Charter Flights to RAGBRAI

The 51st RAGBRAI runs across Iowa July 20-27

Round Trip One Way Multi-City
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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.

The skyline of Des Moines, Iowa at dusk.

Get Ahead of the Race

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.

Closeup view of private jet airplane parked, awaiting travelers to board

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.

8

SEATS

357

MPH

1362

RANGE
$3,120 - $3,822

15

SEATS

548

MPH

7767

RANGE
$16,536 - $19,110

7

SEATS

514

MPH

3337

RANGE
$14,508 - $15,990

9

SEATS

540

MPH

3567

RANGE
$10,296 - $13,260

Private jet airports near 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).

Ground Services in Iowa

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.

A portrait of a confident businessman in a suite getting ready to board a private jet.

What Our Clients Are Saying

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 672 reviews from our trusted Jet Charter reviews
5 1 5 09/05/2018

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.

5 1 5 01/29/2019

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.

5 1 5 06/18/2020

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 .

5 1 5 01/24/2018

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

5 1 5 09/02/2012

Everyone involved was courteous and helpful in getting a last minute emergency trip arranged. However, the premise for using your services was to be GUARANTEED ARRIVAL by a SPECIFIC TIME. Neither the departure nor arrival was anywhere close to what was promised. Hence, our reasons for hiring Stratos to take us became unnecessary and a wasted expense

5 1 5 12/21/2021

As far as I can tell the flight was great. My nephew, his wife and their dog flew from California to Guam for a move. The airport they flew from was changed the day prior to departure due to weather. The catering however didn't make it to the airport so they were on the plane for 15 hours with only the complimentary snacks and the crew shared some of their food with them. When you fly private you expect things to go smoothly...that's why you're willing to pay the extremely high price for. In my opinion there were opportunities missed to make it right. Since they had to refuel in Hawaii there was at least 6 hours to get some kind of catering for them when they landed in Hawaii. I realize that catering needs 24 hours notice but someone couldn't gone above and beyond to make things right and get them fresh fruit and veggie platter with a plain hot pizza or something to give them something other than snacks. I know if the CEO of Stratos was flying this catering issue would've been unacceptable.

Carol - Thank you for bringing this to my attention and you are certainly right.  The ball was dropped.  I have spoken with the private flight advisor regarding the matter and our day of flight process was not followed.  Not having something ready in Hawaii during the fuel-stop is truly a missed opportunity.  I am truly sorry for our misstep and the poor experience this must have been for your nephew and his family.  

Joel A. Thomas 

President and CEO 

5 1 5 12/03/2017

I understand we have great alternative option for the operation of our company aircraft at this time. Our (company name removed for privacy) Japan President was very glad to use charter aircraft. Thank you 

5 1 5 04/05/2022

The family loved the flights wow landings terrific pilots planning to repeat in the future

5 1 5 01/01/2019

Pilots were terrific, polite, and kind.

5 1 5 03/13/2024

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.

5 1 5 08/07/2024

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.

5 1 5 12/21/2021

From the ease of booking the flights and actual flights, it was effortless. I would definitely recommend Stratos to friends and use you again. Kyle was wonderful to work with, very helpful, and communicative. Both our flights were lovely. Staff was professional and courteous. All in all a great experience.

5 1 5 09/17/2020

Kyle was very nice and helpful, he made sure everything was in order and ready to go from beginning to end, really great costumer service. Aircraft was nice, well kept LearJet 40. Pilots Matthew and Jonathan were total sweethearts and very experienced, landing was beyond smooth. Only thing we weren’t so happy about was the fact that you could see some of the wear and tear of the years on the inside of the plane. Overall great experience!

5 1 5 03/13/2015

It was excellent in every respect

5 1 5 01/01/2018

Once again, Stratos Jets provided perfect travel service with competitive prices! We needed to move a family member with memory loss and agitation from Boston to Houston on very short notice. Joel set everything up within 24 hours- a beautiful private jet, cars and drivers at both ends of the trip, a security detail plus catering. I am completely impressed with this company and will use them whenever I need private jet service. Thank you, Joel!

5 1 5 10/22/2018

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

5 1 5 02/26/2018

Pre trip work up seemed very professional. Crew had plane positioned on time and assisted with loading. Just my wife and I and two dogs. It was the dogs first flight so we had some concerns but the crew did a great job in getting them aboard and settled down. flight was uneventful and all worked as planned. No issues at all. Very good

Same on return flight except we arrived a good half hour early but crew jumped to task and loaded us and dogs promptly for return. Only item worth mentioning was during climb out to altitude both my wife and I heard numerous bumping sound on both sides of fuselage up and down the sides and top. We have owned our own planes and owned shares in jets through Flight Options and chartered often over the years and we have never had this type of noise. It almost sounded like rivets coming out or random bird strikes (which I knew it was not). I mentioned it to the co-pilot and he told me to report it so maintenance could be sure to check it out. Said it may be a maintenance issue on an older aircraft but a first for me. After attaining altitude the noise did not reoccur. All else went according to schedule and the pilots were very professional and assisted on and off with dogs and luggage. I would use again this service. Thank

Joel Thomas:  Hi William!  Thanks for the opportunity to serve you and your wife.  We are always grateful when our clients take the time to offer feedback.  We reached out to Chief Pilot of the air carrier you flew with regarding the noise you mentioned and here is what they said:  "Frequently you'll hear noises that sound like that and its just the airplane expanding as altitude, temperature and humidity change.  Its actually very common."  Looking forward to working with you all again soon!  All my best

5 1 5 07/31/2023

Glenn and Stratos do a great job finding the right aircraft and keeping us up to date.

5 1 5 02/15/2021

We appreciate working with you and your team. Thank you.

5 1 5 04/28/2017

Joel and Stratosjets made my last minute flight to the Masters possible. Price was competitive and services was second to none.  Joel and his team responded to each call and SMS in a matter of seconds.  They took care of every detail from flight, to transport and everything in between. Jonathan E. Owner of Mercedes-Benz Dealership

5 1 5 10/14/2021

As always, Stratos has the best selection of aircraft and crew. Zach is amazing to work with.

5 1 5 10/06/2013

While this was the first time between these two cities, we may take this route frequently in the future.

5 1 5 06/12/2023

As always, you guys set a great example for what working with a broker should be like. :)

5 1 5 11/14/2024

Stratos Jet Company is the best to work with!

5 1 5 07/03/2022

Looking forward to our next booking with you! Professionalism at its finest!

5 1 5 12/03/2019

Hey Wanted to let you know that your pilots were so thoughtful and attentive to my daughters needs yesterday.  They removed all unnecessary obstacles for her.  Thank you so much

5 1 5 01/01/2019

Stratos is very professional, great communication, easy to work with

5 1 5 11/23/2020

The entire Stratos Jets support team is always a pleasure to work with. As an operator, we appreciate the exceptional communicativeness of the SJ team; Kyle Jones was excellent as our SJ contact for this trip. Payment for the trip is always prompt. Any and all information we need is provided and day-of support is phenomenal. We are looking forward to working with you again soon! -Flying Zebra Team

5 1 5 07/14/2020

5 1 5 03/14/2021

We just completed a move from California to Hawaii with our dog a lot of our stuff which we would need until our mean shipment of household goods arrives in 10 days. Randy was able to secure the perfect your craft for people pets and stuff. Pilots were great. Aircraft was comfortable and a great easy ride.

5 1 5 03/22/2020

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.

5 1 5 05/10/2018

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.

5 1 5 04/13/2017

Yuri was wonderful!

5 1 5 11/03/2016

THANK YOU STRATOS!! I have been working with Stratos Jet Charters for almost 3 years now & could not be happier with the services they provide! Working with me on many last minute changes, they are always quick & efficient, extremely professional, genuinely honest & immensely knowledgeable of all products and services they offer. They truly look out for the best interests of their clients. I trust them to always guide me in making the appropriate aircraft choices for our company. I find the ENTIRE team to be THE BEST in the charter aircraft business!!

5 1 5 06/14/2017

Great Trip Support Team We love working with Stratos Jets! They are fast to respond, reasonable to work with, and their brokers and trip support team are very detail oriented which leaves little room for error. I would highly recommend them!

5 1 5 01/07/2014

Pricing to be competitive with Marquis etc.

5 1 5 09/05/2017

Excellent

5 1 5 01/08/2023

Great experience overall. Communication is always great and solving any unforeseen issues has always been a breeze.

5 1 5 05/03/2017

The low approach over Newport was terrific....CAD even stopped talking. Have a nice w/e....David

5 1 5 02/26/2020

A big thanks to Joel and his team as always. The trips were both excellent and every detail was handled from adverse weather upon arrival to a last minute departure day change, Stratos always is so responsive and communicates everything clearly. We love our trip support team and they ensure that travel with our two young children is always planned for and enjoyable. The value that Stratos brings breaks down as follows: 1. It starts with their online marketplace 2.market and equipment knowledge to assist you in your trip planning to the best possible plane and choices of airports to best serve your needs and schedule 3.Aviation marketplace knowledge which ensures the best operator for your needs (always fully insured and Argus Gold or Plat) with great planes 4. trip support and seamless process from ground transport and catering to wheels up/ down This is the best, easiest and turnkey as you can get in the Private Jet marketplace.

5 1 5 01/08/2018

Always great working with you guys!

5 1 5 05/09/2014

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.

5 1 5 01/28/2022

Always a pleasure to work with the friendly staff. The communication is concise and timely. Looking forward to future bookings!

5 1 5 09/19/2018

My boss recently travelled to Europe for the entire month of August. During that time his jet had mechanical issues and could no longer fly where he wanted. He had about 12 flights left in his trip around Europe and Stratos Jet Charters, especially Heather Latch, saved our lives. They were able to accommodate 90% of the trips he wanted at the time he wanted. She really was a life saver for myself and my boss. I will definitely use Stratos Jets again and work with Heather any day of the week! They are magnificent!!

5 1 5 10/14/2021

Excellent experience with booking, the flights, ground services, etc.

5 1 5 02/23/2012

I do not think there is anything else that could have been done to make our flight enjoyable. The crew, Vincent Jordan and Nicholas Gambino, were very professional, extremely courteous and if we were to charter another flight in the future we would love having them as our crew.

5 1 5 08/31/2020

Beginning to end it was a first tier experience. Great value, great front end service and follow through, trip support, rental cars ready on the apron, super helpful staff. A genuinely wonderful experience.

5 1 5 01/08/2023

My agent was wonderful. However, my scheduled flight time was changed due to the owner wanting to use their plane. This change resulted in my missing an engagement. No discount was given to me for my inconvenience. The lack of observance of a signed contract was shocking and frankly showed a lack of integrity. I expect monetary compensation.

5 1 5 06/27/2023

This is from an Operator standpoint--Stratos Jets as a broker is consistently professional and profitable to work with in their demand for quality and efficiency--great company top to bottom, their personnel being one of their best assets!

5 1 5 07/14/2020

All members of the team communicated extremely well. I worked with Steve to get my flight booked and he checked in with helpful texts and updates along the way. Highly recommend.

Frequently Asked Questions

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?

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    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?

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    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?

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    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.

View all our Frequently Asked Questions >

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!

Call 888-593-9066
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