Benefits and Drawbacks of Chartering a Private Jet

When you think about private jets, what comes to your mind? For some people, private jets are reserved for billionaires/millionaires, high-ranking government officials, heads of state, and rock stars. It’s 2020, and it’s time to correct such misconceptions. Chartering a private jet may have been unpopular in the past, but nowadays, many people consider it one of their top options. 

The idea that a private jet charter is expensive and is therefore reserved only for moneyed travelers is probably based on how most people describe a chartered flight: luxurious. However, not all luxuries are costly, especially if you consider alternative options, such as when you hire a private jet instead of flying on commercial airlines. 

 

What is a Chartered Jet? 

A chartered flight or jet is not part of any airline company’s regular schedule or agenda. When you hire a jet charter, you pay for the use of the whole aircraft, and in return, you have the freedom to fly as many people as possible (according to the aircraft’s limit, of course). 

Additionally, you also have the privilege of determining the flight schedule (departure and arrival times) and destinations. All of the aircraft’s amenities and features are also free for your use. In other words, a chartered jet is your property – temporarily, at least, for the duration of your rental. 

 

Benefits of Chartering a Private Jet 

The following are the advantages you’ll enjoy when you decide to charter a private flight. 

 

Financial Convenience 

Chartering a jet allows you to save on costs compared to flying on a commercial airline. On a private plane, you have the freedom to decide who or how many people will fly with you. If you choose to bring all ten members of your staff, you can do so without paying extra fees. While commercial airlines charge per person, chartered jets have a fixed charge. So, whatever you are paying for the aircraft rental already includes your co-passengers’ fees. 

Besides determining who else will fly on the jet, you can also bring whatever cargo you need. Chartered jet providers usually base the aircraft option on the number of people flying and if the flight includes cargo. 

You’re guaranteed to get the most out of your investment. 

 

Private Terminals 

Chartered jet passengers do not have to go through long check-in counter lines or wait for hours in a crowded airport. Private flights have their own terminals called FBO or Fixed Base Operators. You don’t have to go through multiple security screenings and stay in a congested pre-departure area; you can go straight to your aircraft as soon as you arrive. Your driver can even bring the car right beside the plane. 

 

Personalized Service 

Aside from the privilege of choosing your flight schedules and destinations, chartered jets also have several features and amenities that provide personalized service. Some of these special offers include customized meals and catering services, bespoke aircraft interiors, luxurious seats, high-tech entertainment systems, and concierge services. 

If you’re traveling for business, you can also use the aircraft’s boardroom, complete with all the equipment you need for a comfortable meeting or conference. You’ll also enjoy free Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the flight. 

 

Flexibility, Comfort, and Convenience 

As previously mentioned, when you book a chartered flight, you can choose your own departure and arrival schedules and destinations. An additional convenience is flexibility, particularly in terms of time. If you’re running late, you don’t have to worry about missing your flight because all you have to do is inform your private jet provider, and they will wait for you. The aircraft won’t leave the FBO without you. 

You’ll also enjoy the comfort and convenience that you won’t find in commercial airlines. Bigger legroom, lesser baggage restrictions (you can bring your golf clubs, guitar, or your pet!), plush chairs, and even beds – these are the conveniences you’ll enjoy. You have more space and room to move around and won’t have to deal with cramped areas. 

 

The Drawbacks of Chartering a Private Jet 

There are two major drawbacks to consider when hiring a chartered jet: 

 

Time-consuming and Meticulous Booking Process 

Some people do not like hiring chartered jet services because it takes longer than when booking commercial flights. It requires meticulous planning, particularly in terms of the amenities you want to include in the package. The scheduling can also take time, especially if you have multiple destinations. 

Commercial airlines provide set meals to passengers, and they follow a strict flight schedule mandated by their airline company and the airports they operate in. As such, planning travel via commercial airlines is easier and more convenient for passengers. 

 

The Cost  

Yes, chartered flights can be a good investment, but this can be a challenge to individuals and businesses that do not have enough budget. However, this problem can be addressed by choosing more practical options such as empty leg flights and choosing turbo propeller aircraft for their chartered flights.

   If you’re planning to hire a chartered jet, find time to study and compare your options before choosing one. Better yet, find an aviation company that can help you determine the best choices.

 

 

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.