Not just for movie stars and dignitaries, it turns out private jet travel can sometimes make the most sense for business travelers, families, couples, and people with pets. Just think how luxurious it would be to avoid standing in long check-in and security lines at the airport, waiting for luggage or scrambling to make a connection. Imagine not having to sit on a plane full of strangers that are coughing, shushing crying babies or poking limbs into your middle seat. Whether you’re traveling for a special occasion, in a large group, or just want the added convenience, privacy, luxury and time benefits, it may be worth it to consider private jet travel.
“People put a premium on their time, and private aviation can have enormous value for business and leisure travelers alike,” says Andrew Collins, president and CEO of Sentient Jet. “We all run off of the same clock but a tool like private aviation can help us manipulate that same clock.”
The Trendsetter
NetJets is a leader in private aviation — the first, in fact. In 1986, NetJets developed the concept of fractional aircraft ownership (part ownership or shares), providing individuals and businesses access to whole aircraft ownership at a much lower rate. Owners, then, are guaranteed jet access in as little as four hours. The NetJets Lease offers leasing capabilities with the NetJets fleet (more than 700 private jets). Prices vary depending on the type of jet you choose and how often you fly and there are monthly management fees and occupied hourly fees. For travelers that require less than the minimum 50 flight hours and the five-year obligation of fractional ownership, opt for the Marquis Jet Card — a less expensive option — which grants access to NetJets’ fleet for 25 hours of flight.
Simplifying Family Travel
Traveling with kids in tow is never easy but many of the obstacles related to comfort and health concerns are removed when families travel on a private jet. Pregnant women, for example, will find that most food restrictions can be accommodated (no unpasteurized dairy foods or seafood to worry about) and for those with young children, or families with special medical needs, arrangements for baby food, milk and medicine can be made. Plus, who wouldn’t want extra elbowroom, bigger seats and the ability to move around (especially beneficial for anyone at risk for blood clots)?
And, what about the costs? Private jet charter JetSuite, one of the fastest-growing operators in the U.S., allows you to charter a whole jet or buy an individual seat on a shared jet — a fleet of 13 Phenom 100 and eight CJ3 aircraft. JetSuite also lets flyers calculate what they’ll spend and compare the price to other companies through their price comparison tool. JetSuite’s SuiteDeals aggregator offers travelers affordable last-minute rates, which are often cheaper for families than flying commercial (starting at $536 each way for the whole jet). For affordable family travel, JetSuite might prove to be an excellent option if you’re willing to book last-minute flights.
“For families, private aviation can have enormous value if it means being able to spend time with family without sacrificing other obligations,” says Collins.
Technology Eases Travel Costs
JetSmarter, which launched in 2013 and is currently partnered with 800 air carriers worldwide, has been allowing users to charter a jet from multiple locations around the world, via a handy and free-to-download mobile app. Travelers have access to the jet marketplace and the app’s useful technology puts guests in the driver’s seat by eliminating the “middle man.” The process is transparent and relatively affordable. JetSmarter offers three options: JetCharter, which grants access to whole aircraft charters; JetDeals, an exclusive one-way flight on private jets offered at no cost for members — seats may be booked in bundles of two to five complimentary seats; and JetShuttle, a shared private jet flight where users can book single seats on previously scheduled flights. JetSmarter’s membership program is $9,000 per year, with a $3,000 introduction fee, and gives travelers access to unlimited free JetDeals as well as free seats on JetSmarter’s JetShuttle, plus wholesale charter pricing and customer support; if you log a lot of flight hours, this is a good deal. Travelers in Chicago can use any JetSmarter service they’d like, whether it’s booking a JetDeal flight when they become available, creating their own JetCharter or booking a scheduled JetShuttle flight.
Check out this video of Jenny McCarthy and her husband, Donnie Wahlberg, at a Chicago JetSmarter event, courtesy of Travel Insider Magazine.
Convenience, Luxury and Bespoke Travel
Sentient Jet, the world’s largest independent jet card provider, offers a 25-hour jet card, staring at $124,825, which includes 25 hours of flight time with a worldwide reach and travel to any airport with at least a 5,000-foot runway. Travelers can select the jet size and model and availability is guaranteed in as little as 10 hours, which makes family or business travel customizable.
“For business travelers, flying private allows executives to provide clients the face time that has become increasingly invaluable in the age of the digital workplace,” says Collins.
Also included in the price are all jet fuel costs, a concierge team, insider access to partner events and experiences, and exclusive perks through the Sentient Jet Benefits Guide — complimentary nights at Meadowood Napa Valley, The Little Nell, Peninsula Hotels and others are offered new this year as well as automatic Hertz Platinum status and complimentary shopping trips to luxury retailers like Brioni and Ghurka. Cardholders also enjoy a complimentary subscription to Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report, expert travel planning assistance and access to Sentient Escapes exclusive travel itineraries.
Safety First
The safety procedures of many private jet companies exceed the FAA’s regulations for private jet travel. Operators, aircrafts and pilots must all adhere to strict safety guidelines.
According to Chicago Private Jet Charter Flights, an aviation company that touts no up-front costs, membership acquisition fees or maintenance fees, commercial airplanes are more than 25 years old on average while private jets are usually newer. Extensive screening of aircrafts and flight crews also helps ensure the safety of private jet travel.
What About Your Carbon Footprint?
Are you worried about the increase in carbon emissions caused by private jet travel? Before swearing off private air travel entirely, take a moment to calculate your carbon footprint. According to the calculator, a roundtrip flight from Chicago to California will produce half a metric ton of CO2 emissions. That’s a whole lot of greenhouse gas, and a very unhappy planet. A solution: Carbon offsetting. Many sites like Carbon Footprint and TerraPass offer offsetting options like reforestation in Kenya, tree planting in the United Kingdom, and green energy projects. All it takes is a couple of dollars to offset your carbon, and help the planet.
So Is It For You?
The fact is private jet travel is typically more expensive than flying with a commercial airline — you have to be a savvy shopper or a frequent flyer to find a real deal — but after asking yourself how important flexibility, comfort and solitude are, as well as what your time is worth, you may determine that private jet travel is the way to go.
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