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In recent weeks Simple Flying has been increasing coverage of the private aviation industry, and as such, it’s a good idea to include a guide on how one would charter a private flight, be it for business, the experience, or any other reason. Traditionally seen as an exclusive, high-entry-barrier way of traveling, flying private has evolved over the years and is more accessible than some may believe.
The Business Case
It has long made sense for companies to take advantage of the private method of flying. While vast numbers of managers and executives fly to and fro via commercial aviation avenues, according to Privaira, a large market exists, especially for small businesses (up to 500 employees) that comprise nearly three-quarters of charter operations in the United States.
Larger firms may have their own limited fleet or at least a service they can contact with limited notice to organize a trip. Even after large switches to more remote work and lifestyle have been made, there’s still a time and place for unavoidable business travel to challenging-to-reach locations. Connecting via multiple cities may eliminate a full work day, two if you include the ride back. As a bonus to some, the level of privacy facilitated makes for a good environment if high-stakes contracts are on the agenda.
Thanks to the internet, getting in contact with and requesting a quote from many business-geared operators is simple. All you need is some basic info about what route you need, the number of passengers, and an estimate of the luggage your party will have. However, such a flight will run a company (or individual) thousands per hour for a small jet or tens of thousands per hour for a mid to large-sized aircraft.
Again this makes financial sense from a company standpoint, as prices are likely irrespective of the number of passengers; the cost of chartering a $60,000 flight for a party of 13 might be the same or even cheaper than 13 last-minute round-trip business or first class seats. But it might not be particularly suitable for one individual or family.
Traveling privately outside of a corporate function
In the event you’re not looking to shell out tons of cash to hire a Gulfstream G450 but still want to experience this side of the industry, you’re very much in luck. Within the last decade, an increasing number of operators have been flying business jets out of private terminals, yet they can be booked as you would with a standard airline. The best part: a couple of them are not outrageously extortionate.
One of the most notable private “airlines” is JSX, which flies to dozens of destinations across the Western and Southern United States, plus Florida, New England, and Cabo San Lucas. In private style, a ticket with JSX features arrival at their own terminal or hangar with few other passengers, a lounge stocked with complimentary snacks and beverages, and an average check-in to departure time of 20 minutes.
Photo: JSX
Their 30-seat Embraer jets, set up in either 1-1 or 1-2 configuration, are comfortable and spacious, perhaps what you’d expect sitting in US domestic first class. But, for example, a round-trip ticket from LAS to LAX costs around $378. While Delta Air Lines serves the same route in economy for a bit over $100, if you compare it at a class level, Delta First is around $450. Yet, those seats are in a 2-2 configuration, lowering the value comparably. Add in the potential security queues and baggage waits at the massive airports, and JSX may be a reasonable choice.
Another disruptor is Surf Air, which provides both on-demand and scheduled private services. Half acting as an agent, you can charter a flight between almost any two airfields in the US (plus some options in the Caribbean and Central America) through their website. Still, prices will look like those of standard operators at hundreds to thousands per hour. However, good deals are to be found for those living in the California or Texas areas.
They offer a $199/month membership to book seats on scheduled flights, all of which take place within those two states according to the carrier’s site. Or, for those on the go constantly, a $2,500/month membership will get you a seat on any scheduled flight at any time without any additional costs. According to The Points Guy, per-seat pricing for standard membership holders can be as low as $99, though flying at peak times to certain destinations may run anywhere between $199 to $349.
Photo: Markus Mainka / Shutterstock.com
Many other companies, such as XO, Wheels Up, and Set Jet, just to name a few, also have a similar pricing scheme where you pay a membership fee to unlock seats onboard small business jets with scheduled services from private terminals. That said, some of these can be expensive or incorporate high “non-member fees,” as having an otherwise cheaper basic membership to access shared seating doesn’t count as “true membership.”
It could still be an exciting alternative to going all out on a first class ticket for a special occasion while earning your typical airline rewards as you would since many are partnered with legacy carriers to earn miles and fast-track loyalty status.
Have you used any of these private operators before? Let us know in the comments below!
Sources: cntraveler, The Points Guy, Air Charter Service USA, Ocean Independence, Privaira
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