If private jet travel feels like a luxury reserved for the elite, think again. The reality is, flying private is more accessible than ever. With a variety of options including private charters, jet cards, memberships, and fractional ownership, experiencing the unparalleled benefits of private aviation is within reach, without the commitment of full aircraft ownership.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about How To Fly Private, covering the fundamental methods, costs, and the booking process, so you can decide if it’s the right choice for your travel needs.
The Compelling Advantages of Private Air Travel
Why are more and more individuals and businesses choosing to fly private? The benefits extend far beyond mere luxury, offering tangible advantages in efficiency, comfort, and personalization.
Unmatched Time Savings and Efficiency
Commercial air travel often involves a significant time investment beyond the flight itself. Arriving hours in advance, navigating lengthy check-in lines, security checkpoints, and crowded gates can be draining. Factor in potential layovers and flight delays, and travel time can quickly escalate.
Private aviation eliminates these time-consuming hassles. Arrive closer to your departure time and bypass crowded terminals entirely, opting for private, expedited security. Enjoy direct flights to your destination, avoiding layovers and maximizing your valuable time. This streamlined approach to travel significantly enhances efficiency, allowing you to focus on what matters most.
Enhanced Privacy and Discretion
Privacy is a precious commodity, especially when traveling. Studies show that commercial airline passengers can encounter hundreds of individuals during a single trip, compromising personal space and discretion. Flying commercially means navigating crowded airports and sharing a confined cabin with numerous strangers.
Private jet travel offers an entirely different experience. You’ll encounter minimal personnel, and your fellow passengers are limited to those you personally invite. This controlled environment ensures a high degree of privacy and discretion, allowing you to travel with peace of mind and conduct business or personal matters in complete confidentiality.
Superior Comfort and Bespoke Amenities
Imagine a flight experience tailored entirely to your preferences. On a private jet, this is the standard. Forget cramped seating and limited amenities. Private aircraft offer spacious cabins, comfortable seating, and often, private lavatories. Gourmet catering, customized with your favorite refreshments, is readily available.
These high-end comforts and personalized amenities are integral to the private flying experience, transforming travel from a mere transportation method into a luxurious and enjoyable journey.
Personalized and Attentive Services
From the moment you book a private jet, you’ll notice a distinct difference in service. The booking process is highly personalized, far exceeding the standardized experience of commercial ticketing. You dictate your destination and schedule, and you have the freedom to customize nearly every aspect of your flight.
Tailor your in-flight menu, arrange pre- and post-flight concierge services, and control who accompanies you on board. This level of personalization ensures that your travel experience is perfectly aligned with your individual needs and preferences.
Freedom and Exclusivity: A Lifestyle Choice
Beyond the tangible benefits of time savings, privacy, and comfort, the ultimate allure of private aviation lies in the freedom and exclusivity it provides. It’s about more than just reaching a destination; it’s about reclaiming control over your schedule and travel experience.
Flying private is a lifestyle choice that offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility, allowing you to optimize your time and travel on your terms. For those who value these qualities, the experience is undeniably worthwhile.
Navigating the Options: How to Fly on a Private Jet
The perception of private jet travel as solely for the ultra-wealthy is outdated. Today, a range of accessible options makes private aviation attainable for a wider audience. You no longer need to purchase and manage your own aircraft to enjoy the benefits.
Here are the primary ways to experience private jet travel:
Private Jet Charters: The Simplest Entry Point
Chartering a private jet is often the most straightforward way to experience private flight. You essentially rent an aircraft for a specific trip, paying only for the flights you need. Charters can be booked directly with an operator or through a reputable broker.
Private charters offer flexibility in destinations and schedules, operating based on your specific requirements and aircraft availability. Pricing is typically calculated on a per-flight basis, not per seat, and is quoted using an occupied hourly rate. While costs vary depending on factors like aircraft size and trip distance, a typical short-haul charter might start around $7,000 per trip.
The booking process for a private charter is generally simple, often beginning with a straightforward quote request.
Book a Flight
Private Jet on Tarmac
Private Jet Cards and Memberships: Value for Frequent Flyers
For those who anticipate flying privately multiple times a year, jet cards and memberships can offer significant value. These programs, like Volato’s Insider Program, allow you to deposit funds in exchange for locked-in, preferred charter rates. Jet cards function similarly, offering blocks of flight hours purchased in advance.
Instead of fluctuating market rates, you access predetermined, often discounted, charter prices by drawing down on your deposited funds. Membership programs frequently include additional perks, such as enhanced discounts on empty-leg flights, exclusive partnerships with luxury brands, and freedom from blackout dates.
Become a Member
Fractional Ownership: The Benefits of Ownership, Simplified
Full private jet ownership comes with considerable administrative and logistical responsibilities, often detracting from the enjoyment. Fractional ownership offers a compelling alternative, providing many of the advantages of ownership while significantly reducing the management burden.
Volato provides fractional ownership opportunities within our fleet of HondaJets and is currently accepting orders for fractional shares in our incoming Gulfstream G280s, scheduled for delivery in 2024.
Fractional ownership allows you to enjoy the benefits of private jet travel without the full acquisition cost and complexities associated with owning an entire aircraft. Volato’s fractional program distinguishes itself by offering unlimited hours, revenue sharing, a modern fleet, and a commitment to exceptional customer experience.
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Selecting the Right Private Jet Service Provider
Choosing the right private jet operator is crucial for a safe, seamless, and enjoyable experience. Consider these key factors when making your selection:
Uncompromising Safety and Regulatory Compliance
Safety should be your paramount consideration. Always prioritize operators with a demonstrable commitment to safety. Inquire about their safety records, certifications from recognized third-party organizations like ARGUS Platinum and IS-BAO Stage 2 (or higher), and their aircraft maintenance protocols. A reputable operator will have a transparent history of rigorous maintenance and inspections.
Diverse and Suitable Fleet Selection
The private jet market includes a wide array of operators managing fleets with varying aircraft types and configurations. Assess your typical passenger capacity and flight range requirements and select an operator whose fleet aligns with your needs. A diverse fleet provides greater flexibility and ensures you have access to the right aircraft for each mission.
Exceptional Customer Service and Attention to Detail
From your initial inquiry onwards, the service you receive should be exemplary. Premium private jet operators are characterized by a high level of attentiveness and a commitment to bespoke service. Expect personalized attention and a proactive approach to anticipating and fulfilling your needs.
Transparent and Honest Communication
Transparency is essential in all aspects of private jet travel, especially concerning pricing and safety. Your chosen provider should be upfront and transparent in all communications, providing clear and comprehensive information. Be wary of hidden costs or evasiveness. A trustworthy operator will prioritize open and honest communication from the outset.
Understanding the Costs of Private Jet Travel
A common question is, “How much does it cost to fly private?” Providing a definitive, universally applicable answer is challenging due to the numerous variables involved, including the chosen private jet program, specific flight details, and the operator.
However, we can offer a general overview to illustrate the cost structures associated with different private jet travel models:
| Private Jet Charter | Jet Card or Jet Membership | Fractional Ownership |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Model | No upfront investment or deposit | Deposit or purchase of flight hours required |
| Ongoing Fees | Pay-per-flight cost | Hour-based drawdown from initial deposit |
| Hourly Cost Structure | Market-driven, dynamic rates | Capped and preferred rates within the program |
| Availability | Subject to aircraft availability and market demand | Guaranteed availability up to program limits |
| Limitations | • Potential availability constraints during peak periods • Higher per-flight hourly costs | • Fleet restrictions may apply • Service area limitations in some programs |
The Private Jet Booking Process: A Streamlined Approach
If you opt for private jet charter, the booking process is designed to be efficient and hassle-free. At Volato, our booking process follows these simple steps:
Request a Personalized Quote
Initiate the process by requesting an online quote. Provide essential details such as your destination, number of passengers, and desired travel dates. Quotes can typically be obtained up to 90 days in advance of your trip.
Dedicated Concierge Team Flight Planning
Our experienced concierge team promptly processes your request, crafting an optimal flight plan tailored to your specifications. A detailed quote is then provided for your review, typically valid for 24 hours.
Final Touches by Experience Concierge
Upon confirmation of your booking, our dedicated Experience Concierge team takes over to finalize all the finer details. This includes verifying passenger information and arranging in-flight amenities such as refreshments.
Prepare for Departure
With all arrangements expertly handled, you can simply relax and anticipate your upcoming journey. Your flight is fully prepared, and check-in is a mere 15 minutes prior to your scheduled takeoff.
Preparing for Your Private Jet Experience
Volato’s Experience Concierge team proactively assists you in preparing for your private jet journey, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience. This includes:
- Confirming all passenger details accurately.
- Arranging pre- and post-trip concierge services, such as private airport transfers.
- Customizing onboard services, including refreshments, snacks, and gourmet meal options for longer flights.
- Reconfirming your departure date and the minimal 15-minute check-in time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Private Jet Travel
How expensive is it to fly private?
While private jet travel is undeniably more expensive than commercial business or economy class travel, the cost is relative and dependent on numerous factors. The specific mission, jet class, amenities, and concierge services all influence the final price. Different private jet programs also have varying cost structures.
What amenities are available on private jets?
While amenities can vary slightly between aircraft, common offerings across most private jets include:
- Private, full-size lavatory
- Partial to full-size galley for food and beverage preparation
- Onboard connectivity, including Wi-Fi
- In-flight access to luggage
- Dedicated pre- and post-flight concierge services
- Executive-style, comfortable seating
- Advanced entertainment systems
Can individuals book a single seat on a private jet?
Volato prioritizes your privacy and exclusivity. We do not offer single-seat bookings on shared flights. Each flight is exclusively for you and your chosen passengers, whether family, friends, or colleagues.
Some charter operators offer “shared charters,” which are essentially individual tickets on predetermined shared routes. While technically private jet charters, these options may compromise the exclusivity and personalized experience of true private aviation.
Can I fly my private jet to any destination?
Private jets can access a vast network of airports, including both major commercial hubs and smaller regional and private airports. In the US, this encompasses approximately 5,000 regional and private airports.
As long as the destination airport has a runway suitable for the aircraft and is within the jet’s range, you can typically fly your private jet to almost any airport that accommodates privately operated aircraft.
Can private jets fly internationally?
Larger private jets, particularly super-midsize and above, operated by companies with the necessary international clearances, are capable of international flights. For example, Volato’s Gulfstream G280 fleet is designed for transatlantic missions, connecting destinations like New York and London with ease.
How long can a private plane fly?
The maximum flight range of a private jet depends on its class, model, and weight. Larger executive jets, such as the Boeing Business Jet Max series and Bombardier Global series, boast ranges exceeding 10,000 nautical miles, enabling them to connect virtually any two points globally.
Smaller jets, like the HondaJet, have shorter ranges, around 1,547 nautical miles, ideal for regional flights of approximately three hours.
Are private jets legal?
Private jet ownership, operation, and charter are entirely legal, provided operators hold the necessary licenses and registrations. The legality and freedom associated with private aviation contribute to the large number of privately owned jets worldwide, with over 22,000 globally and over 14,000 in the US alone.
Do private jets land at major commercial airports?
While private jets can land at major commercial airports, they often utilize regional and private airports to minimize congestion at major hubs. For instance, private jets serving New York City frequently use Teterboro Airport instead of the busier John F. Kennedy International Airport. Airports like Teterboro are designated as general aviation relief airports, easing traffic at major commercial destinations.
Discover Private Jet Travel with Volato
Are you ready to experience the freedom, flexibility, and exclusivity of private jet travel? Whether you’re planning a business trip from New York to Los Angeles or a leisure getaway from Houston to Miami, Volato’s diverse range of private aviation solutions can make private flying a reality for you.
Contact us today to learn more about the unparalleled experience of flying private with the world’s friendliest private jet company. Fly Volato.
