Are Private Jets Just For The Rich & Famous?
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Travelling by private jet is often associated with the rich and famous; just think Richard Branson globe-trotting or Bono from U2 zipping over to Los Angeles to accept an award. Private jets are perceived as the preserve of celebrities, politicians and hedonistic millionaires, but the truth is that many of the people who hire private jets are actually simply higher-tier business executives who become sick of being messed around at airports on commercial flights and having their schedules ram-raided by inefficient airlines. To many of these people, time is money, so the inflated cost of private air travel is justified by the reduced wastage.
Air travel from mainstream airlines can involve tedious security checks and check-in queues, wasting a lot of traveller's time. Flights can be cancelled, cramped and uncomfortable, or perhaps even over-booked, with airlines offering customers to "volunteer" to wait for the next flight. With these kind of complications, it's easy to see why the proposition of private air travel is so appealing. With vastly streamlined security checks and an absence of long luggage lines.
Private jet hire companies frequently offer assistance to customers in organising accomodation, as well as transportation to and from the airport. Private aviation means that space and comfort is no longer such a problem, and travellers are free to choose whether to sleep, work, sing or dance while on board. Passengers can choose their own food, which can be a refreshing change from pre-packaged airline meals.
But the most significant advantage of private jet travel is having complete independence about flight routes and schedules. It means there is no need to wait around for scheduled departures, or book a night in a hotel to wait for a return flight the next day; the private jet company are completely at your disposal.
There are even times when private air travel makes sense for family holidays. It's the step up from taking your family on a luxury airline, and travelling by private jet means unparalleled privacy, security, space, comfort and choice. Scheduled air travel is often tiring and can take whole days, while private jets can take the pain out of jet-setting.
Admittedly, private jet rental is not cheap, but the cost is completely justified for many people who can afford it, saving their time and effort, and affording them a level of comfort which is far superior to commercial airline flights.
Adam Cairn writes on a number of subjects including private jets and cheap flights.
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Hi Catherine, While I agree with your comment in general, I think there are several circumstances where renting a private aircraft could actually work out more environmentally friendly, reducing travel to airports and taking passengers on direct routes to their destinations.
Thanks for the comment though
I wish i could fly in a private jet. Airports are a nightmare, especially the big ones. Airport experiences can actually ruin a vacation. Great article.
Thanks Lisa, I agree that flying with charter airlines can sometimes be long and drawn-out. One day hopefully I can hire myself a private jet and do-away with the security checks and long waits at airports.
It really depends on how you are planning to travel and how far. If it is a group of 15 passengers who normally fly coach then the savings still isnt there. However, if it is a group of 15 passengers who are shopping a long haul flight who fly first or business class then there is savings for sure over commercial airfares. They can fly as a group on a Gulfstream IV or a Global Express and have complete comfort with their own special food catered and served whenever they want. This is often a more cost effective option than booking on a main commerical airline for the same trip. Upon arrival they simply walk off the plane with their own private customs area if it is for an international arrival. They are usually cleared in 5 minutes and their car is pulled around right next to the plane. It's a beautiful travel experience for sure if you can afford it or have enough people to make it cost effective.
I believe that rich person or millionaires can buy the Private jets. You can come to my hub about the famous private jet in the world. Good work my friend to share your thought about this topic.
Catherine R 2 years ago
Personally I believe it to be a wasteful extravagance for an individual or small group to take a private jet when they could go with a commercial airline. Our planet is already polluted enough. These rich folks could have a perfectly pleasant journey in first class of a commercial airline and donate the money they would have spent on a private plane to some worthy cause.