When most people think about flying private, they think about A-list celebrities, top politicians, or wealthy businessmen drinking wine or sipping champagne as they cruise at 45,000 ft.
As such, private jet travel has long been regarded as an absurdly expensive way to travel, exclusive only to the members of the billionaire and millionaire sets. And while this sentiment is largely true, the slew of new private jet charter firms into the market has somehow disrupted the industry and made it more accessible to a broader consumer base.
In fact, private jet charter has been one of the few bright spots amid last year’s historic travel slump. Private aviation saw a surge of new consumers, seeking for safer and more flexible means to fly, during a time of great uncertainty.
Private Jet Travel Is Cheaper Than You Think
As the industry grows and evolves, jet charter companies have found ways to make private jet travel more affordable. There are even instances and travel routes where flying private costs as much or might be cheaper than flying commercial.
Here’s how you can fly private for less:
Empty Leg Flights
An empty leg is non-revenue flight; a private jet that dropped off passengers on a one-way leg but would otherwise return empty to its home base. Because these flights are noncommissioned, operators are more than willing to sell these flights for a bargain and recoup some of the costs. Booking an empty leg is much cheaper than a regular private jet charter.
Discounted Deals
Several luxury resorts and vacation destinations, particularly those that are located at remote or hard-to-reach areas, partner with private jet companies to provide visitors convenient access to their locations. These private flight services are frequently offered at discounted rates.
Shared Charters
Numerous private jet startups operate on an economy-style sharing model, which means these flights are shared with other passengers to maximize efficiency and cut costs. Shared charters may not be “flying private” in the sense of having an entire plane to yourself, but they still offer many of the benefits of private jet travel: the convenience of flying from the nearest airport or a private terminal and not having to deal with the crowd at the airport and the long security lines.
Private Jet Charters Made Easier
Innovations in the air travel industry resulted in the emergence of a plethora of options that made private aviation significantly easier and more affordable to access. Nowadays, it’s possible to fly private for almost the same price as a business class seat in a commercial airline, and they’re just as easy to book!
The majority of the newest entrants to the private jet market take an Uber-like approach via industry-disrupting apps that connect users and private jet firms. These apps enable members to purchase individual seats on private flights or access hundreds of private jets across the country – sometimes, even the world. Most of these apps are not affiliated with a particular private jet company; they do not own or operate an aircraft, but merely serve as a tool that allows passengers to book a seat on or charter a private jet.
Why Fly Private?
Flying private is the best choice for vacationing families and business travelers looking to maximize their time and productivity. Parents traveling with little kids no longer have to endure the lengthy lines at the airport and all the inconveniences that come with connecting flights. Those who are traveling for business, on the other hand, may visit multiple destinations and condense several days of travel into a single day when they charter a private jet.
The real advantage of private aviation is the flexibility it provides to passengers. You don’t have to get to the airport two hours before your flight, only to wait longer due to delays. You can also arrange to fly from a nearby private terminal or FBO, arrive at the tarmac approximately 15 minutes before your scheduled departure, and land at an airport closest to your destination. Simply put, private jet travel gives you full control of your time – no more rushing to the airport or fretting about missing your flight because your plane will not leave without you!
About the Author:
Melissa Hull is the Content Marketing Strategist for Aviation Charters, a West Trenton, New Jersey-based private aviation company that provides on-demand aircraft charter, aircraft management, and aircraft acquisition services. Aside from her passion for writing, she loves to travel and read espionage books.
