Know the Pros and Cons of Chartering a Private Jet
Chartering a private jet may be the answer if you’re getting tired of all the hassles associated with commercial air travel.
Though jet charter is commonly associated with high-profile personalities and business travel, in recent years, it has grown in popularity among group travelers going on vacation and families seeking a stress-free and safe travel with a private jet. Still, some claim that it’s a too pricey, excessive, and superfluous way to fly.
Is chartering a private jet worth it? You’ll have to weigh the pros and cons; the advantages and disadvantages of a private jet charter to find out if it is the best choice for you.
Pros of Flying Private
Here are the top 5 reasons to fly private on your next trip:
1. Privacy and Confidentiality
If you’ve ever taken a first-class or business class flight, then you already know that the airline really takes special measures to give their passengers more privacy. But of course, nothing compares to the complete privacy and exclusivity that a private jet charter can offer since you have the entire plane for yourself for the entire duration of the flight.
2. Luxury and Comfort
Flying private is indeed a one-of-a-kind experience. Depending on the type of plane you charter, you can have access to amenities like plush leather seats, on-board wi-fi, custom catering, and the latest entertainment systems. Chartering a private jet isn’t just about traveling to your destination, but also feeling at ease and having a good time while getting there.
3. Personalized In-Flight Service
Personalization has a significant impact on the overall quality of your flight. Many aspects of your private jet charter can be customized according to your preferences, including the aircraft model, passenger capacity, catering, and amenities. You can even organize a party in the skies with the food and entertainment of your choice. All of your needs will be met by the flight crew, available to you at all times during your flight.
4. Stress-Free Airport Experience
A bustling airport is probably going to be your first stop when you fly commercial. You’ll pass through several check-in counters and security checks, and will need to arrive hours before your flight to make room for possible delays. When you charter a private jet, on the other hand, you’re essentially flying on your own plane. You’ll board from a private terminal or FBO and won’t have to worry about missing your flight even if you get to the tarmac just in the nick of time.
5. Flexibility and Accessibility
Since private jets have access to small airports and FBOs, you have the option to land and take off on locations that would otherwise be inaccessible to commercial flights. Moreover, you can generally book a private jet charter with very little notice. Some jet charter companies can have a jet ready for take-off in a few hours.
Cons of Flying Private
Despite the many luxuries and conveniences of flying private, it is not without downsides, such as:
1. Susceptibility to Weather Delays
A private jet charter may solve many of the delay issues associated with flying commercial, but not weather delays. Because most private jets are significantly smaller in size than the commercial airlines, they may be unable to withstand certain weather conditions that could be handled by commercial planes. In the event of a storm, a private jet may postpone or cancel the flight altogether.
2. Higher Costs
The issue that most people have with private aviation is the price tag that comes with it. But, of course it’s understandable that the added convenience, comfort, and luxury of flying private comes at a higher cost. If you have a flexible schedule or are not too fussy about sharing a jet with other people, though, you can either charter an empty leg flight or book a shared private flight to significantly cut costs.
3. Strict Cancellation Policy
The rules on canceling a charter are rather rigorous. Most companies have a “use-it-or-lose-it” policy where you will be required to pay a penalty for cancellation and may not be entitled to a refund. However, some charter companies may allow a substitute passenger to fly in your place for a small fee.
4. Baggage Limitations
A lot of people believe that you can just take whatever you want when you fly private, but this isn’t the case. Some private planes, usually smaller ones, have an even stricter baggage policy than commercial airlines since excess weight can affect the jet’s performance. Flying commercial may be the better option if you’re traveling in a large group and have a lot of luggage or heavy items to transport.
5. Requires More Planning
Because commercial airlines transport a large number of passengers, they need to adhere to a set of rules designed to keep things organized. Meals and refreshments are prepared ahead of time and the departure and arrival times are already set. When you fly private, you’ll need to arrange things in advance with the charter company if you want a customized airline experience.
While chartering a private jet does require more effort on your end in terms of planning, as long as you work with an experienced and reliable charter service. Combine it with a trustworthy VIP transfer company and everything will be worth it in the end!
About the Author:
Melissa Hull is the Content Marketing Strategist for Aviation Charters, a West Trenton, New Jersey-based private aviation company that provides on-demand aircraft charter, aircraft management, and aircraft acquisition services. Aside from her passion for writing, she loves to travel and read espionage books.
