How does the deposit work?

The deposit is simply a card hold. The amount is held by your bank on your own card: it is neither charged nor kept by Volara or the owner. It serves as a guarantee, not a payment.

Placed at the start of the flight

The hold is set up at departure, not when the booking is agreed. A card authorisation is only valid for a few days: placing it too early would make it useless on the day of the flight.

Released on return

If the aircraft is returned undamaged, the hold is released and your bank frees up the amount. Nothing is charged to you.

Never taken without reason

The deposit is never taken on simple request. The owner must file a substantiated and justified claim. You then have a set period to dispute it, after which Volara decides.