Private flights open up a much more flexible way of traveling. There are many advantages over commercial flying – and the cost may not be as high as expected. We take a look here at some of the main areas that are different when you fly privately.
Guides For Private Jet Owners
The Schedule is up to you
Flying privately puts the hirer in charge of the flight meaning you can control where to fly and when. Second to this, plans can be changed as you need, even right before or during the flight.
With the constantly changing restrictions and schedules with airlines at the moment, this has never been more desirable or beneficial.
Less Delays & Weather Impact
All aircraft are subject to unforeseen delays, however they occur less often and are less significant when flying privately. Operators are more likely to have additional aircraft available in the event of technical problems (commercial airlines, of course, run their fleets to capacity).
With weather-related delays, smaller aircraft can usually depart quicker after conditions improve, with many smaller airports able to open up faster after winter weather. Flexibility again is essential here. If conditions are bad at one airport, a private flight can easily switch to a nearby location, commercial flights do not often have that luxury.
Choice of Aircraft
When you fly privately, you are chartering an aircraft. So naturally, you get a choice of which aircraft. Operators, of course, will assist with choice – and the price will be a factor in this too. However, if you take time to get to know the different aircraft options, you will see there are many differences.
There are practical choices such as passenger capacity and storage space. If you are flying with large amounts of luggage – such as sports kits, music equipment, or other specialized or larger items – this can be an important consideration.
On top of these there are other factors to consider. Some aircraft are faster or have a longer range, which can be relevant depending on how far you wish to travel. All aircraft offer a slightly different cabin style, size, and layout which may also influence your decision. It is important to remember, of course, that you do not need to hire the same aircraft every time – each trip is different!
Access to Smaller Cities & Closer Airports
Just as the schedule is up to the hirer, so is the choice of airport. Smaller private jets are not restricted to just the large airports that commercial airlines use. This opens up a whole range of smaller airports (and smaller towns and cities) where private jets can fly directly. And at larger cities, they can usually land at more centrally located airports.
Multiple leg flights are possible as well. It is simple to hire the same aircraft to make a series of flights, with stops as necessary. Scheduling this commercially could be much more complex and take longer.
Use of Dedicated Terminals
Private jet operators do not use the main commercial air terminals. Instead, they use smaller private terminals, known as FBOs (Fixed Based Operators). Everything here is smaller and more personal. You can arrive just 10 to 15 minutes before your flight. Check-in and screening take place but are much faster.
FBOs usually have lounges, refreshments, and often meeting space. Staff can also assist before or after a flight with transportation or other arrangements.
Tailored Inflight Experience
The experience onboard a private flight can be fully tailored to suit your needs. Operators will offer a range of catering and services, but this can be modified. If you want a luxury, celebratory flight with champagne, this is possible. As is a focussed, time-maximizing business flight for work or meetings.
Not As Expensive As You Might Think
Many people do not consider private flying an option due to the cost. Remember, though, that you are hiring the aircraft. Especially for a bigger group, and when taking larger amounts of luggage, this is an important consideration.
And when you also factor in the added convenience, flexibility, and time saved, there might not be that much difference from commercial business or first class flights.
There are ways to lower the price of private flying too. For example, you can look at the availability of ’empty legs’ where you benefit from flights already booked. For regular private flyers, membership or even fractional ownership schemes can bring down the cost.
Final Thoughts
The ease and flexibility of private flying bring many advantages. For leisure or business, there are benefits in personalised schedules, time-saving, and convenience over standard commercial flights. Even in luxurious business or first class cabins, commercial flights still suffer the same restrictions. Once you have experienced the benefits of private flying, it’s hard to go back!
