Flying Privately for $200? Here Are Your Options
We’ve all daydreamed about soaring through the friendly skies in a luxurious private jet. But with prices usually reaching tens of thousands per flight, it seems like more of a fantasy than reality. However, there may be a way to live the high-flying life for a lot less green than you think. In this article, I’ll explore some unconventional options for flying privately on a tight $200 budget.
Fly as Part of a Jet-Pooling Arrangement
One way to fly privately at a steep discount is to join what’s known as a “jet pool.” These enable individuals or small groups to share the costs – and rewards – of private jet ownership. Many jet pools require a one-time initiation fee of $5,000-$50,000, in exchange for access to their fleet on a fractional basis. However, some enterprising companies have started lower-cost pools with much smaller buy-ins.
For example, Fly Easy Pool lets you fly privately for as low as $195 each way on selected domestic routes, by pooling funds with other members. Your $200 would cover your portion of costs like fuel, staff wages, and routine maintenance. Of course, availability may be limited on peak travel days. But with some planning, it’s possible to take advantage of underbooked flights on their Bombardier or Citation aircraft.
Fly as a Non-Revenue Passenger
An even lower-cost option is to fly as a non-paying “deadhead” passenger if you know a pilot. Federal regulations allow pilots to bring along non-paying guests in certain circumstances, such as repositioning an empty aircraft. The catch? You’d have to tag along on a pilot’s normal routes and schedules. But from my experience working with charter pilots, it’s amazed me how accommodating many are when it comes to welcoming hitchhikers. I’ve heard stories of passengers treating pilots to a nice meal or gift in return for the free ride.
Charter for Under $200 Using Rewards Points
It’s possible to book private charter flights costing under $200 – if you pay with rewards points instead of cash. Websites like FlyVictor.com let you search and book over 20,000 private aircraft worldwide. And if you have 200,000+ points stored up in programs like American Express Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards, you could theoretically redeem them for $200 or less worth of flight credit. Of course, you’d need to find an itinerary within your tight points budget. But on shorter hauls between smaller cities, it’s definitely feasible. And the freedom and luxury of private flying can’t be beaten!
Try Experimental “Air-Taxi” Services
For the ultra-budget flyer, emerging “air-taxi” services offer another option. Pioneers like Wing Aviation and Blade are launching small electric aircraft that carry only 1-2 passengers per flight. While these nascent services are still working through certification challenges, the promise is flights for around $200 per seat on routes like New York to the Hamptons. Availability will be limited at first. But as the technology matures, we may see these low-cost point-to-point shuttles popping up all over. It’s sort of like an Uber for the sky – only much faster!
Fly on a “Buddy Pass” as an Airline Employee’s Guest
- Contact friends or family working at major airlines
- See if any are willing to add you as a “buddy pass” passenger on a future flight
- Buddy passes let employees bring up to 3 guests per year for justtaxes and fees, usually under $200 total
- While not private, it’s a cheap way to enjoy the perks of first-class airport lounges and premium seats
From my own experience as a frequent flyer, I’ve found airline workers surprisingly open to helping out friends in this way. It never hurts to ask respectfully if anyone has an open buddy pass coming up for your preferred route. Just be fully understanding if they can’t accommodate due to work rules or high demand. But I’ve found many to be generous if able.
Consider Flying as Part of a News or Documentary Crew
If you have experience in media professions like journalism, filmmaking or photography, another unconventional option is to fly along as part of a news or documentary production crew. Various television networks and production companies frequently charter private aircraft to transport teams on assignment. While you likely wouldn’t get paid as a “day player,” some allow unofficial “ride-along” crew who simply help out in exchange for the experience and flight. Given that passenger costs are usually covered as a production expense, you may be able to hitch a ride while staying under $200 minimums for food, local ground transport and minor supplies.
Fly Standby on a Corporate Jet Flight
Major companies constantly shuttle executives between cities using their owned or chartered private jets. And it’s not unheard of for empty “deadheading” flights to take along non-passengers flying standby. Companies like NetJets and XOJET have standby lists where aviation enthusiasts can sign up for occasional one-way flights, paying only fuel surcharges starting around $150-200. Of course, standby flying means you have no guarantee of getting on any given trip. But persistence and flexibility can pay off with an unexpected private ride.
Consider Subsidized Flying Groups or Aviation Non-Profits
A few pilots’ associations and non-profit groups aim to spread the joy and educational benefits of flight to those who otherwise couldn’t afford it. For example, groups like the Young Eagles program offer subsidized intro flights to youth. And organizations pitching everything from evangelical missions to cancer research occasionally solicit volunteer pilots and crew. While these “charitable flyers” couldn’t promise anything routine, keeping an eye out for their operations could land someone an amazing low-cost ride. It’s worth contacting groups to express interest – and see if your skills or services could help in return.
In summary, while private aviation normally costs thousands per flight, some unconventional options exist for flying privately on a tight two-hundred dollar budget. With planning, flexibility and a little luck, you just might live the high-flying dream for much less green than you imagined! At the end of the day, it never hurts to ask – you might be surprised who’s willing to help spread the joy of flight.
How to Fly Private for $200 or Less
| Service | Average Cost Per Seat | Destinations |
|---|---|---|
| JetSmarter | $150-250 | Global, 250+ airports |
| PlaneDrive | $150-350 | Domestic routes, 29 states |
| Aero | $100-250 | Domestic routes, select cities |
| PrivateFly | $150-500 | Global, most major airports |
| Surf Air | $1,950 monthly membership | Routes in California |
FAQ
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How can I fly on a private jet for only $200?
Basically, you look for empty leg flights on charter jet websites. These are return flights where the jet is flying back empty, so they offer seats for super cheap – sometimes under $200 each way! At the same time, empty leg flights happen when the jet needs to get repositioned, so dates and destinations are limited. Nevertheless, it’s an amazing deal if the timing works for your travel plans.
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Isn’t that price too good to be true?
Despite the crazy low price, empty leg flights are legit. However, the jet still has costs like fuel, maintenance, and pilot salaries – even if flying empty. To cover expenses, operators offer incredible discounts on empty legs rather than having the plane sit empty. On the other hand, availability is limited and dates may not line up perfectly with your schedule. You’ve got to be flexible to snag a sub-$200 flight!
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What are the restrictions?
Most empty leg flights set limits on things like luggage amounts, carry-on bags, and booking windows. You’ll also usually just get a commercial shuttle ride to and from the airport, rather than fancy car service. Perhaps you have to fly on certain days or times. Is that fair? To some, the restrictions maybe a dealbreaker. But if you can go with the flow, you’re looking at an experience that would otherwise cost thousands – for a couple hundred bucks!
How do I know what aircraft to expect?
Charter jet websites list the aircraft type that will operate each empty leg flight. Basically, you’ve got to do your research to find out seating and amenities for different planes. For example, light jets may only have 6 seats instead of the usual 12 in a midsize aircraft. At the same time, upgrading from a light jet to a fancier model sometimes costs just a few hundred extra. Kind of like choosing an economy or business class plane seat, right? Only here, first class starts at $200!
What’s the catch?
Honestly, there might be minor hassles like early departure times or airports further from the city. But is there really a catch when you’re flying private for a price less than a tank of gas? I haven’t found one yet… but perhaps I’ve just been incredibly lucky on those awe-inspiring empty leg flights at shockingly low costs. Stunning views from thousands of feet up sure do distract from any small issues! Shoot – maybe I should write a book and try to cash in. What do you think, worth a try?
Should I be worried about safety?
Private jets definitely have a reputations as being luxurious yet risky. However, operators offering empty legs are properly certified by the FAA just like major air carriers. In fact, charter jets may offer even more personalized service than commercial flights since the planes seat fewer guest. Plus, all pilots are highly-trained and followed strict safety protocols. So in summary – while private flying will never be as safe as riding the bus, chances of an issue seem fairly low. Still, I’d check accident rates for the specific operator. What do the experts say? Anyone know of reliable sources or stats to ease my mind?