RAGBRAI – The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa
The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa
Each year, cyclists from across the globe flock to Iowa to take part in the largest and longest non-competitive bike-touring event in the country and the world.
Since 1973, the RAGBRAI route averages roughly 470 miles and features a wide variety of terrain. During the last full week of July, bicycle enthusiasts get started somewhere along Iowa’s western border on the Missouri River. The route ends along the eastern border of the Mississippi River.
To keep things exciting, the route changes every year. The route is always announced in January at the Iowa Bike Expo during the RAGBRAI Route Announcement Party.
Due to the popularity of the event, registration takes place early in the year. From there, a random computer lottery decides who will take part in the ride come July. There’s only room for 8,500 week-long riders and 1,500 day riders. If this is your year to ride, Stratos Jet Charters can arrange private jets to RAGBRAI in Iowa with plenty of time to load up on carbs and dip the rear wheel of your bike in the Missouri River.
Recommended private jets for your charter flight to Iowa
With so many options available from only the best air carriers in the country, Stratos is the leading charter broker for arranging transportation to RAGBRAI.
Because the route changes annually, your destination may change as well. However, some of the most popular airports in western Iowa include: Des Moines International Airport (DSM), Atlantic Municipal Airport (AIO), Sioux Gateway Airport (SUX), and Spencer Municipal Airport (SPW).
Are you looking to experience the largest recreational bike tour in the world? Stratos Jets can arrange private jets to Iowa and anywhere else in the world. When you touch down, our Trip Support Team can have you off to the race in minutes with a pre-arranged car and driver, rental vehicle or anything else you might need.
Every charter flight review on this page was submitted by a real Stratos Jets customer. In the interest of transparency, we never change reviews or use incentives to influence these reviews. This way, you can hear directly from our past and current clients about how we handled their private travel experience.
4.5/5(22)
4.7/5(25)
4.8/5(568)
4.8/5
566 Reviews
4.7/5
25 Reviews
4.5/5
22 Reviews
5/5
4 Reviews
Overall rating (4.89 out of 5) Based on 673 reviews from our trusted Jet Charter reviews
Matteo G.
51506/21/2021
Fantastic experience as always with Stratos! Joel and his team found us a great flight with a brand new airplane that accommodated all of our family and our schedule. The value can’t be over stated Joel always places us with the right equipment for the right trip
Virginia D.
51505/21/2020
As always, the booking went well, the trip was on time, the crew great: another perfect flight. Thanks.
Michael A.
51501/02/2021
We had a great experience, Anthony our contact was in close contact before the flight keeping us updated and the service was excellent on both sides.
Robert E.
51508/05/2012
Toilet paper, Pillows and blankets
Nicole M.
51512/17/2018
I could not ask for more, I love using Stratos and will never use anyone else!
Justin M.
51511/03/2016
Peace of mind!!! My family and I just completed our first charter on a private jet with Stratos. My wife and I have been on a few of our friend’s charters before and I fly regularly on my company's aircraft but this was the first charter of our own. Stratos and specifically Joel Thomas made my wife and I feel that we were in great hands throughout the planning, selection and ultimately flight process. Family loved it!!! Great experience.
Joel M.
51502/05/2018
Always enjoy flying privately. Exciting from planning a trip to booking to flight(s). Predominantly use Stratos. Attentive and personal service. Joel Thomas was a great go to person. All subcontractors that they use have been top-notched. Only critique is I obtained better final pricing of the flight when I received quotes from other charter companies. Seems to be an industry thing about competitive pricing in order to obtain the best price. Yes I would recommend Stratos.
Bill M.
51512/21/2021
Stratos service is professional, prompt, proactive and easy to do business with. Any questions or concerns they get on it right away ( ie itinerary changes) and very accommodating. I recommend them to all my friends, and when I travel Stratos is my first call.
Jay O.
51506/20/2021
Probably the best charter experience I have ever had. Zach really came through for me when I was in a bind. Thanks Zach and keep up the good work.
Chris B.
51504/13/2017
None. My experience with Strosjets honestly couldn't have been better
Scott M.
51502/03/2022
Great experience on a nice small private jet.
Brian S.
51506/19/2021
Everything from start to finish was great will definitely be utilizing Stratos again
John S.
51503/23/2022
Start to finish the team was very professional.
Jerry H.
51512/18/2017
Everyone was great
Kerry O.
51503/26/2021
Glenn was great - very responsive. Would have given our experience 5 stars had the airport we intended to land (Ocean Reef) been secured when I paid the monies, instead of 3 days before our scheduled departure from HPN.
Harry W.
51510/31/2022
Everything was great with the trip; it was a bit rushed on my part and Danny was a rockstar! He gave me many options and honest and frank feedback and advice. He made me feel like I was the only client he had and was incredibly responsive to all my questions and concerns. Stress-free and relaxing is the best way to summarize my experience. I will always use Stratos and Danny!! thank you to all the team as well!
Edelweis Sorianosos
51510/14/2019
Kim was such a pleasure to work with and always kept in contact with us whenever there was a change or new request. She was professional and courteous, I look forward to working with her in the future if Stratos chooses to book from our fleet again :)
Sally B.
51504/27/2020
Thank You very much. Our experience from the beginning to the end were handled with such care and consideration. Felt very comfortable and am very glad that we chose you.
Robert C.
51510/17/2018
Heather was an important part of my chose in Stratos.
Nick G.
51511/05/2021
Outstanding service throughout entire process. Able to meet requirements quickly Professional service provided while maintaining a personal touch
Sandy S.
51507/22/2024
Loved the service! Loved the service!
Sara P.
51501/08/2023
Working with Kerry Hill and Joel A. Thomas from Stratos is always a pleasure for us at Regency. There is clear communication from start to finish. Client expectations are laid out, so that we can work our best to execute them. They communicate with us in a timely manner, and of course expect the same from us. Their clients are respectful of our jets and our crews. We definitely enjoy partnering and are looking forward to many more come 2023!
Richard S.
51512/17/2016
This charter was a wonderful experience, from Will's handling of details at Stratos to a great piece of equipment and a top notch crew. I can't speak highly enough of Leo and Craig. I have spent a lot of time on mid-size aircraft, and this crew would rate at the very top of all I've met.
Please extend our sincere thanks to Will, Leo, and Craig.
Peter G.
51506/03/2020
My representative Simon did a really good job explaining my options and arranging our charter. Disappointed our charter Was 30 minutes late due to routine maintenance. Since it was routine, obviously it should have been scheduled to not interfere with our flight schedule. One of the big reason for the charter was to avoid sitting around a lounge in the Covid era. Due to the delay, that’s exactly what we did. Small issues, but water wasn’t working in lavatory, cabin temperature was a bit erratic, and air vent dripped water. Crew was courteous and flight was fine.
--------------------------
Dear Peter,
Thank you for taking time to provide feedback regarding your recent flight on N860TX. After receiving your review, I investigated the matter to learn a bit more about what was going on.
During the pre-flight check, the crew discovered a maintenance issue that, while minor, needed to be resolved prior to your departure. Unfortunately, resulting in a delay in your schedule. We understand that the value of private aviation is oriented around your schedule and privacy, but we can not prioritize that over safety. In the case of the delay, it is a result of the crews concern for safety of flight. Regardless, our team values your feedback and have shared it with the air carrier as well.
We look forward to working with you again on your next trip and will seek to ensure a smoother travel experience.
All my best,
Joel A. Thomas
President and CEO
Jeff P.
51510/14/2021
As always, Stratos has the best selection of aircraft and crew. Zach is amazing to work with.
John S.
51507/22/2021
Anthony did an excellent job arranging a convenient flight at the right price to get us back to Canada Limo service was very efficient Plan to get Anthony to get us back to Florida in January
Cathy L.
51507/03/2019
As always, Kerry did a great job for us. Very happy with aircraft interior, performance and crew.
John Westbrook
51511/21/2024
Team, We were advised the flights went well and the passengers were happy.
Randall H.
51507/09/2021
Superb service.
Eric Sanchez
51503/21/2023
I love the team and especially working with Kerry. Always a pleasure
Britt Morque
51507/31/2023
Daniel is knowledgeable, responsive and professional. Great job!
Tom C.
51508/12/2020
Let me just add K___ and my thanks for a perfect flight. Great crew, great plane and and wonderful flight. Doesn't get any better.
John S.
51501/02/2021
All items of booking, plane flight, pilots and limo pick up were great Anthony was the best to deal with; lots of communication in every part of process. Will be returning with you in May. Would also recommend to friends and colleagues
Lynda K.
51511/29/2023
The folks at Stratos are among the most client oriented firms I work with. They are prompt, polite and always do their best to accommodate me and my guests.
Keep it up!
Julie T.
51503/27/2024
I've had 3 round trips with Stratos and except for a little fog on one leg everything was always great! The pilots were all awesome! StratosJets is a very dedicated company to make sure everything is safe and sound.
Charles C.
51508/12/2020
Glenn is great to work with and very professional.
Sincerely, C. D. C.
Charles D.
51510/14/2014
For our far flung family, Stratos has been a consistently dependable, and cost conscious alternative to fractional and no-minimum jet programs. For us, safety is number one and cost is number two... Stratos has excelled in both areas. Their response to requests is always prompt and personal. It is a pleasure working with Stratos.
Brandi P.
51504/14/2020
Always a pleasure working with Stratos Jets. Never have had a bad experience.
Mike S.
51505/03/2018
My family has flown with you dozens of times. Everything, from booking, to the flights, to the follow-up shows that you care about your customers. I would definitely recommend Stratos & have already done so.
David O.
51512/21/2021
Booking was easy, you made thr whole experience easy.
John D.
51509/24/2020
From the moment we arrived at your facility where one employee came to greet us and take our luggage to the friendliness of the pilots and their updates during the flight to the thank you by the pilots after arrival, Stratos was wonderful. The one item that I realize is out of your control is the Signature waiting area at EYW. When we left, there was a family of 5 without masks. Masks are required. When we returned, the same experience, a group of 2 couples without masks were laughing and not maintaining social distancing.
Elisha K.
51511/22/2019
Thanks for all your updates. I could get used to this.
Vicki B.
51512/07/2016
Ricky was awesome and everything went smoothly. I will certainly use your services again should a need arise. Thank you for everything!
Sara Nemser
51501/01/2019
Stratos is very professional, great communication, easy to work with
Jim W.
51503/14/2017
Joel
I do not use google sign in re survey
Let me simply say Ms Hill was outstanding every step of the way as was the service at Dolphin Sun night
Thank you
Jim W.
Charter flight Omaha to Sarasota Mar 12
Rick H.
51506/08/2021
Easy to book with a lot of options regarding the type of aircraft needed
Gary C.
51505/01/2020
Joel and his staff made a family loss so much easier to deal with. They are like family and they have my business whenever I need it and they’re available.
Ron M.
51507/07/2014
Keep up the good work
Michael M.
51503/05/2024
So easy to work with. Terrific communications.
Benjamin Harrison
51507/19/2017
I have worked with Joel and Stratos Jets for several years and it has always been a pleasure. Most recently they booked a flight from St Petersburg, FL to Sanford, FL to Niagara Falls, NY with us on our Citation CJ1. The experience, as always was flawless and realtime feedback and communication meant the ASAP flight went without a hitch. Thank you Joel and team, I look forward to many more years of business with you.
Our friendly, expert air charter agents are here to answer questions or start your quote today. Don`t wait, call right now and we can get you on your way to the destination of your choice! Talk to one of our air chater argents now by calling (888) 593-9066 or by emailing [email protected]
How do I choose the right aircraft for my mission?
As charter brokers, we do more than simply book your charter flight. At Stratos Jets, our air charter associates are highly trained personnel capable of matching our clients with the appropriate aircraft for their travel needs. Once we determine how many passengers you’re travelling with and how far you’re flying, we can determine which category of aircraft you require. There are many options available. The most common aircrafts hired for private charters include:
Cessna’s Citation X
Gulfstream’s G650
Bombardier’s Global line
After that, we can help you narrow down the selection of recommended aircraft based on budget, desired cabin amenities, airport requirements, luggage capacity, as well as aircraft age and performance capabilities.
Staying Safe in the Skies
At Stratos Jets, air charter safety is our number one concern. One of our key policies is to increase consumer education. This ensures our clients are able to make informed decisions. We also work with our aircraft providers to ensure their safety training programs meet and even exceed our air charter safety requirements. To make this happen, Stratos Jets is an ARGUS Certified Broker. This means that our brokerage firm is:
Committed to the best industry practices
Adhering to all applicable safety regulations
Maintaining the appropriate insurance coverage required
Are there additional costs per private jet rental passenger?
There are no additional costs per passenger. At Stratos Jet Charters, we base our private jet rental prices per hour, not per guest.
The Stratos Pricing Estimator
If you would like to estimate the cost of a private jet charter, use our Stratos pricing estimator page. It lists the most common estimates based on destination and aircraft type. And you can always enter customized data to get an estimate for a specific destination.
Additional Concierge Charges
We do charge for some of our additional concierge services, such as in-flight catering and entertainment, hotel bookings and ground transportation. We know our clients’ time is precious, so we offer the value and convenience of “one-stop-shopping” through our Trip Support team. When you book a flight with Stratos Jet Charters, we can take care of all the logistics, including booking hotels, meeting spaces, limousines and tickets to special events. That way you can relax, and enjoy your trip.
Empty Leg Charters
Also, since we charge per hour, not per passenger, there are travel bargains to be found with our Empty Leg Flights. Many of our private jet rental flights are one-way, and then we need to move the aircraft to a new destination. To reduce the costs of flying an empty aircraft, we offer discounts to travelers with flexible itineraries. Clever passengers will sometimes split the cost with their fellow travelers, thereby reducing the cost for everyone on the flight.
Can I make last-minute changes to my itinerary?
If your plans need to change, we will do everything in our power to accommodate the changes. One of the benefits of hiring Stratos Jet Charters is that we have much more flexibility than commercial airlines and can provide many more air charter services.
We have two teams that can help you. Here is a brief description of each:
Charter Sales Agents
This is the initial contact team. They evaluate your travel needs to identify the appropriate aircraft type for your travel plan. Pricing is determined by aircraft availability, its position related to the intended departure location and the position of where the aircraft needs to be after performing the customer’s flight.
Trip Support Team
Once the aircraft has been selected, Trip Support works with the customer, the air carrier and all concierge service providers to organize all of the travel details. Trip Support is responsible for coordinating:
Departure time
Departure and arrival at the Fixed Base departure location
Ensuring assigned crew members meet Stratos experience requirements
Making sure the insurance is current and everyone is protected
Coordinating all concierge services
In reference to last-minute itinerary changes, any changes would go through the Trip Support Team.
Our customers often have demanding flight itineraries that can change quickly. They’ve come to appreciate knowing there’s an entire team of people focused on organizing all the details of their trip. Stratos Jet Charters wants to provide our clients with consistently outstanding air charter service and an impeccable safety record.
Are you ready to book your Can I make last-minute changes to my itinerary? charter flight yet?
Our friendly, expert air charter agents are here to answer questions or start your quote today. Don`t wait, call now and we'll get you on your way to your destination!
Matteo G.
Fantastic experience as always with Stratos! Joel and his team found us a great flight with a brand new airplane that accommodated all of our family and our schedule. The value can’t be over stated Joel always places us with the right equipment for the right trip
Virginia D.
As always, the booking went well, the trip was on time, the crew great: another perfect flight. Thanks.
Michael A.
We had a great experience, Anthony our contact was in close contact before the flight keeping us updated and the service was excellent on both sides.
Robert E.
Toilet paper, Pillows and blankets
Nicole M.
I could not ask for more, I love using Stratos and will never use anyone else!
Justin M.
Peace of mind!!! My family and I just completed our first charter on a private jet with Stratos. My wife and I have been on a few of our friend’s charters before and I fly regularly on my company's aircraft but this was the first charter of our own. Stratos and specifically Joel Thomas made my wife and I feel that we were in great hands throughout the planning, selection and ultimately flight process. Family loved it!!! Great experience.
Joel M.
Always enjoy flying privately. Exciting from planning a trip to booking to flight(s). Predominantly use Stratos. Attentive and personal service. Joel Thomas was a great go to person. All subcontractors that they use have been top-notched. Only critique is I obtained better final pricing of the flight when I received quotes from other charter companies. Seems to be an industry thing about competitive pricing in order to obtain the best price. Yes I would recommend Stratos.
Bill M.
Stratos service is professional, prompt, proactive and easy to do business with. Any questions or concerns they get on it right away ( ie itinerary changes) and very accommodating. I recommend them to all my friends, and when I travel Stratos is my first call.
Jay O.
Probably the best charter experience I have ever had. Zach really came through for me when I was in a bind. Thanks Zach and keep up the good work.
Chris B.
None. My experience with Strosjets honestly couldn't have been better
Scott M.
Great experience on a nice small private jet.
Brian S.
Everything from start to finish was great will definitely be utilizing Stratos again
John S.
Start to finish the team was very professional.
Jerry H.
Everyone was great
Kerry O.
Glenn was great - very responsive. Would have given our experience 5 stars had the airport we intended to land (Ocean Reef) been secured when I paid the monies, instead of 3 days before our scheduled departure from HPN.
Harry W.
Everything was great with the trip; it was a bit rushed on my part and Danny was a rockstar! He gave me many options and honest and frank feedback and advice. He made me feel like I was the only client he had and was incredibly responsive to all my questions and concerns. Stress-free and relaxing is the best way to summarize my experience. I will always use Stratos and Danny!! thank you to all the team as well!
Edelweis Sorianosos
Kim was such a pleasure to work with and always kept in contact with us whenever there was a change or new request. She was professional and courteous, I look forward to working with her in the future if Stratos chooses to book from our fleet again :)
Sally B.
Thank You very much. Our experience from the beginning to the end were handled with such care and consideration. Felt very comfortable and am very glad that we chose you.
Robert C.
Heather was an important part of my chose in Stratos.
Nick G.
Outstanding service throughout entire process. Able to meet requirements quickly Professional service provided while maintaining a personal touch
Sandy S.
Loved the service! Loved the service!
Sara P.
Working with Kerry Hill and Joel A. Thomas from Stratos is always a pleasure for us at Regency. There is clear communication from start to finish. Client expectations are laid out, so that we can work our best to execute them. They communicate with us in a timely manner, and of course expect the same from us. Their clients are respectful of our jets and our crews. We definitely enjoy partnering and are looking forward to many more come 2023!
Richard S.
This charter was a wonderful experience, from Will's handling of details at Stratos to a great piece of equipment and a top notch crew. I can't speak highly enough of Leo and Craig. I have spent a lot of time on mid-size aircraft, and this crew would rate at the very top of all I've met. Please extend our sincere thanks to Will, Leo, and Craig.
Peter G.
My representative Simon did a really good job explaining my options and arranging our charter. Disappointed our charter Was 30 minutes late due to routine maintenance. Since it was routine, obviously it should have been scheduled to not interfere with our flight schedule. One of the big reason for the charter was to avoid sitting around a lounge in the Covid era. Due to the delay, that’s exactly what we did. Small issues, but water wasn’t working in lavatory, cabin temperature was a bit erratic, and air vent dripped water. Crew was courteous and flight was fine.
--------------------------
President and CEO
Jeff P.
As always, Stratos has the best selection of aircraft and crew. Zach is amazing to work with.
John S.
Anthony did an excellent job arranging a convenient flight at the right price to get us back to Canada Limo service was very efficient Plan to get Anthony to get us back to Florida in January
Cathy L.
As always, Kerry did a great job for us. Very happy with aircraft interior, performance and crew.
John Westbrook
Team, We were advised the flights went well and the passengers were happy.
Randall H.
Superb service.
Eric Sanchez
I love the team and especially working with Kerry. Always a pleasure
Britt Morque
Daniel is knowledgeable, responsive and professional. Great job!
Tom C.
Let me just add K___ and my thanks for a perfect flight. Great crew, great plane and and wonderful flight. Doesn't get any better.
John S.
All items of booking, plane flight, pilots and limo pick up were great Anthony was the best to deal with; lots of communication in every part of process. Will be returning with you in May. Would also recommend to friends and colleagues
Lynda K.
The folks at Stratos are among the most client oriented firms I work with. They are prompt, polite and always do their best to accommodate me and my guests. Keep it up!
Julie T.
I've had 3 round trips with Stratos and except for a little fog on one leg everything was always great! The pilots were all awesome! StratosJets is a very dedicated company to make sure everything is safe and sound.
Charles C.
Charles D.
For our far flung family, Stratos has been a consistently dependable, and cost conscious alternative to fractional and no-minimum jet programs. For us, safety is number one and cost is number two... Stratos has excelled in both areas. Their response to requests is always prompt and personal. It is a pleasure working with Stratos.
Brandi P.
Always a pleasure working with Stratos Jets. Never have had a bad experience.
Mike S.
My family has flown with you dozens of times. Everything, from booking, to the flights, to the follow-up shows that you care about your customers. I would definitely recommend Stratos & have already done so.
David O.
Booking was easy, you made thr whole experience easy.
John D.
From the moment we arrived at your facility where one employee came to greet us and take our luggage to the friendliness of the pilots and their updates during the flight to the thank you by the pilots after arrival, Stratos was wonderful. The one item that I realize is out of your control is the Signature waiting area at EYW. When we left, there was a family of 5 without masks. Masks are required. When we returned, the same experience, a group of 2 couples without masks were laughing and not maintaining social distancing.
Elisha K.
Thanks for all your updates. I could get used to this.
Vicki B.
Ricky was awesome and everything went smoothly. I will certainly use your services again should a need arise. Thank you for everything!
Sara Nemser
Stratos is very professional, great communication, easy to work with
Jim W.
Joel I do not use google sign in re survey Let me simply say Ms Hill was outstanding every step of the way as was the service at Dolphin Sun night Thank you Jim W. Charter flight Omaha to Sarasota Mar 12
Rick H.
Easy to book with a lot of options regarding the type of aircraft needed
Gary C.
Joel and his staff made a family loss so much easier to deal with. They are like family and they have my business whenever I need it and they’re available.
Ron M.
Keep up the good work
Michael M.
So easy to work with. Terrific communications.
Benjamin Harrison
I have worked with Joel and Stratos Jets for several years and it has always been a pleasure. Most recently they booked a flight from St Petersburg, FL to Sanford, FL to Niagara Falls, NY with us on our Citation CJ1. The experience, as always was flawless and realtime feedback and communication meant the ASAP flight went without a hitch. Thank you Joel and team, I look forward to many more years of business with you.