It’s a fact: flying private is often associated with the ultra-wealthy. But, in recent years, it has become a (semi) reasonable option for business travelers, families, and big groups looking for more convenience, flexibility, and, yes, a touch of luxury. Though the price tag is considerably higher than a commercial flight–especially in economy–the value of flying private can occasionally outweigh the cost. From time savings and flexibility to more privacy and access to remote airports, flying private has some perks that might just justify the expense. Ahead, we’ll uncover if it’s worth splurging on private jet travel, and how, in some scenarios, it can even be cost-effective.
Time Savings
One of the biggest benefits of flying private is the sheer amount of time you can save. Unlike commercial flights, where you need to get to the airport hours before takeoff, those on private flights can show up just a few minutes before their flight. That’s because there are no long security lines, no need to wait for boarding, and no crowded terminals. Plus, with direct flights (read: no layovers), private jets also save time in the air.
More Flexibility
Imagine skipping the hassle of sifting through countless Google Flight options just to find a flight time that sort of works with your schedule. That’s the beauty of flying private. When flying private, you can decide when you leave and can even shift departure times if your plans change at the last minute. (Spirit could never.) This is especially valuable for people who have changing schedules or don’t love to plan ahead of time.
Access to Remote Airports
In the same vein of flexibility, private jet services can fly between airports that commercial airlines don’t service, allowing you to hop on non-stop flights to smaller cities or remote locations. This means you won’t have inconvenient flight connections or roundabout routes, making your travels much more efficient. While commercial flights are limited to major hubs, private jets can land at regional airports or even private airstrips closer to your final destination. This makes flying private especially convenient for vacations to less accessible areas, whether it’s a remote island getaway or a countryside retreat.
Privacy
If you’re looking for privacy, flying private offers a level of privacy that commercial airlines simply can’t match. You don’t have to deal with crowded airports, packed flights, or any of that nonsense.
Group Travel Cost-Effectiveness
The phrase ‘the more the merrier’ couldn’t be more true than when it comes to flying private. Chartering a private jet has a flat cost, regardless of the number of passengers. Splitting this fee between friends, family, or colleagues can majorly reduce the per-person cost, making private jet travel a bit more accessible. In some cases, people flying first-class on a commercial flight might pay a similar amount. To break it down, a charter flight might cost around $10,000, which sounds steep at first, but when split among a handful of people, it might even be less expensive than a plane ticket. (If you split it with six people, that’s about $1,666 per person—about the same price as a first-class ticket, especially for long-haul flights.)
The Breakdown
Alright, let’s consider the full costs of flying commercial versus private. For a typical commercial flight, you’ll likely pay for an Uber to and from the airport ($100 round-trip), a checked bag (anywhere from $30 to $85, depending on the airline), meals at the airport ($40), and in-flight food and Wi-Fi ($25). These small expenses can quickly add up, especially when you’re traveling with a group. On a private jet, most of these costs are bundled into the overall price, which includes luggage, meals, and the convenience of avoiding airport congestion. Plus, since these jets can fly into small or remote airports, you won’t need to hop on (and pay for) multiple flights.
Is It Worth It?
Flying private isn’t for every trip, but it can be a seriously great option when time and flexibility are your main priorities. Whether it’s saving hours at the airport, accessing remote destinations, or enjoying a luxurious, customized experience, flying private has a handful of advantages that soar past the price.
