Two minutes, one and a quarter mile, $5 million in prizes—what’s not to love about the Kentucky Derby? Now in its 150th year, the thrill returns to the revitalized Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on May 4.
The first leg of the Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness and Belmont Stakes, the Kentucky Derby is the pinnacle of Grade I stakes races in the United States and brings together three-year-old thoroughbred colts, geldings and fillies in the “Run of the Roses.”
After a two-week Kentucky Derby Festival and a day full of lower-stakes races, one winning horse will be draped in a blanket of roses.
Every year on the first Sunday in May, thousands of betters and horse racing fans flock to Louisville. This swell of visitors can cause congestion on major highways and scheduled flights into Kentucky.
For the discerning traveler, private flights offer the ultimate in luxury and comfort while empowering you to fly on your own schedule and skip the crowds. At Stratos Jets, we’ve been flying enthusiasts to the races for nearly 20 years.
Louisville International Airport is by far the most popular arrival airport for all travelers en route to the Kentucky Derby. Thankfully, when you fly private, you get to fly on your own schedule and to the airport of your choosing.
When you touch down in Kentucky, you’ll want to get off to the races. Save time renting a car or hailing a cab with our ground transportation services. Simply let our Trip Support Team know how we can help before you take off, and we’ll take care of the rest.
We can handle everything from coordinating a rental car to hiring a limousine and driver, to booking a stay at one of Louisville’s top-rated luxury hotels. We look forward to helping ensure a memorable visit to the Kentucky Derby.
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
George L.
51504/13/2017
Great service! Anne and I will contact you, probably in mid-January about our next trip to Florida. Thanks and have a good evening.
Matteo G.
51502/13/2017
Stratos takes the complicated process of private air charter and makes it simple. They have helped me through the process and Joel even turned down my offer for purchasing a Pre-paid Jet card because he advised that it would not be a good fit for my home airport and family lifestyle. I shortly became a client after that because that experience was indicative of the company's overall honesty and great ethos.
We have Chartered with Joel on multiple occasions and always get the the 3Gs of private air travel - Great Safety, Great Plane & Great Price.
Stratos is a great company and they put your safety 1st and make the process easy. You can text or call them at anytime and their response time is amazing. You truly feel special. Flying on chartered planes is something we really value and keep very personal and discrete. Joel assists us in keeping the experience special and within our schedule and budget.
I recommend Stratos to friends who have jet cards, fractional ownership and 1st timers alike. If you are considering charter, the 1st call to make is to Stratos. They never pressure you and value the relationship. I can not say enough about this team - A great experience!
David C.
51512/08/2016
The only glitch was the catering from New Orleans to Las Vegas. I don't know how you could correct the issue, but we didn't receive exactly what we ordered -- plus, they did not provide us with utensils, plates and napkins.
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!
James Mead
51510/22/2018
I like the new summary sheets you are sending, information is the key and they work.
Have always loved running for you guy, you make it easy. Thank you for all you do and it is our goal to keep the relationship growing.
Thanks Team!
Jim
Bill M.
51502/20/2021
Would recommend. I gave them a 5 star rating.
Susan C.
51509/04/2023
We thoroughly enjoyed or experience. The pilot was very experienced and had a great personality as well. Equipment was in great shape. I have to admit, flying with Stratos taking care of the details is the only way to go! Thanks, Joel and the whole trip team.
Jim H.
51509/17/2020
Smooth and easy
Joseph R.
51509/18/2022
Flight was very nice. And the pilot, Scott Gustafson, was very professional and friendly. He did a great job with our luggage and talking about the plane and our flight. Great pilot.
Susan D.
51507/31/2024
Our commercial flight was being delayed out of Asheville and there were no other flights that day or the next day. Finally at 8 o’clock at night we called Simon to see if he could come and pick us up. By 1030 we were on the plane and on our way home. It was amazing. Simon is, incredibly efficient and thoughtful. Great experience.
Curt C.
51510/09/2020
All aspects pf the trip were easy and very worthwhile!!
Rose D.
51501/16/2018
Working with Stratos vs other jet charter companies lends a personal touch that seems lacking in others. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Stratos to friends.
Paul A.
51512/23/2019
Prompt excellent cost saving service. Many choices. Always working to meet my needs.
Rich P.
51507/31/2023
Yes to all.
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.
Tatiana S.
51506/02/2021
Joel got us a plane in less than 24 hours as we needed it for an emergency- thank you so much we are very grateful!
Gustavo Botura
51507/03/2019
Good experience, although your emails sometimes look more as a marketing email than an itinerary revision. Still getting used to the sales force platform, but if I may give you guys a feed back, try to avoid too many colors and pictures on the email as they sometimes look like marketing/sales email then important information about the trip. That's my 2 cents.
Sage L.
51511/06/2023
Once again the whole experience was great from start to finish. I felt well taken care of.
Dave R.
51504/05/2014
You did great. Garett was great, ground transportation was clean, easy and on-time and seamless. It was a good trip and I have already asked for another quote. Don't know if I will use it depending upon cost as this next one is purely personal. But I would like to.
Eric Sanchez
51512/24/2017
Great experience as always!
Robert G.
51506/12/2017
Everything went perfect. great job.
Yes I would recommend your company to my friends.
Bruce M
51508/12/2017
I was in a desperate situation to get to my sons graduation from marine camp and I was not going to miss it. Stratos made arrangements very quickly to get me where I needed to go. It was very efficient and first rate. Thank you
Dennis S.
51501/31/2020
The flight was great. Kyle was easy to work with and very professional. The plane was very comfortable and our pilots were terrific! Great experience all around!
Deborah C.
51508/19/2014
Everybody was great. The plane could use a bit of a face lift, but since we were transporting eight animals, it was okay. I would definitely recommend Stratos to anyone who asks.
Mary Anne
51509/17/2018
I always enjoy working with Stratos Jets. They have a great operation that is seamless.
Sherri D.
51503/13/2024
This was probably the 3rd flight that the weather conditions were disregarded and I was told the flight was safe and would be comfortable. While we did land safely, the known turbulence was so intense I left my seat at one point, was thrown from side to side (no vomit bags around) and I was needing to do every breathing technique known to keep myself calm and not hyperventilate.
While the crew and all people involved are extremely professional, disregarding weather reports with a strong wind advisory is irresponsible not only for safety but for the customers comfort. I learned upon landing that other flights in that same airport had cancelled so why would mine fly even with the concern I expressed. Will the company lose money to reschedule? I will find it difficult to trust them in the future on any flight with weather advisories.
Bill P.
51511/01/2021
Simon and your team made our overall experience excellent. The total process start to end was well done.
Chip L.
51507/31/2023
Glenn and Stratos do a great job finding the right aircraft and keeping us up to date.
Daryl S.
51502/20/2013
Both the pilots were exceptional, professional, and very thoughtful. My father has limited mobility, and alzheimers , so the assistance from the crew was appreciated by all. Wonderful experience, i would do this again.
Steve B.
51511/13/2022
I have been using Stratos for all of my trips the past 2 years, and they stay on top of all my needs. Thanks to the entire team!
Paul L.
51503/22/2020
Stratos responded to our request for a flight to leave Anguilla before the flights in and out were stopped. We called Thursday night for a flight on Friday (borders closed at midnight Friday). Response was great ! All aspects ...the agent (Glen) kept in constant contact making sure of all the details with constant updates. The pilots ...Brian and Richard were great...real pros and very friendly. Made sure our flight was comfortable and safe.
Gustavo Botura
51510/14/2021
You guys are great to work with!
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.
Martha K
51509/10/2012
First time flying on a private plane. Knowing the exact layout inside & manner of boarding. Originally inquired about a Lear jet 35 & then confirmed a citation ll. Not a problem for me & my husband but for the 102 year old traveling with us was difficult to board as initial step into plane was 18 inches & the crew had to find a step stool. Steps were little and required several people to board & inboard her. The crew of Lance & Meagan were exemplary & would fly with them anytime
Francis K.
51501/23/2013
This was a most satisfying experience.
Joel M.
51510/18/2012
My only complaint with Stratos is that Initially, I did not received the lowest price quote.
Eric Sanchez
51511/22/2017
Always a pleasure. Happy Thanksgiving.
Curt C
51505/07/2022
All Good......................and easy!
Laura Thomas
51511/29/2023
Team,
We have always enjoyed working with your professional staff. Requests and communication regarding trips are always timely. We hope that we can continue working together to provide a great experience.
Sandy S.
51507/22/2024
Loved the service! Loved the service!
Dave P.
51512/11/2016
Passenger stated that the jet's interior was shoddy and showed that the jet wasn't well taken care of. Said crew was nice. Stated no coffee available although I had specified de-caf to be provided and followed that up with company client services requesting same.
Joe F.
51505/17/2021
Yes, would recommend Stratos to anyone looking for a charter!
Carol C.
51507/31/2023
Trip was perfect.
David P.
51509/15/2017
We decided at the last minute to escape from Florida as hurricane Irma was bearing down on us, and Stratos came through for us. Despite our first choice airport running out of fuel, they managed to get some at another and we got out with about 1 hour to spare. It was a hectic time, with everyone else scrambling to escape, but Stratos made the whole experience simple and efficient for us.
We will definitely fly with them another time, preferable when we're not all stressed about a hurricane aimed right at us!
Taylor Loosli
51504/17/2021
Anthony was great to work with and quickly provided all updates and changes for his client for us to communicate to our pilots and prepare the trip. We were glad for the opportunity to work with you all and look forward to helping with more trips in the near future!!
Dave R.
51512/24/2016
You did great. Garett was great, ground transportation was clean, easy and on-time and seamless. It was a good trip and I have already asked for another quote. Don't know if I will use it depending upon cost as this next one is purely personal. But I would like to.
Robert L.
51512/09/2016
Our passengers wish to extend a sincere thanks to your staff. We however advise that you do not have permission to use Michael's name in their advertising or promotional material as to be endorsing your product.
Thank you again. We look forward to working with you again in the near future.
Michael A.
51512/22/2020
We had a great flight and would definitely recommend this to a friend. Thanks to Anthony for his attentive, personal service. Rgds, Michael
Al M.
51501/01/2019
Pilots were terrific, polite, and kind.
Terri M.
51504/01/2016
I was the Charter Director for MOB and BFM for years and now in Accounting….hands down, your organization is THE BEST in the market. From the aircraft you recommend, to the pilots, accounting, and especially sweet Daryl! All awesome.
I am certain you all will be hearing from us soon.
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!
George L.
Great service! Anne and I will contact you, probably in mid-January about our next trip to Florida. Thanks and have a good evening.
Matteo G.
Stratos takes the complicated process of private air charter and makes it simple. They have helped me through the process and Joel even turned down my offer for purchasing a Pre-paid Jet card because he advised that it would not be a good fit for my home airport and family lifestyle. I shortly became a client after that because that experience was indicative of the company's overall honesty and great ethos. We have Chartered with Joel on multiple occasions and always get the the 3Gs of private air travel - Great Safety, Great Plane & Great Price. Stratos is a great company and they put your safety 1st and make the process easy. You can text or call them at anytime and their response time is amazing. You truly feel special. Flying on chartered planes is something we really value and keep very personal and discrete. Joel assists us in keeping the experience special and within our schedule and budget. I recommend Stratos to friends who have jet cards, fractional ownership and 1st timers alike. If you are considering charter, the 1st call to make is to Stratos. They never pressure you and value the relationship. I can not say enough about this team - A great experience!
David C.
The only glitch was the catering from New Orleans to Las Vegas. I don't know how you could correct the issue, but we didn't receive exactly what we ordered -- plus, they did not provide us with utensils, plates and napkins.
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!
James Mead
I like the new summary sheets you are sending, information is the key and they work. Have always loved running for you guy, you make it easy. Thank you for all you do and it is our goal to keep the relationship growing. Thanks Team! Jim
Bill M.
Would recommend. I gave them a 5 star rating.
Susan C.
We thoroughly enjoyed or experience. The pilot was very experienced and had a great personality as well. Equipment was in great shape. I have to admit, flying with Stratos taking care of the details is the only way to go! Thanks, Joel and the whole trip team.
Jim H.
Smooth and easy
Joseph R.
Flight was very nice. And the pilot, Scott Gustafson, was very professional and friendly. He did a great job with our luggage and talking about the plane and our flight. Great pilot.
Susan D.
Our commercial flight was being delayed out of Asheville and there were no other flights that day or the next day. Finally at 8 o’clock at night we called Simon to see if he could come and pick us up. By 1030 we were on the plane and on our way home. It was amazing. Simon is, incredibly efficient and thoughtful. Great experience.
Curt C.
All aspects pf the trip were easy and very worthwhile!!
Rose D.
Working with Stratos vs other jet charter companies lends a personal touch that seems lacking in others. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Stratos to friends.
Paul A.
Prompt excellent cost saving service. Many choices. Always working to meet my needs.
Rich P.
Yes to all.
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.
Tatiana S.
Joel got us a plane in less than 24 hours as we needed it for an emergency- thank you so much we are very grateful!
Gustavo Botura
Good experience, although your emails sometimes look more as a marketing email than an itinerary revision. Still getting used to the sales force platform, but if I may give you guys a feed back, try to avoid too many colors and pictures on the email as they sometimes look like marketing/sales email then important information about the trip. That's my 2 cents.
Sage L.
Once again the whole experience was great from start to finish. I felt well taken care of.
Dave R.
You did great. Garett was great, ground transportation was clean, easy and on-time and seamless. It was a good trip and I have already asked for another quote. Don't know if I will use it depending upon cost as this next one is purely personal. But I would like to.
Eric Sanchez
Great experience as always!
Robert G.
Everything went perfect. great job. Yes I would recommend your company to my friends.
Bruce M
I was in a desperate situation to get to my sons graduation from marine camp and I was not going to miss it. Stratos made arrangements very quickly to get me where I needed to go. It was very efficient and first rate. Thank you
Dennis S.
The flight was great. Kyle was easy to work with and very professional. The plane was very comfortable and our pilots were terrific! Great experience all around!
Deborah C.
Everybody was great. The plane could use a bit of a face lift, but since we were transporting eight animals, it was okay. I would definitely recommend Stratos to anyone who asks.
Mary Anne
I always enjoy working with Stratos Jets. They have a great operation that is seamless.
Sherri D.
This was probably the 3rd flight that the weather conditions were disregarded and I was told the flight was safe and would be comfortable. While we did land safely, the known turbulence was so intense I left my seat at one point, was thrown from side to side (no vomit bags around) and I was needing to do every breathing technique known to keep myself calm and not hyperventilate. While the crew and all people involved are extremely professional, disregarding weather reports with a strong wind advisory is irresponsible not only for safety but for the customers comfort. I learned upon landing that other flights in that same airport had cancelled so why would mine fly even with the concern I expressed. Will the company lose money to reschedule? I will find it difficult to trust them in the future on any flight with weather advisories.
Bill P.
Simon and your team made our overall experience excellent. The total process start to end was well done.
Chip L.
Glenn and Stratos do a great job finding the right aircraft and keeping us up to date.
Daryl S.
Both the pilots were exceptional, professional, and very thoughtful. My father has limited mobility, and alzheimers , so the assistance from the crew was appreciated by all. Wonderful experience, i would do this again.
Steve B.
I have been using Stratos for all of my trips the past 2 years, and they stay on top of all my needs. Thanks to the entire team!
Paul L.
Stratos responded to our request for a flight to leave Anguilla before the flights in and out were stopped. We called Thursday night for a flight on Friday (borders closed at midnight Friday). Response was great ! All aspects ...the agent (Glen) kept in constant contact making sure of all the details with constant updates. The pilots ...Brian and Richard were great...real pros and very friendly. Made sure our flight was comfortable and safe.
Gustavo Botura
You guys are great to work with!
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.
Martha K
First time flying on a private plane. Knowing the exact layout inside & manner of boarding. Originally inquired about a Lear jet 35 & then confirmed a citation ll. Not a problem for me & my husband but for the 102 year old traveling with us was difficult to board as initial step into plane was 18 inches & the crew had to find a step stool. Steps were little and required several people to board & inboard her. The crew of Lance & Meagan were exemplary & would fly with them anytime
Francis K.
This was a most satisfying experience.
Joel M.
My only complaint with Stratos is that Initially, I did not received the lowest price quote.
Eric Sanchez
Always a pleasure. Happy Thanksgiving.
Curt C
All Good......................and easy!
Laura Thomas
Team, We have always enjoyed working with your professional staff. Requests and communication regarding trips are always timely. We hope that we can continue working together to provide a great experience.
Sandy S.
Loved the service! Loved the service!
Dave P.
Passenger stated that the jet's interior was shoddy and showed that the jet wasn't well taken care of. Said crew was nice. Stated no coffee available although I had specified de-caf to be provided and followed that up with company client services requesting same.
Joe F.
Yes, would recommend Stratos to anyone looking for a charter!
Carol C.
Trip was perfect.
David P.
We decided at the last minute to escape from Florida as hurricane Irma was bearing down on us, and Stratos came through for us. Despite our first choice airport running out of fuel, they managed to get some at another and we got out with about 1 hour to spare. It was a hectic time, with everyone else scrambling to escape, but Stratos made the whole experience simple and efficient for us. We will definitely fly with them another time, preferable when we're not all stressed about a hurricane aimed right at us!
Taylor Loosli
Anthony was great to work with and quickly provided all updates and changes for his client for us to communicate to our pilots and prepare the trip. We were glad for the opportunity to work with you all and look forward to helping with more trips in the near future!!
Dave R.
You did great. Garett was great, ground transportation was clean, easy and on-time and seamless. It was a good trip and I have already asked for another quote. Don't know if I will use it depending upon cost as this next one is purely personal. But I would like to.
Robert L.
Our passengers wish to extend a sincere thanks to your staff. We however advise that you do not have permission to use Michael's name in their advertising or promotional material as to be endorsing your product. Thank you again. We look forward to working with you again in the near future.
Michael A.
We had a great flight and would definitely recommend this to a friend. Thanks to Anthony for his attentive, personal service. Rgds, Michael
Al M.
Pilots were terrific, polite, and kind.
Terri M.
I was the Charter Director for MOB and BFM for years and now in Accounting….hands down, your organization is THE BEST in the market. From the aircraft you recommend, to the pilots, accounting, and especially sweet Daryl! All awesome. I am certain you all will be hearing from us soon.