Why some trips get matched and others don’t
On JetMatch, a shared flight starts when someone posts a trip. But not every listing gets the same response. The trips that find travellers usually have three things in common: they’re posted early, they’re flexible, and they’re clear.
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This guide shows you how to do all three.
1. Pick your airports wisely
Big cities often have several airports that handle private jets, and naming the right one widens your pool of matches.
- London: Farnborough, Luton, Biggin Hill and Stansted all handle private flights. If you don’t mind which one, say so. “Any London airport” matches more people than one airport.
- Milan: Linate is closer to the city. Malpensa is bigger and further out.
- Ski trips: Geneva serves Verbier, Chamonix and many of the French resorts. Mention the resort so skiers heading the same way spot you.
Tip: Write “flexible on airport” if it’s true. It’s one of the easiest ways to get matched.
2. Give a date window, not a single day
A fixed date only works for travellers on exactly that day. A window of two or three days multiplies your chances.
| Instead of… | Try… |
|---|---|
| “Flying 19 December” | “Flying 18–20 December, prefer morning” |
| “Return 3 January” | “Return 2–4 January, flexible” |
| “Weekend in Ibiza” | “Out Thursday or Friday, back Sunday or Monday” |
3. Post early, especially for peak dates
Travellers make plans weeks ahead, and the busiest periods fill first:
- Christmas and New Year: post in October or November
- Ski season (Dec–Apr): post 4–6 weeks before your trip
- Summer in Ibiza, Mykonos and the Riviera: post in spring
- Big events (F1, festivals, weddings): post as soon as you have tickets
A trip posted two days before departure rarely finds a match. A trip posted six weeks out has time to be seen.
4. Be honest about seats and luggage
Aircraft size depends on how many people fly and how much they bring. Say it up front so you match with people who fit:
- How many seats you need
- Ski or golf bags, large suitcases
- Pets (and their size)
- Anything else that matters, such as children travelling or a preference for a quiet cabin
5. Use a clear, friendly description
People are deciding whether to fly with you, so a short, human description helps.
Example listings you can copy:
London → Geneva, 13–15 Feb (flexible)
2 seats. Heading to Verbier for half-term with ski bags. Happy with any London airport, prefer late morning. Looking for 2–4 people to share.
Malta → Milan, early March, any weekday
1 seat, business trip, hand luggage only. Linate preferred but Malpensa fine. Flexible on time.
Nice → Mykonos, 10–12 July
Couple flying for a week’s holiday, 2 suitcases. Would love to share with another couple or small group.
London → Ibiza, Fri 26 or Sat 27 June
Group of 3, back the following Sunday or Monday. Open to joining an existing group too.
6. Browse before you post, then post anyway
Check existing trips first. Someone may already be flying your way. If nobody is, post your own. Other travellers are browsing for the same thing you are.
Quick checklist before you post
- ☐ Departure and arrival city (and “flexible on airport” if you can)
- ☐ A date window, not a single day
- ☐ Number of seats
- ☐ Luggage, pets, or anything unusual
- ☐ A short, friendly line about your trip
- ☐ Posted at least a few weeks ahead
Ready?
JetMatch doesn’t sell seats. It connects travellers who want to share a charter, and it’s free to post. The sooner your trip is live, the sooner someone flying your way can find it.
JetMatch is a technology platform that introduces travellers who want to share the cost of a private flight. We do not own, operate, charter, or sell air transportation. All flights are arranged with, and operated by, independent certified air carriers selected by the travellers themselves.