior to departure, so we recommend 20 minutes prior to departure. Unlike commercial travel, passengers will not wait in long security lines or board their flight 40 minutes prior to departure.
Surf On Demand charter flights: Generally speaking we recommend 30 minutes prior to departure for domestic flights, our team will let you know the details post booking as every airport is different.
How many Scheduled flights may I reserve?
For our unlimited flying memberships, you can keep two, four, or six reservations in advance at any given time (based on your membership plan). As soon as you fly, your reservation list is instantly refreshed, allowing you to book your next flight. (Just FYI: Connecting flights require the use of two flight passes.) For our pay-as-you-fly options, you may buy and book as many seats as far in advance as you’d like.
How do I cancel a reservation if I'm not going to make it?
Surf Air Scheduled flights:
If you’re a Surf Air Member, simply log in to the Surf Air mobile app, select the flight, and tap Cancel.
If you’re a non-member, please email Member Services at memberservices@surfair.com, or call at (888) 704-2582. Please review our cancellation policies in advance.
Safety & Security
How safe are the aircraft used on Surf Air Scheduled flights?
The Swiss-made Pilatus PC-12 is one of the most popular turbine-powered business aircraft on the market today. Around the globe, executive transport, cargo, air ambulance, airline, and government special mission operations have all trusted the PC-12 to get passengers to their destinations safely. Believing that optimum safety can only be achieved with products of exceptional quality, Pilatus has earned multiple industry-specific certificates and awards, including EN/AS 9100, the highest certification for an international aircraft manufacturer. For more information on the Pilatus PC-12, visit: www.pilatus-aircraft.com
What security measures do you use on Surf Air Scheduled flights?
As part of each membership application, we conduct thorough security checks on all Members and guests before their flight, and support with unobtrusive on-site checks before boarding as needed. You can keep your shoes on, as we’re TSA-free. Because your safety comes first, we conduct thorough security checks on all Members and guests prior to their flight with unobtrusive on-site checks before boarding as needed.
Growth & Expansion
What are the career or internship opportunities available at Surf Air?
We’re building an exceptional team of professionals looking to revolutionize the flying experience. Please click ere to go directly to our Careers page.
