Private jet travel is often considered to be expensive. While the base cost is, of course, usually more than commercial flying, there are ways to save money. It is also important to consider the full benefits of private flying, not just the quoted cost.
Guides For Private Jet Owners
Consider The Full Cost and Benefits
Private flying brings many benefits. It is much more flexible and more reliable than commercial flying. It also saves time. Check-in and airport service are quicker, airports are often more centrally located, and passengers can make much better use of the flight time. This all needs to be considered when pricing private flying or private air charter. So too does the fact that you are chartering an aircraft for a group. The total price covers multiple passengers, and any luggage or other equipment carried.
With this in mind, there are still many ways to lower the cost and get even more value out of private flying. The following are some of the main things to consider.
Only Charter What You Need
All private jets are not the same. There is a range of aircraft available with varying costs. As you would expect, if the aircraft is more valuable or costs more to operate, the charter cost will also be higher.
Size is the main factor in this. Booking a mid-size or large jet when you only need a light jet will obviously increase the price. But even within the same category, there are variations with aircraft types, aircraft age, or even its fittings. A new aircraft may have the latest technology onboard and a new cabin interior, but it will cost more. An older aircraft will do the same job and be just as safe.
For shorter trips, you may want to look at turboprop rather than jet aircraft. These normally cost less, and the time difference on short flights will be minimal.
Stay Flexible
Just as commercial flights differ in price by route and schedule, so do private charter flights. If you have more flexibility in your plans, you can often find lower rates. Consider alternative departure times or even flying to different nearby airports if this lowers the cost.
Airport costs vary as well. Often with private jet travel, you want to choose the smaller, regional airports for faster service and closer access to cities. If you do want to use a larger airport, it will likely cost more.
Whether to book one-way or return trips is also a consideration. Again, this will vary depending on route and demand for aircraft, but especially if you have an extended stop planned, two one-way trips could cost less.
Look at The Availability of Empty Legs
Many charter companies offer lower-cost ‘empty legs.’ These are simply flights that are already planned and would fly empty if not chartered. This could be for several reasons – such as aircraft being repositioned, flying for maintenance, or returning after a booked one-way charter. Whatever the reason, these will be cheaper than specifying your own route.
Consider Options For Regular Hire
Like many services, private flying will usually cost less the more you do it. Many charter companies offer discounts for regular use or allow the purchase of blocks of usage in advance.
There are also ways to share aircraft hire. With even more planned use, there are possibilities for shared ownership of aircraft and, of course, full ownership for the most regular uses. Aircraft owners can make their jets available for others to charter – offsetting some costs.
Final Thoughts
There are many ways to save money when flying privately. Staying flexible and considering different options can make a big difference. Bear in mind that you don’t need to hire or fly the same way every time – consider what options work best each time.
