Everything You Need to Know About Sharing Private Jet Travel
If you’re wondering how you can access the convenience and luxury of flying private without owning your own jet, sharing private flights may be the answer. Private jet charters and jet card membership programs allow you to pay per flight or purchase flight hours in advance to take advantage of on-demand private aviation. In this article, I’ll cover the different options for sharing private jet travel and answer common questions about costs, availability, and what to expect.
Chartering a Private Jet
One way to fly private without long-term commitments is to charter a jet on a per-flight basis. This gives you complete flexibility to choose your departure airport, dates, and destination. When you charter, you’re essentially renting the whole plane and can bring friends or colleagues along. Most charter operators have aircraft ranging in size from light jets that seat 4-6 passengers to midsize and long-range jets seating up to 19.
To charter a jet, you’ll work with an accredited charter broker to select the aircraft type, dates, and pickup/drop-off locations. They’ll provide quotes depending on flight time and distance. Charter rates vary but average $4,000-6,000 per flight hour depending on the jet category. You’ll pay a deposit upfront and the balance on arrival. From my experience, most charters require a 3-4 hour minimum. Another option is ‘split charters’ where you share the cost by coordinating travel with other passengers flying to a similar location.
Private Jet Cards and Membership Programs
Private jet cards and membership programs offer point-to-point travel on the jet operators’ aircraft fleets for a set annual fee or hourly minimum. This is similar to a credit card for private flights. Some key benefits include guaranteed aircraft availability, flexible policies for changes/cancellations, and fixed hourly rates.
The most well-known programs require an initiation fee of $25,000-75,000 and annual dues of $10,000-25,000 which provides a certain number of flight hours, usually around 25. Hourly rates are between $3,000-5,000 depending on the jet size and applicable taxes or surcharges. Under these, you schedule flights with just a few days’ notice based on hourly allotments instead of paying per-flight. They allow last-minute travel without charter rate fluctuations.
Programs vary though. Some operators offer pay-as-you-go jet cards with no signup fees for occasional users flying less than 25 hours per year. Rates may be higher at around $4,500-6,000 per hour but provide on-demand access. You get online portals to select available flights and deal directly with the operator.
- Costs: Jet charter rates tend to be higher than jet cards and membership programs due to the per-flight payment structure. However, charters offer more flexibility without commitments.
- Aircraft availability: Jet cards and memberships guarantee an aircraft for scheduled flights. Charters depend on fleet availability at short notice which can be challenging during peak travel times.
- Minimum hours/costs: Most jet cards require purchasing a minimum block of hours upfront like 25 hours annually. With charter flights, you have no hourly minimum commitments.
Deciding Between Options
When deciding, consider your typical travel needs. If you fly less than 25 hours per year, on-demand charter flights may work best. For occasional flyers, pay-as-you-go jet cards eliminate memberships fees. But if you fly regularly, private jet memberships with fixed hourly rates end up being more cost-effective in the long-run versus charter rates.
Jet cards suit businesspersons who travel last-minute since they guarantee aircraft availability. Charter works well for one-off family trips or shared group travel. You can also “try before you buy” by chartering first to experience private aviation, then invest in a jet card later. Do the math based on your yearly flight hours.
Additional Expenses to Consider
Besides the flight rates above, there may be extra costs such as crews and catering. When chartering, you pay hourly rates for the pilots, but jet cards/memberships typically include flight crews as part of the membership. Food and drinks are usually optional extras priced separately.
Landing fees ranging from $100-1000 per takeoff/landing apply depending on the airport. Federal excise taxes and additional charges for international travel also apply. Make sure to clarify if additional hourly rates for repositioning empty legs or deadhead flights after passenger disembarkation are included.
Peak day and time surcharges averaging 20-30% higher than standard rates apply during holiday travel periods. Overall, always get full price quotes including all potential fees upfront before booking private flights.
Booking and Travel Considerations
Most operators recommend booking private flights at least 3-5 days in advance for domestic trips and 7-14 days for international travel. This allows time for aircraft scheduling, risk assessment for weather/traffic delays, and customs clearances. Last-minute private jet bookings within 48 hours are possible but incur premium rates.
Provide accurate passenger details including special needs like pets or sporting equipment for weight/balance calculations. Confirm if ground transportation is arranged or self-arranged. Request international travel docs well in advance such as passports, visas, and required health paperwork. Review any COVID-19 testing/proof of vaccination requirements too.
On the day of departure, allow extra time to pass through customs/security for the private terminal areas. Dress professionally as you’ll have the run of the whole plane and be served a multi-course catered meal. Most importantly, sit back and relax without the usual airport crowding – the perks of flying private!
Final Thoughts
Flying privately offers unparalleled convenience, luxury, and freedom of movement compared to commercial aviation. While it comes at higher hourly rates, sharing flights through jet charters or fractional ownership mitigates the costs versus owning a jet outright. Do the math based on your typical travel needs and I’m sure you’ll see the value. Feel free to contact a reputable charter operator or jet card provider to discuss travel requirements and they can provide accurate quotes.
You may not believe it was worth it until you try private air travel. I remember my first time being blown away by the service, onboard chef-prepared food, and personal space – it totally changed my perspective. If you have the means, I highly recommend treating yourself or clients to the private flying experience at least once. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Comparing Private Jet Charter Options
| Company | Average Flight Time | Number of Aircraft | Capacity | Types of Jets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JetSuiteX | 1.5 hours | 30 | 8-11 passengers | Embraer Phenom 100, Cessna Citation Excel/XLS |
| Jet Linx | 2 hours | Over 100 | Up to 18 passengers | Cessna Citation, Bombardier, Gulfstream |
| PrivateFly | 2.5 hours | Access to over 5000 aircraft | Varies by aircraft | All types of private jets |
| VistaJet | 3 hours | Over 70 long range aircraft | Up to 19 passengers | Bombardier Global, Challenger, Gulfstream |
FAQ
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How much does it cost to charter a private jet?
The price of chartering a private jet can differ considerably based on factors like the aircraft type, number of passengers, flight duration, and destination. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $25,000 for a single flight, Basically it comes down to the size of the jet. Small piston-engine planes hold 4-6 riders and can cost under $5,000 one-way while larger jets that transport 10 passengers or more start around $10,000 and go up from there. At the same time, transoceanic trips on huge Gulfstream jets might run $50,000 or higher.
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Do I need a pilot’s license to charter a private jet?
Nope, you don’t need a pilot’s license to charter a private aircraft. The plane comes with professional pilots who are licensed and qualified to fly the specific jet being rented. They handle all aspects of operating the plane from takeoff to landing. Passengers just show up, relax, and enjoy the flight! However, if you want to actually pilot the plane yourself, then yes – a private pilot’s certificate would be necessary.
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How far in advance do I need to book a private jet?
It depends on the date and destination. Booking private air travel takes more planning than commercial flights. During busy travel seasons like holidays, it’s best to arrange charter flights about 1-2 months ahead of time. For hot spots like the Bahamas or Aspen, reserve 3-6 weeks in advance if possible. But you can sometimes find last minute deals within 7-14 days of departure, particularly for weekday travel. The sooner you contact jet charter companies, the better chance of getting the aircraft and flight times you want. Don’t wait until the last minute unless it’s an emergency!
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Is it safer to fly private compared to commercial airlines?
Perhaps – private jets have a fairly impressive safety record. Because there are less passengers per flight, the odds of being involved in an accident are much lower than on a packed commercial airliner. You also deal with less security lines, crowds, and delays. However, flying remains one of the safest forms of transportation overall. Sadly, accidents can occur regardless of the size of plane. Maybe maintaining good pilots who follow procedure is the real key to staying safe in the air. It’s hard to say if one type of aviation is absolutely safer – but private jets do offer more personalized care and flexibility.
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What amenities are typically included on private flights?
Beyond the basic seatbelts and cockpit, most charter planes provide a variety of onboard comforts. Expect to find things like plush leather seats that fully recline, ample legroom, wi-fi, power outlets, satellite radio or music, well-stocked refreshment centers, and sometimes even lavish multi-course catered meals. On longer trips, some aircraft even include private sleeping quarters, showers, and even a kitchen! It really depends on the size and luxuriousness of the jet. In general though, air charters strive to offer a VIP experience that makes you feel like you’re flying in your own personal limo in the sky. Their goal is stunning customer satisfaction!
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Can families or groups of friends share the cost of a private jet rental?
Absolutely! Jet charter rates are typically calculated per person so the more riders you have, the cheaper it gets per head. This makes private flights very feasible to split amongst several people headed to the same place. Just make sure everyone is onboard with the plans and able to travel together. You’ll need one individual to book the trip and manage payment details. But having 5-10 travelers ready to go can bring rates within reach for occasions like bachelor parties, family reunions or golf outings. Just don’t forget to account for things like luggage fees which may apply. Working as a team can make owning the skies an affordable luxury!
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How do charter passengers get to and from airports?
Ground transportation is usually not provided as part of private jet rental rates. However, many charter operators can assist with reservations at the starting and finishing airports. Options include hiring cars and drivers, booking shuttle vans, or using ridesharing/taxi services. It’s a good idea to nail down road transportation ahead of time, Especially for distant regional airports. Arranging pickups and dropoffs goes smooth if you plan in advance. Some jet brokers may tack on fees to bring clients directly to the aircraft upon arrival as well. Overall the flexible nature of air charters means passengers have freedom to get to jets as needed. Just be ready to roll!