Private aviation often seems like a world apart, filled with its own set of rules and assumptions. While we all know the ins and outs of commercial travel, the realities of private flights are often misunderstood. It's time to separate fact from fiction. We’re going to tackle three of the biggest misconceptions we hear about what it’s really like to fly private jet and set the record straight, giving you a clearer picture of the experience.
1. Very few people will be flying on a private jet in 2021.
2020 was a landmark year for private aviation! The private charter jet industry was one of the year’s most impressive success stories. While flight numbers flagged during the height of the pandemic, by the end of the year newer audiences were interested in flying on a private jet.
Commercial airlines have suffered, for sure, with passenger counts down by more than 50%. However, private air travel has already resurged to 90% of “normal” (pre-pandemic levels). Industry research has shown that companies have started flying whole teams to locations around the world in the interest of business continuity and 31% of U.S. firms are expanding their reliance on private jets for executive travel.
2. Flying on a private jet this year is too risky for your health.
On the contrary, a major report from Harvard University has confirmed that the risk of in-flight COVID-19 transmission is “below that of other routine activities during the pandemic, such as grocery shopping or eating out.” Another study by the DOD concluded that you’d need to “sit for 54 straight hours on an airplane to catch COVID-19 from another passenger.”
Not only has flying been demonstrated to be comparatively safe in these uncertain times, but many aircraft operators and charter firms are adopting innovative new health and safety measures. These include frequent disinfection of their aircraft and private terminals and even deploying safety programs that confirm that “every step of the journey from door to door would be verified clean.”
The inherent safety of flying on a private jet, which helps travelers avoid crowds and further reduce potential exposure compared to commercial air travel, has even positioned the industry to appeal to a new audience: the 90% of people, according to McKinsey, who can afford to fly privately but have yet to take the opportunity.
Understanding the Cost of Private Jet Travel
One of the biggest myths about private aviation is that it's an unattainable luxury. While it is a premium service, understanding the costs involved can make it feel much more approachable. The price of flying private isn't a single, fixed number; it's a dynamic figure based on your specific needs, the aircraft you choose, and the nature of your trip. Thinking about it in terms of an hourly rate is a great starting point, but several other factors come into play to determine the final price. Let's break down what you can expect when you budget for a private flight.
Average Hourly Charter Rates
When you charter a private jet, the cost is typically calculated on an hourly basis. These rates can range from around $2,000 per hour for a smaller turboprop to over $20,000 per hour for a large, long-range heavy jet. The type of aircraft you select is the single biggest factor in this price variation. A light jet is perfect and cost-effective for a short regional trip, while a cross-country or international flight will require a larger, more capable aircraft with higher operating costs. Exploring a diverse fleet of aircraft helps you see how different sizes and capabilities align with various budgets and travel requirements.
Factors That Influence the Final Price
Beyond the hourly rate, several other elements contribute to your total charter cost. The length of your flight is a primary factor, as longer trips require more fuel and crew time. You'll also see charges for airport services, which can include landing fees, ramp fees, and overnight parking if your trip spans multiple days. Other potential costs include in-flight catering, ground transportation arrangements, and international handling fees. A reputable charter provider will always give you a transparent, all-inclusive quote so you can see exactly what you're paying for without any surprises down the line.
Chartering vs. Owning: A Cost Comparison
For frequent flyers, the question of chartering versus owning inevitably comes up. Purchasing a private jet is a significant investment, with prices ranging from $2 million to over $110 million, depending on the aircraft. On top of the acquisition cost, you can expect annual operating expenses for maintenance, crew, insurance, and hangar space to fall between $500,000 and $5 million. While aircraft ownership offers unparalleled freedom, chartering provides much of the same flexibility without the hefty capital outlay and ongoing responsibilities. For those who do choose to own, professional aircraft management can help offset costs by chartering the aircraft out when it's not in use.
How to Make Private Flights More Accessible
While flying private is a premium experience, there are several smart ways to make it more cost-effective. Being flexible with your travel plans and understanding the market can open up opportunities for significant savings. From deeply discounted one-way flights to alternative access models, you have more options than you might think. These strategies allow more travelers to experience the convenience and comfort of private aviation without committing to the full cost of on-demand charter or ownership. Let's look at a couple of the most popular ways to find great value.
Finding Value with Empty Leg Flights
One of the best ways to save on private travel is by booking an empty leg flight. These are one-way flights that occur when a jet needs to reposition for its next scheduled trip. For example, if a jet drops passengers off in Aspen and needs to return to its home base in Los Angeles, that return flight is an "empty leg." Because the operator needs to make that flight anyway, they offer the seats at a substantial discount—often between 25% and 75% off the standard charter price. If you have a flexible schedule, you can find an empty leg that matches your desired route and enjoy significant savings.
Other Cost-Effective Options
Beyond empty legs, other models like jet cards and fractional ownership can make private aviation more accessible. A jet card is a prepaid program where you purchase a block of flight hours on a specific aircraft type at a fixed hourly rate. This offers predictable pricing and guaranteed availability. Fractional ownership is a step up, where you purchase a share of a specific aircraft, granting you a certain number of flight hours per year. While these programs involve more commitment than on-demand chartering, they can be excellent, cost-effective solutions for individuals and businesses that fly a predictable number of hours each year.
The Real Experience of Flying Private
Beyond the health and safety benefits, flying private offers a fundamentally different travel experience. It’s designed around your schedule, your needs, and your destination, stripping away the most stressful parts of air travel. Instead of fitting your plans into an airline’s rigid schedule, the flight plan is built entirely around you. This shift from reactive to proactive travel is what truly defines the private jet experience, making it not just a mode of transport but a tool for efficiency and comfort. It’s about maximizing your most valuable asset: your time.
A Seamless Airport Journey
One of the most immediate benefits you'll notice is how your airport experience changes. Forget arriving two hours early to wait in long security and check-in lines. When you fly private, you can often arrive at a dedicated terminal, known as a Fixed-Base Operator (FBO), just minutes before your scheduled departure. You can bypass the crowds and chaos of commercial terminals entirely. Your luggage is handled for you, and you can board the aircraft as soon as you arrive, turning what is usually a stressful ordeal into a smooth, calm, and efficient process from start to finish.
Access to Thousands of Airports
Commercial airlines are limited to a few hundred major airports, which may not be anywhere near your final destination. Private jets, however, can access thousands of smaller, more convenient airports across the country and the world. This means you can land closer to your meeting, your home, or your vacation spot, significantly cutting down on ground transportation time. When you charter a private jet, you unlock a new level of accessibility, allowing you to reach remote locations or multiple cities in a single day with unparalleled ease.
Flexibility for Luggage and Pets
Packing for a trip is much simpler when you don't have to worry about restrictive baggage policies. On a private flight, you generally have much more freedom to bring what you need, whether it's golf clubs, ski equipment, or multiple large suitcases. The specific capacity depends on the aircraft, but choosing the right plane from our fleet ensures you have all the space you require. This flexibility also extends to furry family members. Many private flights allow pets to travel comfortably in the cabin with you, eliminating the stress and danger of placing them in cargo.
Common Reasons to Fly Private
People choose to fly private for a wide range of reasons, but they all come down to a desire for greater control, efficiency, and a better overall experience. Whether the goal is to maximize productivity for a business trip or to start a family vacation on a high note, private aviation provides a solution that commercial travel simply can't match. It’s a practical choice for those who need to make the most of their time and a luxurious one for those who want to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
Business and Corporate Travel
For busy executives and corporate teams, time is money. Private jets are an incredible business tool, enabling leaders to adhere to tight schedules and visit multiple locations in one day. The privacy of the cabin allows for confidential meetings to be held in the air, or it can serve as a quiet space to work without interruption. Rather than losing a full day to travel, you can turn your flight time into productive work time or a chance to rest and arrive at your destination refreshed and prepared. This level of efficiency makes private travel a strategic advantage for any business.
Leisure, Vacations, and Events
When traveling for pleasure, the journey should be part of the fun. Flying private transforms travel from a necessity into a luxurious experience. You can enjoy more space, superior comfort, and personalized catering in a private and secure environment. It’s an ideal way to travel with family and friends for a vacation, a destination wedding, or a special event. You set the schedule, so there’s no stress about missed connections or rushing through airports. Instead, you can relax and begin your trip the moment you step aboard the aircraft, creating lasting memories from the very start.
3. It’s too complicated to charter a private jet vs. purchase an airline ticket.
One of the biggest advantages of flying on a private jet is the flexible, customizable, fully expert service that you’ll receive from beginning to end. It may be relatively quick to book off-the-rack commercial flights, but in many ways it’s easier to charter a private jet, since you’ll have a dedicated team to take care of all the details for you while offering well-informed advice and suggestions. Not only that, but if you need changes, no one has more freedom to adjust the itinerary than folks flying on a private jet.
Even payment options in the private jet industry have more freedom to accommodate their audience. For instance, Aviatrade recently became the first sales firm to start accepting cryptocurrency (such as Bitcoin) for the purchase of aircraft as high-profile as a $40 million Gulfstream G650ER.
How to Fly on a Private Jet
The Simple Booking Process
Arranging a private flight is much more straightforward than you might think. Instead of dealing with complex booking websites, the process is personal and tailored to you. You’ll work directly with a dedicated charter specialist who handles every detail. Simply provide your travel dates, destination, and number of passengers, and they will present you with a personalized quote and aircraft options that fit your specific needs. This concierge-style service removes the typical hassles of travel planning, allowing you to focus on your trip while an expert coordinates the logistics, from ground transportation to in-flight catering. It’s a streamlined experience designed entirely around your convenience and schedule.
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
One of the greatest benefits of private aviation is its flexibility, which extends to booking time. While it’s sometimes possible to arrange a flight with as little as four hours' notice, planning ahead is always a good idea. Booking your trip at least 24 to 48 hours in advance typically provides a wider selection of available aircraft and more favorable pricing. This small amount of lead time gives your charter team the ability to secure the ideal jet for your mission and finalize all the personalized details that make private travel so exceptional. Unlike the rigid schedules of commercial airlines, private charter is built to accommodate your timeline, not the other way around.
Beyond a Single Trip: Different Ways to Fly
On-Demand Charter
On-demand charter is the most popular way to fly private, offering complete freedom and flexibility. It works like a reservation—you simply book a specific aircraft for a single trip, whether it's for a multi-city business tour or a family vacation. There are no long-term commitments or upfront investments required. This pay-as-you-go model is perfect for those who fly privately a few times a year or have travel needs that vary greatly from one trip to the next. It gives you access to a vast network of aircraft worldwide, ensuring you always have the right jet for your journey without the responsibilities of ownership.
Jet Cards and Memberships
For those who fly more frequently, jet cards and membership programs offer a blend of convenience and predictability. These programs allow you to purchase flight hours in bulk at a fixed hourly rate, which can simplify budgeting and guarantee aircraft availability, often with just a few hours' notice. A jet card is an excellent option if you value consistent pricing and want to avoid the variable costs associated with on-demand charters. It’s a step up from single-trip booking that provides many of the perks of ownership without the same level of financial commitment, making it a popular choice for frequent business and leisure travelers.
Fractional and Full Aircraft Ownership
For the ultimate in access and personalization, nothing compares to aircraft ownership. Fractional ownership allows you to purchase a share in a specific aircraft, granting you a set number of flight hours per year. For those who require even more access, full ownership provides unparalleled freedom. While owning a jet is a significant investment, partnering with an aircraft management company can make it a seamless experience. A professional team can handle all the complex operational details, including maintenance, crew staffing, and regulatory compliance, allowing you to enjoy all the benefits of your asset without the logistical burdens.
Choosing the Right Aircraft for Your Trip
An Overview of Private Jet Categories
The world of private aviation includes a diverse range of aircraft, each designed for a specific purpose. You don’t need to be an expert to make the right choice; your charter coordinator will guide you. Jets are typically grouped into categories: light jets are perfect for short regional trips, mid-size jets offer more cabin space and range for cross-country flights, and heavy jets provide intercontinental capabilities with spacious cabins for larger groups. Having access to a varied fleet ensures that whether you're flying solo for a quick meeting or taking the whole family on an overseas holiday, there is an aircraft perfectly suited to your mission.
Understanding Aircraft Performance
Beyond cabin size, an aircraft's performance is key to planning a successful trip. Factors like range, speed, and runway requirements determine which airports you can access and whether you’ll need a fuel stop. For example, a heavy jet can travel up to 7,000 miles without refueling, making it ideal for non-stop international flights from New York to Dubai. In contrast, a light jet is more efficient for shorter routes like Los Angeles to Las Vegas and can access smaller airports closer to your final destination. Your flight specialist will analyze your itinerary and recommend the most efficient and comfortable aircraft to meet your travel goals.
Interested in Private Jet Travel? We’ll Handle the Paperwork.
Hangar 7 Aviation knows how daunting it can be to consider flying on a private jet when you’ve never done it before. But trust us, it’s much simpler to navigate with our expert team of agents available to help. Call us and we’ll be happy to answer any questions and help you iron out a travel plan that suits your budget, timeframe, and convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get a realistic idea of what my specific trip will cost? The best way to understand the cost is to request a personalized quote. While hourly rates provide a good baseline, the final price depends on your specific route, the number of passengers, and the type of aircraft you need. A charter specialist will give you a transparent, all-inclusive price that covers everything from flight time and airport fees to catering, so you know exactly what to expect with no surprises.
Are empty leg flights a reliable way to travel, or are they hard to find? Empty leg flights are a fantastic way to save money if your travel plans are flexible. Because they are created when a jet needs to reposition for another client's trip, they don't operate on a fixed schedule. They are perfect for spontaneous getaways or for trips where you have some leeway on the exact time or day of departure. The best way to catch one is to let a charter provider know your desired routes so they can alert you when a match becomes available.
What happens if my meeting runs late or my plans change last minute? This is where flying private truly shines. Your flight operates on your schedule, not the other way around. If a meeting runs over, the crew and aircraft will wait for you. While significant changes might require logistical adjustments, the entire experience is designed to be flexible. This level of adaptability is one of the primary reasons business leaders choose private travel, as it removes the stress of potentially missing a commercial flight.
You mentioned FBOs. What are they and how do they make the airport experience different? An FBO, or Fixed-Base Operator, is essentially a private terminal at an airport. Instead of dealing with the crowds, long lines, and general chaos of a commercial terminal, you can often drive directly onto the tarmac. You can arrive just 15-20 minutes before your flight, walk into a comfortable lounge, and board your aircraft as soon as you're ready. It transforms the airport experience from a stressful ordeal into a calm, seamless, and efficient process.
Can I really bring my pets and oversized luggage like skis or golf clubs? Absolutely. One of the great conveniences of flying private is the freedom to bring what you need. Pets can travel safely and comfortably in the cabin with you, and bringing sports equipment or extra luggage is rarely a problem. Just be sure to mention everything you plan to bring during the booking process. This allows your charter specialist to select an aircraft with the right cabin size and luggage capacity to accommodate all of your passengers and belongings comfortably.
Key Takeaways
- Demystify the cost of flying private: It's not an all-or-nothing expense. By exploring flexible options like on-demand charters for single trips or booking deeply discounted empty leg flights, you can access the benefits of private travel without a long-term commitment.
- Reclaim your time with a seamless process: The entire experience is designed for efficiency, from a simple, personalized booking process to bypassing crowded commercial terminals. Arrive minutes before departure and land at smaller airports closer to your actual destination.
- Customize every detail of your trip: Your flight operates on your schedule, not an airline's. This control extends to choosing the right aircraft, bringing pets in the cabin, and packing what you need without worrying about restrictive baggage policies.
