Accessibility of Private Jet Travel
Once a luxury reserved solely for corporate executives and the super-wealthy, private jet travel has become more accessible in recent years. Due to the pandemic years, flight schedule disruptions, and crowded airports, private and semi-private jet services are now in high demand, making this experience desirable and attainable for a greater number of travelers.
Options for Private Jet Travel
The marketplace has evolved rapidly, and competition has created a variety of options, including:
- Memberships
- Fractional ownership
- Charters
- Shared private jets
- Scheduled small jet carriers
Although still costly when compared to commercial airline fares, private jet travel is now within reach for more travelers. Many find the convenience and benefits of private jet services make the price difference worthwhile.
Finding the Best Deals
The best deals are typically available from semi-private carriers with published schedules and fares. If your travel route aligns with theirs, you may find prices that compete with first class on commercial airlines.
Doug Gollan, editor in chief of Private Jet Card Comparisons, mentions that there are currently more than a dozen providers offering shared flights using private jet terminals. Companies like JSX, XO, Blade, Aero, and Surf Air sell seats on airplanes operating on a published schedule. The price for a seat can start as low as $200, although most will be $1,500 or more.
JSX CEO Alex Wilcox states, “We created JSX to bridge the gap between private and commercial airline travel. Our members-only service provides access to popular destinations while avoiding the frustrations of commercial travel without costly membership fees.”
With JSX, booking early allows travelers to access discounted “Hop On” fares, often around 50 percent less than the unrestricted “All In” price. The service is characterized by convenience and transparency in pricing.
Aero also focuses on providing quality scheduled services. According to Aero’s CEO Uma Subramanian, their business model allows travelers the flexibility of flying private without needing to charter the entire plane. “We’re dedicated to premium service and ensuring our guests are well taken care of,” she notes.
Aero suggests flying on off-peak days, typically early in the week or Sundays, to secure the best rates. Their website allows travelers to see fare information for scheduled routes, enabling better planning for cost-effective travel.
Other companies such as Wheels Up, Set Jet, Surf Air, and XO offer attractive membership programs that cater to frequent travelers. This dynamic model allows for cost-effective options in private jet travel.
Finding options for an “empty leg” flight could enhance your travel flexibility and savings. As Henry Kim from Jet It suggests, while seeking out “empty legs” can be challenging, it often results in substantial discounts on normal charter rates.
Shopping for an affordable private jet experience begins with planning your travel destinations and dates. Flexibility in planning, thorough research on airline offerings, and advanced booking can lead to a fulfilling private travel experience.
