Hate waiting in line at security? Does the rigamarole of commercial flights — showing up a couple hours early, overbooking, disorganized boarding processes, and poor service — have you looking for a better solution? If you can afford it, these private jet charter companies are happy to show you a better way.
JetSuite
Specializing in light-jet travel within North America and the Caribbean, JetSuite has been operating for a decade and recently expanded into offering additional travel experiences.
Fleet
JetSuite operates a fleet of 15 aircraft including Embraer Phenom 100s, Phenom 300s, and a Legacy 650.
Destinations
JetSuite’s service area includes the continental United States and Hawaii, as well as select destinations within Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Cost
Ranging from $4,425-$14,200 per hour.
Is catering included?
JetSuite offers complimentary drinks as well as a selection of gourmet, organic snacks from Torn Ranch on every flight. Additional catering options available upon request.
Can you drive onto tarmac to unload?
Yes.
Pilots
JetSuite’s pilots have designated days on and off with an average of 16 to 17 flying days per month. The schedule varies with blocks of work days from five to eight in a row and days off from two to seven in a row. When on duty, the pilot’s basic work day is 12 hours, which may be extended to a maximum of 14 hours by regulation, or shortened in accordance with the flight schedule needs. The average work day is about 10 hours.
Fun Facts
JetSuite amenities are curated in partnership with leading luxury brands including a signature cabin scent by Paris-based fragrance house Diptyque and Venus et Fleur’s Eternity Roses on every flight. They’ve also partnered with luxury travel company Embark to launch JetSuite Experiences, coordinating everything from simple weekend getaways to access to the most exclusive events to complement their first-class flight experience.
XOJET
XOJET was founded in 2006 as an on-demand private jet charter headquartered in the Bay Area, creating flexible and highly personalized ways to fly on-demand, for business and leisure.
Fleet
XOJET’s fleet includes 43 super-mid Bombardier Challenger 300s and Cessna Citation X aircraft. In addition, clients also have access to more than 1,500 light, midsize, super-mid, and large-cabin aircraft including the Nextant 400XTi, Learjet 60XR, Falcon 50 EX, Gulfstream G550, and Global 6000 jets, through XOJET’s Preferred Partner Network.
Destinations
XOJET services clients in North American and globally. When the destination isn’t in North America, the client is flying on a partner network or with Vista Global — which recently acquired XOJET.
Cost
Pricing is based off which membership program a client is associated with, however Elite Access member’s flights’ are fixed-hourly and can range from $5,500 per hour on light jets and $6,750 per hour for mid-size jets. Pricing and rates for Select Access and Preferred Access members are dynamic and based on aircraft availably.
Is catering included?
XOJET offers a variety of fresh bites and seasonal options between most city pairs. Remote departure cities may have a limited version of XOJET’S standard catering menu, however for the complete menu, clients may contact their personal Aviation Advisor for the most up-to-date information based off location. Items outside of this menu may be requested for an additional fee. Additionally, client can request menu items from their favorite restaurants by contacting their Aviation Advisor.
Can you drive onto tarmac to unload?
Yes, for private flyers. Plan to arrive 35-45 minutes prior to scheduled flight departure.
Pilots
Pilots have protected time off and the availability to choose between flexible or fixed schedule options including eight on/six off or 15 on/13 off (both scheduled 15 months in advance) and a flex schedule that is bid on a monthly basis. The flex option adds approximately 10 extra days of flying per year for pilot. Pilots receive eight to 32 vacation days per year based off seniority, in addition to growth opportunities and annual pay raise. Pilots have the availability to live where they want with flexible home basing options and full service hotels and rental cars available while traveling with per diem for meals and additional expenses with company-issued credit cards.
Fun Facts
You’ll work directly with one of 40 Aviation Advisors, who are the “quarterback” of your flying experience, curating each flight with catering, ground transportation, and concierge services.
VistaJet
VistaJet bills itself as the most global private aviation company, arranging for heads of state, corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, and private individuals to fly into and out of the world’s hardest to reach destinations.
Fleet
VistaJet owns more than 70 large cabin Challenger and Global private jets, accommodating up to 14 passengers and seven sleeping positions.
Destinations
VistaJet passengers have flown to over 1,900 airports in 96 percent of the world and 187 countries worldwide.
Cost
Pricing varies depending on the client’s travel profile — how many hours they fly, international versus national, etc. — but the range is $12,000-$18,000 per hour.
Is catering included?
Yes. VistaJet has established partnerships with renowned restaurants and private aviation catering vendors across the world to allow VistaJet to serve the finest cuisine across the VistaJet fleet. Customer preferences are carefully followed to produce tailored menus.
Can you drive onto tarmac to unload?
Yes.
Pilots
Seventeen day on, 13 days off.
Fun Facts
VistaJet’s Adventures in the Sky is an extensive travelers’ program designed especially for children. They can throw parties in the sky and offer interactive entertainment and educational activities in-flight. Last December, they launched the first global program for wine in the air, including tastings in the sky designed by the world’s top wine experts. Most recently, VistaPet launched in April to ensure four-legged travelers feel equally welcome.
All In Aviation
All In Aviation is the first and only flight school in the Southwestern U.S. to offer the Cirrus SF50 personal jet for demonstration jet experiences with a typed-rated, certified flight instructor.
Fleet
All In Aviation specializes in Cirrus aircraft, including the world’s first personal jet, the SF50, with a current production waiting list of more than 600 owners from across the globe. They have seven aircraft in their fleet.
Destinations
You can fly from Las Vegas to regional remote destinations such as Mesquite or the Grand Canyon, with views of Red Rock, Valley of Fire, Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, or the Grand Canyon. Destinations can also include Big Bear, Santa Monica, or Sedona.
Cost
The SF50 is available for flight training and flight lesson experience packages beginning at $1,500 per hour.
Is catering included?
Catering is not included in the flight price, but many people take a lesson in the jet to popular nearby destinations such as Sedona or the Grand Canyon to enjoy lunch with a scenic view before heading back.
Can you drive onto tarmac to unload?
Yes.
Pilots
Unlike the others, All In Aviation is a flight school, so customers are the pilots, earning precious hours in your pilot’s logbook toward getting your pilot’s license. All In Aviation’s certified flight instructors are qualified and experienced commercial pilots who can offer piloting and instructional services for serious students, or you can put the plane on auto-pilot and take selfies and fiddle with the radio station.
Premiere Aviation
Premiere Aviation operates in the Bay Area and specializes in the latest version of the Cessna Golden Eagle, the Cessna 421C.
Fleet
Premiere Aviation has two limited edition Cessna 421C planes in their fleet, which have been updated and refined. They are experts in Cessna Aircraft, and have two patents on aerodynamic improvements, which bolster fuel efficiency 5-10 percent for better performance in both speed and climb, and greatly enhanced safety.
Destinations
The Golden Eagle can use all 12 Bay Area airports, including San Carlos and Palo Alto airports, even though the runway is only 2,600 feet. Destinations include almost anywhere on the West Coast, such as those popular with for owners of second homes like Tahoe, Sun River, or Bend; for business meetings in Fresno, Monterey, or Southern California; or for golfers heading to Bandon Dunes in Oregon.
Cost
You prepay for 25 hours of flight time which is normally $600/flight hour. When you buy 25 hours you pay $550/hour (the total cost of 25 flight hours is $13,750). You have a full year to use the time, if you don’t, you can extend it six months at a time for an additional 10 percent of remaining balance on credit. When you fly, you pay for the fuel used as registered by the fuel computer, and you pay for the contract pilot $250/half day or $500/full day. You can pay $75/hour for drop offs that are shorter than a half a day.
Is catering included?
Yes, with items from Whole Foods Market, or from other delicacy spots with food that travels well.
Can you drive onto tarmac to unload?
Access to the aircraft varies by airport. At Palo Alto and Gnoss in Novato you can drive up to the plane. You can drive to within 200-300 feet at most airports.
Pilots
Contract pilots vary, many have been with the company since it moved to Concord Jet Center back in 2009. Some are part time, some fly other planes. Premiere Aviation allots four pilots per plane so that ample coverage is always available.
Fun Facts
Some clients that swear by the fishing in Montana fly direct to outlaying areas that have small airstrips. When they arrive, they jump into the drift boat and are in the river and fishing within 15 minutes.
Amber Gibson spends 340 nights a year in hotels searching for the latest and greatest in the travel industry. Her writing and photographs have appeared in print, online, and on the radio for outlets including Four Seasons Magazine, NPR, Saveur, Departures, Rhapsody, Hemispheres, American Way, Private Air, Wine Folly, Plate, Chicago Magazine, Tasting Table, and Serious Eats. She graduated as valedictorian from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and received a fellowship to attend the 2017 Wine Writers Symposium at Meadowood Napa Valley. Champagne, dark chocolate, and gelato are her biggest weaknesses. She also admires and supports CAASE in Chicago. Follow her adventures on Instagram and Twitter.
