There is a presumption that a passenger who undertakes a charter flight is accepting of a greater degree of risk than one who simply buys an airline ticket. This is reflected in the difference between how charter vs RPT is reflected in the various rules & regs around the world. Whether the punter on board is actually aware, who knows, but that's how the systems work. A private VFR flight will always be at the bottom of the list. Basic economics dictate that.
The “presumption” is a complete fiction and based on distinctions that have no safety basis. We do know that punters on board are blissfully ignorant of the differences. No punter has any understanding of the absolute and comparative levels of risk of e.g. RPT operations in a 737 compared with Charter operations in a 737.
Indeed, I recall a gentleman by the name of Richard Harold Smith trying to introduce a ‘star’ rating system for the various classifications of operation in Australia and the different sized aircraft and their certification basis. His concept was that the punters should be informed of the facts. Commercial operators at the time gathered tar and feathers for Dick, and he was forced to back down.
“Basic economics” dictate the differences? You are
absolutely correct. Another phrase that captures the same concept is: “affordable safety”.