How Semi Private Flights Can Take You More Places Without the Crowds

Your Guide to Semi-Private Flying

If you’ve ever searched for “semi private air travel” online, you’re probably wondering about more flexible flying options that are less costly than chartering a full private jet. In this article, I’ll explore some of the private and semi-private air travel alternatives that could meet your needs.

Private Jet Membership Programs

One way to access semi-private planes without owning or chartering your own is by joining a private jet membership program. These programs, offered by companies like FlexJet and NetJets, allow you to purchase a certain number of flight hours that you can use throughout the year on their private aircraft. From my experience working in the aviation industry, these programs provide a good mix of flexibility and affordability.

Some key things to know about private jet membership programs:

• You purchase a set amount of flight hours upfront, then pay hourly rates if you go over your allotted time.
• Aircraft can range from light jets to larger cabin class jets depending on the membership level.
• You’ll have access to most of the company’s aircraft fleet based at various airports nationwide.
• You’ll often share flights with other members, so it’s semi-private rather than totally exclusive.

Overall, membership programs offer reliable access to private planes without the high upfront costs of ownership. But you’ll need to fly a significant number of hours each year to make the membership fees worthwhile versus pay-per-use options.

Fractional Jet Ownership

A step up from membership programs is fractional jet ownership. Companies like Flexjet and PlaneSense allow you to purchase a fractional share (often 1/16) of a private aircraft. This provides similar benefits to full ownership but shared among the other fractional owners.

When it comes to fractional ownership, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. You have the ability to use the aircraft you own a share of for a set number of hours per year based on your share size (like 100 hours for a 1/16 share).
2. Flight costs are lower per hour than charter since you essentially co-own the jet and share fixed costs with others.
3. Aircraft are nicely appointed cabin or mid-cabin class jets, often with multiple owners waiting for availability.
4. Management of maintenance, pilots, etc. is handled by the fractional provider so you don’t have full ownership responsibilities.

All in all, fractional jet ownership is a nice step between membership programs and full private jet ownership. But you still have to coordinate schedules with other owners.

Private Jet Charter

For those who need access to a private aircraft but don’t want long-term ownership commitments, then private jet charter may sort of be the best option. When you charter a private plane through an operator like Victor or Magellan Jets, you pay an hourly rate to rent the whole aircraft for your exclusive use on your scheduled itinerary.

Some pluses of chartering include:

• Total privacy since you have the plane to yourself – no sharing with others.
• Ability to customize the aircraft size based on your passenger load from light jets to large cabin aircraft.
• Flexibility to change plans without notice since you’re not locked into an annual commitment.
• Operators have large fleets so you can choose jets stationed near your departure airport.

On the other hand, the hourly charter rates are higher than ownership models. And last minute bookings sometimes come at even costlier premium rates, especially on peak travel dates.

So in my experience, jet charters work well when you only need occasional private jet use versus frequent fliers who’d save money with ownership.

Small Aircraft Fractional Programs

For a more affordable semi-private option, consider joining one of the small aircraft fractional ownership programs out there. Companies like Flyshare and Av8Club allow you to purchase shares of planes like Cirrus SR-22s and Pilatus PC-12s.

Some positives of small plane fractional shares:

• Much lower upfront costs than large cabin jets – shares start around $50-100k versus $1-5M.
• Lower hourly operating costs since these planes use less fuel and pilots bill out at lower rates.
• Can access regional airports that large jets can’t, opening more destination options.

Of course, payload and range capabilities are more limited on smaller aircraft. And availability may be tighter with fewer planes in the fleets. But for some missions, these programs allow semi-private flying at a fraction (pun intended!) of the cost.

Other Private Aviation Options to Consider

If the aforementioned options still seem too costly, here are a couple lower-cost choices to gain some access to private planes:

Private Plane Rentals

Similar to renting a car, some FBOs (fixed based operators at airports) allow you to rent private aircraft by the hour. Costs are higher than a small plane fractional share but less than an on-demand charter. Do your homework to find rental outfits with late model, well-maintained planes.

Private Air Travel Clubs

Companies like FlyVictor offer membership programs where you pay an annual fee plus small hourly rates to participate. In return, you gain access to their networks of shared private aircraft that you can book on short notice if available.

So in summary, whether it’s jet membership or shares, chartering, or lower-cost options, there are definitely ways to fly semi-privately these days without totally writing the check for full ownership. I’d be happy to further advise you on analyzing what solution could work best for your private flying needs.

Do any of these options pique your interest? Feel free to reach out if you need help evaluating which solution might serve you best. Safe skies!

Factors to Consider When Chartering a Private Jet

Factor	Details
Number of Passengers	Charter options vary in passenger capacity from 4 to 19 seats.
Departure Airport	Consider your closest airport and flight availability.
Budget	Rates vary greatly depending on aircraft size and needs.
Itinerary	Provide accurate flight times, dates and destination airports.
Amenities	Inquire about amenities like WiFi, catering or luxury furnishings.

FAQ

1. How many passengers can a semi private aircraft hold?

   Semi private aircraft come in various sizes. The smallest ones can carry around 5-10 people while the biggest ones go up to 19 passengers. Most common are jets that can take 8-12 passengers.

2. Is semi private air travel more expensive than commercial flights?

   While commercial flights are cheaper for longer routes, semi private flights can be reasonably priced for shorter hops. The cost depends on destination, number of passengers, type of aircraft. But basic ones start at around the same as first class commercial or private for more than 6 people.

3. What kind of amenities are offered on semi private planes?

   Amenities can differ based on aircraft, but most offer things like plush seats, ample legroom, wifi, entertainment systems, quality snacks and drinks. Luxury planes may include suites with lie-flat beds, showers and fine dining. Pilots ensure a smooth ride and quickly get you where you’re going without delays.

4. Is it more convenient than flying commercial?

   Absolutely. You have freedom and flexibilty that commercial flights lack. Skip long security lines and choose your own departure/return times. Fly direct into smaller airports near your destination instead of lugging through huge commercial airports. No waiting around – just board and go. You’ll save lots of time each trip.

5. What kind of aircraft does semi private air travel use?

   The most popular are jets like Citation, Hawker, Learjet and Gulfstream aircraft. They are specially designed for comfort and high speeds. Pilots are highly experienced and ensure safety. Performance can rival much larger private jets but hold fewer people so the cost may be lower. Turboprops are also used for shorter routes that don’t require jets.

   

6. Is it as safe as commercial flying?

   Statistics reveal that both commercial and private aviation have outstanding safety records. However, private planes may appear riskier because mishaps involving them get more media attention. In reality, they go through strict maintenance checks. Pilots of semi private jets have immense amounts of flight hours and training to fly you smoothly to your destination. The risk is quite low, even if it seems a bit unusual.