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 (4.9 out of 5) Based on 757 reviews from our trusted Jet Charter reviews
Jim K.
51509/05/2018
Glenn and team were responsive and kept me apprised of the status of our flight, despite dynamic weather. Pilots were experienced and jet was on time and flight was smooth.
Matteo G.
51506/25/2018
Stratos offers the best overall value you can get for private air charter PERIOD. I have done tons of research and cost models and there is no better value.
Joel and his team do all of the hard work for you. My family tried Wheels Up, local charter companies and App Based Deadhead charter and they were all really disappointing. All of these option look good but when you compare cost per hour, schedule flexibility and booking Stratos is always a better cost and value proposition. The equipment is always great (this trip was a Citation X with a beautiful brand new interior and every feature possible) and Stratos works around your schedule and exact needs. We have made all types of requests due to my young family and the Stratos staff and cabin crews are always so helpful and accommodating. They never have over sold us and always are sensitive to every need.
Most importantly Joel only will put us with great operators. We were in and out of Aspen and safety was the number one concern and he always covers all aspects of the trip but safety first. Again, I can’t say enough about the Stratos experience and team.
Joel Munson
51504/24/2025
We enjoyed the conversation with the Trip Support e-mail. They were responsive. Also appreciated the updates on ground transportation from Trip Support. E-mails were received on catering when there was nothing ordered which lead to some confusion on our side. Standard stock on the aircraft was Snack, coffee and pop along with newspapers. It was clarified with Trip Support
Virginia D.
51508/27/2019
Always a wonderful experience with Stratos: great flight crew, excellent catering menu, comfortable plane.
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.
Jim C.
51507/31/2024
The entire experience from beginning to end was “top flight”. My agent, Steve Stogner was extremely patient, diligent-to-a-fault and unyielding in his efforts to provide us with great service and prioritization of our safety, notwithstanding some difficulties with the inclement weather conditions and cell phone communication challenges due to our location in a remote wilderness area of the mountainous Northern Georgia Chatahoochie National Forest. The pilots were extremely professional, affable and ostensibly competent. In sum, I would enthusiastically recommend the Stratos Charter Jet service and overall private flight experience to anyone!
Dr. James R. C.
Matt S.
51506/02/2018
Joel,
I hope this email find you well. I just wanted to reach out to thank you for the charter service you arranged for us last weekend. It was truly a pleasure to fly with Stratos and we will most certainly book with your charter service again.
Thanks again for all of your help this week. It made the trip a breeze!
Warm Regards,
Matt, Scottie & Harper
Joe F.
51505/28/2024
Yes, Joel is the best guy you could ever hope to charter with!!
Michele S.
51508/05/2025
Prompt and great ongoing communication. Very accommodating and professional. Jesse was attentive and perfect to work with!
Gerald B.
51510/24/2023
Cannot recommend Stratos strongly enough. Our pilots were superb. They dropped us into 07FA onto a wet runway that a lot of pilots would have diverted for but the new grooved runway and pilot skill had us safely on the ground and taxiing after using way less than half the runway. The Citation Sovereign was in tip top condition. We will definitely use Stratos again.
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.
Bill P.
51509/12/2013
awesome
Tom C.
51506/27/2023
This flight including the initial contact with Stratos, the booking, the flight prelims, the flight itself including the crew, and off-loading after our on-time arrival was as close to perfect as it's possible to get. Stratos did a great job of finding the appropriate flight and handling the payment and booking as well as keeping us informed of pertinent details as flight time arrived. In summary, great flight and a great job by Stratos!
Peter E.
51509/18/2017
ABSOLUTELY PERFECT
Paula M.
51512/22/2020
I am very pleased with the level of client servicing from the Stratos team from quote initiation, information about all the plane options, flight booking and trip management. Very impressive !!! Thank you all.
Barry L.
51509/28/2025
Will recommend to friends
Randall H.
51507/09/2021
Superb service.
Sage L.
51509/04/2023
Once again the whole experience was great. I was informed every step of the way. There were concerns from a big storm that was coming in. The Stratos team went above and beyond to make sure everything went as smoothly as possible and got me home safe. Anthony Angelini is the best.
Daniel S.
51509/27/2013
None that I can think of
Jeff P.
51510/14/2021
As always, Stratos has the best selection of aircraft and crew. Zach is amazing to work with.
Eva S.
51501/08/2023
Danny Morejon is a great facilitator who made this urgent flight possible within a matter of hours. He is also a good advocate for Stratos. Had it not been for the communication I had with him a few weeks ago when searching for flights, I wouldn’t have called back for assistance.
Susan C.
51505/24/2020
Everything was perfect. Kyle was extremely helpful. Answered all questions quickly and was very professional without a “hard sell” style. Everyone I dealt with was perfect. The flight itself was fast, quiet, comfortable. The plane was very clean, and well maintained. Both crew were helpful and pleasant. It is very likely that we will travel like this again and Stratos will be our provider. Thanks again. Susan
Joe P.
51501/02/2014
I think you all did a great job!!!
If we book with enough notice, maybe a newer ride?
Not to say that the Hawker we flew was not great..
Only my thoughts.
Joe"
Rich P.
51505/14/2021
Everything went very smoothly and we were pleased with everything on the trip.
Tim S.
51503/01/2020
The experience was perfect throughout from initial contact through final payment. Our flight was a last minute family emergency and the folks at Stratos Jets made every effort to get me and my family home as quickly and safely as possible. I cannot thanks them enough for caring about our situation.
Matteo G.
51510/23/2018
From the quoting and booking process to wheels up and down, things could not be better with STRATOS. Joel and his team are amazing and accommodated a last minute return schedule change. They only contract with great companies who have great equipment and outstanding crew. If you are considering Private jet travel I cannot recommend them enough!
James M.
51504/15/2020
yes!
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.
Dennis H.
51511/25/2025
I would highly recommend them. They are honest, fair, and very easy to communicate with. Stratos Jets is excellent and everything they do. Whether it’s safety, communication, getting you the best price. You can’t go wrong by using Stratos Jets for all your business or pleasure needs.
Carol K.
51504/02/2018
Competitive pricing and unbelievable customer service, from inquiry to post flight. They make it happen and make it easy. I will not competitive shop again because I have found the best price and service with Stratos.
Dan F.
51508/24/2018
Everything great but itineraries always change last minute (tail #, terminal) which has caused problems.
Jack G.
51507/17/2014
Your company really cares about it's customer and made us feel so comfortable and confident. I would recommend your service to others.
Kenneth J.
51512/04/2019
Crews were amazing. Aircraft less so. Very outdated and need of refurbishing. Shoulder seat belt was missing from one of main seats.
Eric Sanchez
51507/03/2019
Always great teamwork
Andy S.
51508/07/2024
I will continue to recommend Stratos to friends and business associates.
Kyle Jones, the lead on my account, offers exemplary service and always with a smile (I think - I can't see it but I can sense it!).
Great work
The FBO @ SNA was complimentary of our flight crew for the curtesy they showed with noise abatement - sadly, this practice must not be typical.
Jerry H.
51511/10/2017
Great experience
Kelly Ferrese
51504/02/2018
It is always a pleasure working with the Stratos Jets team. Communication is always prompt and neatly organized. Thank you for your business. We look forward to our next trip together.
Regards,
Kelly Ferrese
Executive Airlink, Inc,
Susan R. C.
51504/24/2025
Our experience was pitch perfect, with everything exactly what was promised and with no issues or complaints whatsoever.
Michelle M.
51504/05/2017
The service was absolutely 1st class... I was very satisfied and would recommend this company and agent to anyone.
Erik Hjortaas
51501/01/2018
I thought Stratos was professional and easy to work with. We didn't have any problems or communication issues whatsoever. It's really nice when we don't have to deal with 10 different people to coordinate a trip.
Alexander V.
51510/09/2024
Despite the client having numerous questions and changing requests, from departure date, time, and arrival FBO, Steve was helpful, informative, and made the appropriate arrangements to satisfy the client 100%.
George H.
51511/29/2020
Everything went as smoothly as it possibility could have. Special kudos to Randy who was perfect in his communication skills. Good equipment, good pilots ...great trip thanks
Marcus Tmur
51511/14/2023
I like the live itinerary feature
Virginia D.
51512/20/2019
Enjoyed flight; booking easy; would gladly recommend Stratos
Federico d. S.
51512/15/2020
The trip was excellent, the aircraft new, clean and confortable. The staff really did the best to make the best possible experience. Will definitely fly again with you
Jacob Irvine
51512/21/2021
See above.
Geraldine C.
51504/27/2021
Booking was great, Kyle is wonderful a asset to your company. However the pilots were not. They were not there on time never offered an apology or explained as to why. When questioned they were extremely RUDE. I was told that the Pilots went to eat lunch so they kept myself and family waiting over an hour past wheels up time. I arrived at 12:30 for a 1:00 flight they arrived at 1:30 for a 1:00 flight with BAD attitudes
Mike B.
51510/04/2014
the flight and service was great.
Sheila B.
51503/10/2014
The aircraft was fine except for the AC. It either had to be run a full blast (we were wrapped up in blankets) or it had to be off in which case we were very hot.
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!
Jim K.
Glenn and team were responsive and kept me apprised of the status of our flight, despite dynamic weather. Pilots were experienced and jet was on time and flight was smooth.
Matteo G.
Stratos offers the best overall value you can get for private air charter PERIOD. I have done tons of research and cost models and there is no better value. Joel and his team do all of the hard work for you. My family tried Wheels Up, local charter companies and App Based Deadhead charter and they were all really disappointing. All of these option look good but when you compare cost per hour, schedule flexibility and booking Stratos is always a better cost and value proposition. The equipment is always great (this trip was a Citation X with a beautiful brand new interior and every feature possible) and Stratos works around your schedule and exact needs. We have made all types of requests due to my young family and the Stratos staff and cabin crews are always so helpful and accommodating. They never have over sold us and always are sensitive to every need. Most importantly Joel only will put us with great operators. We were in and out of Aspen and safety was the number one concern and he always covers all aspects of the trip but safety first. Again, I can’t say enough about the Stratos experience and team.
Joel Munson
We enjoyed the conversation with the Trip Support e-mail. They were responsive. Also appreciated the updates on ground transportation from Trip Support. E-mails were received on catering when there was nothing ordered which lead to some confusion on our side. Standard stock on the aircraft was Snack, coffee and pop along with newspapers. It was clarified with Trip Support
Virginia D.
Always a wonderful experience with Stratos: great flight crew, excellent catering menu, comfortable plane.
Peter Hertel
Great charter flight with Stratos. They went the extra effort to ensure we had a comfortable jet with the highest safety standard.
Jim C.
The entire experience from beginning to end was “top flight”. My agent, Steve Stogner was extremely patient, diligent-to-a-fault and unyielding in his efforts to provide us with great service and prioritization of our safety, notwithstanding some difficulties with the inclement weather conditions and cell phone communication challenges due to our location in a remote wilderness area of the mountainous Northern Georgia Chatahoochie National Forest. The pilots were extremely professional, affable and ostensibly competent. In sum, I would enthusiastically recommend the Stratos Charter Jet service and overall private flight experience to anyone! Dr. James R. C.
Matt S.
Joel, I hope this email find you well. I just wanted to reach out to thank you for the charter service you arranged for us last weekend. It was truly a pleasure to fly with Stratos and we will most certainly book with your charter service again. Thanks again for all of your help this week. It made the trip a breeze! Warm Regards, Matt, Scottie & Harper
Joe F.
Yes, Joel is the best guy you could ever hope to charter with!!
Michele S.
Prompt and great ongoing communication. Very accommodating and professional. Jesse was attentive and perfect to work with!
Gerald B.
Cannot recommend Stratos strongly enough. Our pilots were superb. They dropped us into 07FA onto a wet runway that a lot of pilots would have diverted for but the new grooved runway and pilot skill had us safely on the ground and taxiing after using way less than half the runway. The Citation Sovereign was in tip top condition. We will definitely use Stratos again.
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.
Bill P.
awesome
Tom C.
This flight including the initial contact with Stratos, the booking, the flight prelims, the flight itself including the crew, and off-loading after our on-time arrival was as close to perfect as it's possible to get. Stratos did a great job of finding the appropriate flight and handling the payment and booking as well as keeping us informed of pertinent details as flight time arrived. In summary, great flight and a great job by Stratos!
Peter E.
ABSOLUTELY PERFECT
Paula M.
Barry L.
Will recommend to friends
Randall H.
Superb service.
Sage L.
Once again the whole experience was great. I was informed every step of the way. There were concerns from a big storm that was coming in. The Stratos team went above and beyond to make sure everything went as smoothly as possible and got me home safe. Anthony Angelini is the best.
Daniel S.
None that I can think of
Jeff P.
As always, Stratos has the best selection of aircraft and crew. Zach is amazing to work with.
Eva S.
Danny Morejon is a great facilitator who made this urgent flight possible within a matter of hours. He is also a good advocate for Stratos. Had it not been for the communication I had with him a few weeks ago when searching for flights, I wouldn’t have called back for assistance.
Susan C.
Everything was perfect. Kyle was extremely helpful. Answered all questions quickly and was very professional without a “hard sell” style. Everyone I dealt with was perfect. The flight itself was fast, quiet, comfortable. The plane was very clean, and well maintained. Both crew were helpful and pleasant. It is very likely that we will travel like this again and Stratos will be our provider. Thanks again. Susan
Joe P.
I think you all did a great job!!! If we book with enough notice, maybe a newer ride? Not to say that the Hawker we flew was not great.. Only my thoughts. Joe"
Rich P.
Everything went very smoothly and we were pleased with everything on the trip.
Tim S.
The experience was perfect throughout from initial contact through final payment. Our flight was a last minute family emergency and the folks at Stratos Jets made every effort to get me and my family home as quickly and safely as possible. I cannot thanks them enough for caring about our situation.
Matteo G.
From the quoting and booking process to wheels up and down, things could not be better with STRATOS. Joel and his team are amazing and accommodated a last minute return schedule change. They only contract with great companies who have great equipment and outstanding crew. If you are considering Private jet travel I cannot recommend them enough!
James M.
yes!
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.
Dennis H.
I would highly recommend them. They are honest, fair, and very easy to communicate with. Stratos Jets is excellent and everything they do. Whether it’s safety, communication, getting you the best price. You can’t go wrong by using Stratos Jets for all your business or pleasure needs.
Carol K.
Competitive pricing and unbelievable customer service, from inquiry to post flight. They make it happen and make it easy. I will not competitive shop again because I have found the best price and service with Stratos.
Dan F.
Everything great but itineraries always change last minute (tail #, terminal) which has caused problems.
Jack G.
Your company really cares about it's customer and made us feel so comfortable and confident. I would recommend your service to others.
Kenneth J.
Crews were amazing. Aircraft less so. Very outdated and need of refurbishing. Shoulder seat belt was missing from one of main seats.
Eric Sanchez
Always great teamwork
Andy S.
I will continue to recommend Stratos to friends and business associates. Kyle Jones, the lead on my account, offers exemplary service and always with a smile (I think - I can't see it but I can sense it!). Great work The FBO @ SNA was complimentary of our flight crew for the curtesy they showed with noise abatement - sadly, this practice must not be typical.
Jerry H.
Great experience
Kelly Ferrese
It is always a pleasure working with the Stratos Jets team. Communication is always prompt and neatly organized. Thank you for your business. We look forward to our next trip together.
Regards, Kelly Ferrese Executive Airlink, Inc,Susan R. C.
Our experience was pitch perfect, with everything exactly what was promised and with no issues or complaints whatsoever.
Michelle M.
The service was absolutely 1st class... I was very satisfied and would recommend this company and agent to anyone.
Erik Hjortaas
I thought Stratos was professional and easy to work with. We didn't have any problems or communication issues whatsoever. It's really nice when we don't have to deal with 10 different people to coordinate a trip.
Alexander V.
Despite the client having numerous questions and changing requests, from departure date, time, and arrival FBO, Steve was helpful, informative, and made the appropriate arrangements to satisfy the client 100%.
George H.
Everything went as smoothly as it possibility could have. Special kudos to Randy who was perfect in his communication skills. Good equipment, good pilots ...great trip thanks
Marcus Tmur
I like the live itinerary feature
Virginia D.
Enjoyed flight; booking easy; would gladly recommend Stratos
Federico d. S.
The trip was excellent, the aircraft new, clean and confortable. The staff really did the best to make the best possible experience. Will definitely fly again with you
Jacob Irvine
See above.
Geraldine C.
Booking was great, Kyle is wonderful a asset to your company. However the pilots were not. They were not there on time never offered an apology or explained as to why. When questioned they were extremely RUDE. I was told that the Pilots went to eat lunch so they kept myself and family waiting over an hour past wheels up time. I arrived at 12:30 for a 1:00 flight they arrived at 1:30 for a 1:00 flight with BAD attitudes
Mike B.
the flight and service was great.
Sheila B.
The aircraft was fine except for the AC. It either had to be run a full blast (we were wrapped up in blankets) or it had to be off in which case we were very hot.
Al K.
Flight was smooth all the way on time good crew