Thank you all for your insight.

Then my question is, where does the reg apply that I can split the costs of the aircraft rental and fuel with my passengers? what if they pay the person I am "renting" the airplane from directly (meaning they write the check to that person) and not me?

Again, I am not trying to run a charter, i just want to share the cost of the aircraft with people that need to go the same destination.

I found this website last night Aircraft Ride Share - See all available flights . Please take just a moment and click on a few of the flights and see how they people are charging. It looks to me as these people are doing the same exact thing I want to do. Is what they are doing illegal? If not, how would it be different from what I propose?

Thank you all for your time. I really appreciate it.