Flying in a private jet may seem like something just for celebrities or highly paid athletes, but many folks are choosing this travel option because it offers them a larger variety of options than flying commercial airlines.

Though it may seem like a fantasy, booking a private jet is easier than you think. Here are some things to consider before you book along with tips on how to choose the best private jet rental company.

What Exactly is a Private Jet Charter?

Chartering or booking a private jet means that you are purchasing your “tickets” for a flight with a company that is licensed to operate private commercial aircraft. This company has a fleet of aircraft and personnel to ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone on board each flight.

Unlike commercial flights, however, you will be the only party on board your flight. Instead of choosing a flight and sitting with hundreds of strangers, you will pick the exact location and departure time and will travel only with the folks in your group.

Why Book a Private Jet?

There are some obvious reasons that come to mind when thinking about why you’d want to book a private jet. Luxury, comfort, and privacy go hand in hand with flying on a private aircraft. Beyond the obvious, though, there are many perks to flying on a private jet.

It’s About Time

One of the largest advantages to renting a private jet other than the luxurious comfort is that it saves you lots of time.

When you think about flying commercial airlines, there’s a lot of waiting involved. You have to choose a date and time that is predetermined by the airline. Hours and hours are then spent going through security, waiting at the gate, and hanging out at airports during those dreaded layovers.

When flying privately, you choose the date and time you want to depart and return. Since it’s just you and your passengers, you can arrive as soon as 15 minutes prior to departure to board your plane. Plus you travel directly to your destination without making stops along the way.

Variety is the Spice of Life

The fact is that smaller planes can fly in and out of a larger number of airports. They don’t need super long runways or a ton of space. This means you have a wider variety of destinations available to you.

You want to visit remote locations and don’t want to spend hours in a cab or on a bus getting there? Private jets can get you closer to those secluded places in a single flight.

Luxury and Comfort

Flying on a private jet is not just a journey, it’s an experience. Private jets provide large, comfortable seats with room to move about in the cabin. Many are also equipped with showers and some even have beds for those longer flights.

When you’ve got the aircraft to yourself, you also are in charge of the entire experience. Lighting and audio levels, when to eat, and any other detail that doesn’t compromise the safety of the flight is yours to decide. You’ll also get the luxury of complete privacy on your flight.

Choosing an Aircraft

Which aircraft you’ll need will depend on your destination and the number of passengers who will be traveling. Private aircraft range from very light jets that can carry 4-6 passengers to heavy jets and airliners that can hold almost 20 passengers.

The smaller aircraft have a more limited flying range, so even if you have a small traveling party, you’ll need a larger aircraft if your destination is a bit further away than a smaller craft can travel.

How Much Will it Cost?

Renting a private jet will cost more than flying a large commercial airline. How much it will cost to charter a private flight will also depend on where you are going and how many passengers you need to accommodate.

Exact costs will vary depending upon current fuel costs, so you’ll need to check with the company at the time of booking. Here is a general range of costs per flying hour based on the size of the aircraft. Some flights will be higher depending upon your specific needs.

• Light Jet (4-6 passengers) $4,000-$5,500
• Midsize Jet (6-9 passengers) $5,500-9,500
• Heavy Jets and Airliners (13-19 passengers) $11,000-$20,000

How to Get a Good Deal

While you don’t want to sacrifice safety or cut corners to find a less expensive flight, there are ways to cut down on the cost of traveling via private jet.

One of the ways you can minimize costs is by sharing a flight with another group. While a huge perk of flying on a private jet is having the plane all to yourself, adding just one other small party to your flight is one way to split the costs.

Many private jet companies also have what’s called “empty legs,” which means that the plane is traveling to a destination without passengers. Obviously, they’d much rather sell those seats than remain empty. In these cases, you can book a flight at a discounted rate.

Empty-leg flights don’t offer the same flexibility as a booked flight, but still might be worth it if you’re looking to cut costs.

How to Find the Best Private Jet Company

Odds are if you search “private jet near me,” you will get thousands upon thousands of results. Chartering a jet is a highly personal experience, so you don’t want to just pick the first one that turns up in a search. There are many factors to consider when picking the best private jet rental company.

Safety

The absolute most important consideration when booking a private jet is the safety of the flight. Look for companies that have special safety credentials and follow strict FAA guidelines and regulations. Other certifications include the prestigious WYVERN Wingman Operator status, which is the highest industry standard in safety.

Maintenance of the fleet is also an important concern. Improperly maintained aircraft are much more prone to issues, so it’s important to choose a company that meticulously cares for each plane in its fleet.

Service

Once you’ve found a company with top-notch safety standards, you’ll want to make sure you’ll be getting the white-glove treatment you’d expect with a luxury flight. What private jet service you will receive can make the difference between a luxurious flight and one that is simply satisfactory.

Find out what all will be included in your flight before you finalize your reservation. Entertainment options, refreshments and meals, and available Wi-Fi will take your flight to the next level.

In addition to checking out safety standards and services offered, be sure to read reviews of others’ experiences with the company. A company you can trust will have a solid reputation for customer service and well-maintained aircraft.

Adventure Awaits

The luxury of chartering a private flight doesn’t have to only be for the elite. Special occasions such as honeymoons, anniversaries, or any other event you want to make the memories of a lifetime are perfect opportunities to go that extra mile with a private jet.

Presidential Aviation has a huge fleet of luxury liners that can suit the needs of parties of two to 19. Contact our company to get an instant quote on the trip of your dreams and then get packing! Your adventure awaits!