Held annually in Des Moines, the Iowa State Fair is seen as a salute to the best of the best in the agriculture industry. This Midwest celebration has been an inspiration in many great works of art, including the original novel entitled State Fair by Phil Strong, a Broadway musical, and three films.
Do you love live music? The Grandstand at the Iowa State Fair will play host to some big, big names in the entertainment industry. From famed rockstars Foreigner gracing the stage on August 9 to country icon Jelly Roll on August 10 and Mötley Crüe on August 14 to many, many other talented performers, the Grandstand is where you’ll likely spend the majority of your time.
Whether you’re chartering a private jet for you and your staff or planning a family trip to the midwest, trust Stratos with your jet charter to Des Moines.
Those seeking cheap thrills will be pleasantly surprised by the attraction line-up.
Thrill Ville – This is where all the jaw-dropping, fast-paced attractions can be found.
Thrill Town – This set-up is perfect for the littlest State Fair attendees. With loads of stroller parking and tons of age-appropriate rides, the whole family will enjoy this little corner of the Fair.
Thrill Zone – For a heart-pumping, adrenaline-inducing experience, seek out the Thrill Zone.
Games Galore – Among the rides and food trucks are plenty of fun traditional fair-style games. Test your throwing arm, your accuracy with darts, and your strength while vying to win that coveted stuffed animal.
Fun Fair Fare
One of the best attractions to be found at the fair is the food, and the Iowa State Fair is no exception. Here you’ll find more than 200 vendors, 80 different food items served up on a stick, and hundreds of satisfying food options.
The most commonly chosen arrival airport for a jet charter to the Iowa State Fair is the Des Moines International Airport (DSM). It’s located southwest of the city and just 12 minutes from the downtown core. For those hoping to avoid the traffic of a commercial airport, the Ankeny Regional Airport (IKV) is located just 10 miles north of the city and is perfect for those chartering a smaller aircraft.
Are you looking for a thrilling fair experience? Stratos Jets can help you arrange a jet charter to the Iowa State Fair. And, once you land, our Trip Support Team can have a pre-arranged car and driver ready to whisk you and your travel companions away to the fair.
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
Jan Ansley
51504/03/2018
Stratos was so easy to work with. Kerri was so understanding of a couple itinerary changes we had to make to ensure a safe, smooth flight. As our charter ops director, I sincerely appreciate when our customers realize that our decisions are in their best interest. Though not always ideal, we always provide our best option given uncontrollable variables such as weather, winds, etc. Thank you so much for doing such an awesome job.
Any feedback you have would be greatly appreciated in return!
Robert G.
51506/12/2017
Everything went perfect. great job.
Yes I would recommend your company to my friends.
Jonathan G.
51502/21/2021
we will, repeat, refer, and appreciate, thank you.
Michael Aaby
51506/30/2017
It is clear that Stratos Jets is one of best charter brokerage companies in the world. When we get the pleasure to work with Joel and his entire team, we get to see first hand what sets them apart. The knowledge of operations, safety and different charter markets is always spot on. The trips are sent to us complete and executed flawlessly which makes the entire process more effiecient and better served the client. In addition to being one of the top aviation professional, Joel is a role model for many and I am grateful to have him part of my journey as a friend.
Corey P.
51506/07/2016
Nothing, Heather is amazing as always and the reason I will continue to fly with you.
Peter Hertel
51511/03/2016
Great charter flight with Stratos. They went the extra effort to ensure we had a comfortable jet with the highest safety standard.
Tim L.
51503/04/2016
We were thoroughly impressed with all aspects of these operations.
If at all possible, a method to protect the identity of passengers might be developed (whereby TSA rules are still met). If such a method already exists, my clients would appreciate knowing the details.
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!
William O.
51506/16/2021
Anthony quickly found a charter that met our destination and date requirements.
Lashonda R.
51506/22/2020
Steve made sure we had everything we needed. The travel arrangements were made easily and were efficient. 3 friends and myself had our first experience with flying private with Stratos. The food provided was delicious, the limo and transportation was perfect, and the entire experience was well worth the money. A special thank you to Pilot Dan! He was very helpful and made sure we were comfortable. Definitely a memorable experience. Stratos is my go to place when flying private from this point forward.
John N.
51511/03/2016
I booked a flight for my good clients and amazing service from pre departure to arrival. Friendly staff and always easy to reach. My clients left sunglasses in the plane and they are already on their way. I will use you for sure again.
Thanks again.
Gustavo Botura
51502/21/2022
Always great to work with you guys!
Gerald W.
51509/21/2013
the flight was very nice thank you and we will do more with you
Joel M.
51503/26/2018
Yes. Good. Good. Yes
Nancy D.
51509/17/2021
The flight was fabulous, fun, and delicious. The crew was fantastic--professional and courteous. The flight attendant was spectacular--warm, wonderful and extremely attentive. The agent's support was once again terrific, thoughtful and professional. We will highly recommend these services to others.
Robert C.
51510/17/2018
Heather was an important part of my chose in Stratos.
Joe M.
51505/09/2014
It was all great. The only problem even though the rental car was right there waiting for us, it had a terrible stale cigarette odor which was most uncomfortable for our journey home. That's not your fault but I would never rent from Hertz again.
E. Z.
51506/27/2017
Simon Crhistian did a great job.
Jim S.
51502/24/2022
All was good.
Laura L.
51506/18/2020
I will recommend Stratos and will give them Randy name/number, he was very professional, on the ball in all aspects!!!!! I had contacted 4 other companies - Randy was the best, that is why we went with Stratos .
Ron M.
51507/07/2014
Keep up the good work
Emily and Adam S.
51501/24/2018
Once again: Joel, Sarah and Sandra delivered a seamless experience as well as the pilots and ground crew. There was 5 feet of snow in Steamboat Springs after a blizzard (Hayden Airport) and we took off perfectly and had a very smooth flight despite weather. The jet was beautiful and the awesome pilots tolerated our golden retriever trying to take over the navigation of the plane and two cats meowing. Stratos arranged for transportation home and the driver was so pleasant. Super happy again and will continue to only use them. Thank you again!
Gene A.
51506/12/2017
Joel and the team at Stratos Jet Charters were great. Even on short notice, Joel was able to charter a plane for me in California and made sure that it was a smooth process the whole trip. He was readily available when I had several last minute changes to the itinerary. Highly recommend.
John K.
51506/08/2021
Zach was pleasant, knowledgeable, efficient and a delight to deal with. I have usually used another broker but Zach won the charter for your company Joel. Well done.
Joe B.
51505/16/2023
The whole process was easy and went BETTER than planned. Glenn was my agent and he made sure everything was handled completely and we had no worries. The plane left exactly on time and was an upgrade from the originally chosen plane. The car was waiting when we landed at the hanger and only had a few steps from the plan to the car. We made our appointment as planned and my family was so happy. I recommend Stratos highly.
Alfredo Olivares
51509/25/2017
It was great working with Joel he was involved from beginning to end in every aspect of the trip. We look forward to many trips together.
Thank you.
Terrance W
51510/23/2017
Would highly recommend EVERYONE ALIVE! Amazing service. Awesome team, from first call to post flight. Top flight!
Bobbi Dent
51507/03/2022
Looking forward to our next booking with you!
Professionalism at its finest!
Bill P.
51509/12/2013
awesome
Shari G.
51501/24/2018
As the assistant who actually booked the trip and made the plans for my employer and her family, I must say that the experience was a new one for me. That said, the unfamiliar process was made much simpler thanks to the knowledge, expertise and patience of my rep, Christina Nesbit. She was extremely informative and helped thru each step of the process, reassuring me that the passengers were getting the most appropriate plane for their needs.
I will double check to be sure there isn't any additional feedback I am missing, but to date I was told that the flight was a pleasurable one and they were appreciative and impressed that the President came to greet them pre flight as well.
Thank you,
Shari
Zac Steinberg
51502/21/2022
Great partnership and always a pleasure working with your team! We are all looking forward to many more.
Elisha K.
51511/22/2019
Thanks for all your updates. I could get used to this.
David R.
51505/03/2017
The low approach over Newport was terrific....CAD even stopped talking. Have a nice w/e....David
Nisreen S.
51501/29/2019
Thanks for everything Joel... You made the booking process quite easy and were very patient in explaining everything. I appreciate all your help and I will definitely pass your contact information to all my co-workers in case they ever have a request for a jet booking.
Scott J.
51507/18/2019
Yes I enjoyed it they was very easy to work with and did what they said they were going to. I would recommend to other people
Debbie Parker
51505/05/2021
Your team was easy to work with and the clients were great. We look forward to working with you again. our trip # was Z0HQZZ
David A.
51503/26/2020
Picture perfect. If I had one small complaint it was the outbound plane had no water in the bathroom
Tyler Grady
51505/10/2018
I work on the operator side of this business. Joel and his team (Christina, Simon, Kerry, and more) are all incredibly wonderful to work with. They are always responsive in a timely manner and deliver accurate information consistently. They bring a very positive attitude and outlook to this industry. Hopeful to book many more trips with them in the future.
Gustavo Botura
51510/14/2021
You guys are great to work with!
Steve R.
51503/22/2023
Excellent service on very short notice! Since I was stranded at the Orlando Airport, Anthony got me out of bind of trying to get back home with impending work commitments. Good aircraft and crew....very smooth ride from Orlando to Jackson, MS. Stratos did a great job!
Frank B.
51509/05/2017
Excellent
Jason T.
51506/02/2021
I called with pretty much an immediate need. With in two hours trip was covered. Great service
Matt S.
51505/31/2022
amazing experience.
Matteo G.
51506/20/2017
From pre-trip planning to updates via text message on your way to the airport, Stratos had us covered. We made our way from Emirates @ JFK and the FOB transfer was easy. Joel had already updated Julie (my assistant) before we landed that there were long delays out of JFK due to weather. The transfer to FBO was easy and they were expecting us. The plane was comfortable and modern and the crew could not have been kinder. Thank you guys as always for a great trip. Flight was great and the crew took us right past the storms and my one year old son slept the whole trip; a much needed reprieve for my wife and I.
Christina H.
51508/23/2013
Kevin is great to work with. I'll call him again.
the aircraft crew were great.
Thank you for making this trip so easy for us.
Nicole M.
51512/17/2018
I could not ask for more, I love using Stratos and will never use anyone else!
Dave R.
51503/29/2014
We have used another broker and they too have been very good. I have enjoyed the two trips that I have booked with you and I have booked a third next month
Curt C.
51510/09/2020
All aspects pf the trip were easy and very worthwhile!!
Michael M.
51503/05/2024
So easy to work with. Terrific communications.
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!
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!
Jan Ansley
Stratos was so easy to work with. Kerri was so understanding of a couple itinerary changes we had to make to ensure a safe, smooth flight. As our charter ops director, I sincerely appreciate when our customers realize that our decisions are in their best interest. Though not always ideal, we always provide our best option given uncontrollable variables such as weather, winds, etc. Thank you so much for doing such an awesome job. Any feedback you have would be greatly appreciated in return!
Robert G.
Everything went perfect. great job. Yes I would recommend your company to my friends.
Jonathan G.
we will, repeat, refer, and appreciate, thank you.
Michael Aaby
It is clear that Stratos Jets is one of best charter brokerage companies in the world. When we get the pleasure to work with Joel and his entire team, we get to see first hand what sets them apart. The knowledge of operations, safety and different charter markets is always spot on. The trips are sent to us complete and executed flawlessly which makes the entire process more effiecient and better served the client. In addition to being one of the top aviation professional, Joel is a role model for many and I am grateful to have him part of my journey as a friend.
Corey P.
Nothing, Heather is amazing as always and the reason I will continue to fly with you.
Peter Hertel
Great charter flight with Stratos. They went the extra effort to ensure we had a comfortable jet with the highest safety standard.
Tim L.
We were thoroughly impressed with all aspects of these operations. If at all possible, a method to protect the identity of passengers might be developed (whereby TSA rules are still met). If such a method already exists, my clients would appreciate knowing the details.
Vicki B.
Ricky was awesome and everything went smoothly. I will certainly use your services again should a need arise. Thank you for everything!
William O.
Anthony quickly found a charter that met our destination and date requirements.
Lashonda R.
Steve made sure we had everything we needed. The travel arrangements were made easily and were efficient. 3 friends and myself had our first experience with flying private with Stratos. The food provided was delicious, the limo and transportation was perfect, and the entire experience was well worth the money. A special thank you to Pilot Dan! He was very helpful and made sure we were comfortable. Definitely a memorable experience. Stratos is my go to place when flying private from this point forward.
John N.
I booked a flight for my good clients and amazing service from pre departure to arrival. Friendly staff and always easy to reach. My clients left sunglasses in the plane and they are already on their way. I will use you for sure again. Thanks again.
Gustavo Botura
Always great to work with you guys!
Gerald W.
the flight was very nice thank you and we will do more with you
Joel M.
Yes. Good. Good. Yes
Nancy D.
The flight was fabulous, fun, and delicious. The crew was fantastic--professional and courteous. The flight attendant was spectacular--warm, wonderful and extremely attentive. The agent's support was once again terrific, thoughtful and professional. We will highly recommend these services to others.
Robert C.
Heather was an important part of my chose in Stratos.
Joe M.
It was all great. The only problem even though the rental car was right there waiting for us, it had a terrible stale cigarette odor which was most uncomfortable for our journey home. That's not your fault but I would never rent from Hertz again.
E. Z.
Simon Crhistian did a great job.
Jim S.
All was good.
Laura L.
I will recommend Stratos and will give them Randy name/number, he was very professional, on the ball in all aspects!!!!! I had contacted 4 other companies - Randy was the best, that is why we went with Stratos .
Ron M.
Keep up the good work
Emily and Adam S.
Once again: Joel, Sarah and Sandra delivered a seamless experience as well as the pilots and ground crew. There was 5 feet of snow in Steamboat Springs after a blizzard (Hayden Airport) and we took off perfectly and had a very smooth flight despite weather. The jet was beautiful and the awesome pilots tolerated our golden retriever trying to take over the navigation of the plane and two cats meowing. Stratos arranged for transportation home and the driver was so pleasant. Super happy again and will continue to only use them. Thank you again!
Gene A.
Joel and the team at Stratos Jet Charters were great. Even on short notice, Joel was able to charter a plane for me in California and made sure that it was a smooth process the whole trip. He was readily available when I had several last minute changes to the itinerary. Highly recommend.
John K.
Zach was pleasant, knowledgeable, efficient and a delight to deal with. I have usually used another broker but Zach won the charter for your company Joel. Well done.
Joe B.
The whole process was easy and went BETTER than planned. Glenn was my agent and he made sure everything was handled completely and we had no worries. The plane left exactly on time and was an upgrade from the originally chosen plane. The car was waiting when we landed at the hanger and only had a few steps from the plan to the car. We made our appointment as planned and my family was so happy. I recommend Stratos highly.
Alfredo Olivares
It was great working with Joel he was involved from beginning to end in every aspect of the trip. We look forward to many trips together. Thank you.
Terrance W
Would highly recommend EVERYONE ALIVE! Amazing service. Awesome team, from first call to post flight. Top flight!
Bobbi Dent
Looking forward to our next booking with you! Professionalism at its finest!
Bill P.
awesome
Shari G.
As the assistant who actually booked the trip and made the plans for my employer and her family, I must say that the experience was a new one for me. That said, the unfamiliar process was made much simpler thanks to the knowledge, expertise and patience of my rep, Christina Nesbit. She was extremely informative and helped thru each step of the process, reassuring me that the passengers were getting the most appropriate plane for their needs. I will double check to be sure there isn't any additional feedback I am missing, but to date I was told that the flight was a pleasurable one and they were appreciative and impressed that the President came to greet them pre flight as well. Thank you, Shari
Zac Steinberg
Great partnership and always a pleasure working with your team! We are all looking forward to many more.
Elisha K.
Thanks for all your updates. I could get used to this.
David R.
Nisreen S.
Thanks for everything Joel... You made the booking process quite easy and were very patient in explaining everything. I appreciate all your help and I will definitely pass your contact information to all my co-workers in case they ever have a request for a jet booking.
Scott J.
Yes I enjoyed it they was very easy to work with and did what they said they were going to. I would recommend to other people
Debbie Parker
Your team was easy to work with and the clients were great. We look forward to working with you again. our trip # was Z0HQZZ
David A.
Picture perfect. If I had one small complaint it was the outbound plane had no water in the bathroom
Tyler Grady
I work on the operator side of this business. Joel and his team (Christina, Simon, Kerry, and more) are all incredibly wonderful to work with. They are always responsive in a timely manner and deliver accurate information consistently. They bring a very positive attitude and outlook to this industry. Hopeful to book many more trips with them in the future.
Gustavo Botura
You guys are great to work with!
Steve R.
Excellent service on very short notice! Since I was stranded at the Orlando Airport, Anthony got me out of bind of trying to get back home with impending work commitments. Good aircraft and crew....very smooth ride from Orlando to Jackson, MS. Stratos did a great job!
Frank B.
Excellent
Jason T.
I called with pretty much an immediate need. With in two hours trip was covered. Great service
Matt S.
amazing experience.
Matteo G.
From pre-trip planning to updates via text message on your way to the airport, Stratos had us covered. We made our way from Emirates @ JFK and the FOB transfer was easy. Joel had already updated Julie (my assistant) before we landed that there were long delays out of JFK due to weather. The transfer to FBO was easy and they were expecting us. The plane was comfortable and modern and the crew could not have been kinder. Thank you guys as always for a great trip. Flight was great and the crew took us right past the storms and my one year old son slept the whole trip; a much needed reprieve for my wife and I.
Christina H.
Kevin is great to work with. I'll call him again. the aircraft crew were great. Thank you for making this trip so easy for us.
Nicole M.
I could not ask for more, I love using Stratos and will never use anyone else!
Dave R.
We have used another broker and they too have been very good. I have enjoyed the two trips that I have booked with you and I have booked a third next month
Curt C.
All aspects pf the trip were easy and very worthwhile!!
Michael M.
So easy to work with. Terrific communications.
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!