The pandemic shifted a lot of industries and travel was hit hard. Consumers began to completely redefine their outlook on commercial travel. This complete shift changed everything and new forms of travel had to be considered, including private jet travel.
What was once something that was seemingly out-of-reach or perhaps not worth the effort of inquiring into, consumers started to do their research on a more luxurious mode of travel? Flying on a private jet is often considering the pinnacle of luxury travel. It’s a status symbol not easily attainable due to its high associated costs. But for those who can afford it, the process of booking a private plane for charter is actually quite simple. Though it’s not as easy as going online to buy an airline ticket, the process can be done with a few emails, a DocuSign, and a credit card for the most seasoned private flyers. With the industry is expected to boom in the next few months, according to CEOs from leading private jet firms in the US and Europe, more wealthy flyers are expected to head to the private terminal instead of the commercial first-class lounge. The private jet world, however, can be tricky as not all aircraft are created equal and the cheapest option isn’t always the best option, especially when it comes to aviation.
There are two types of private jet companies: operators and brokerages. Operators are the companies that physically maintain and fly the aircraft while brokerages are merely intermediaries between customers and operators. If the flight is out of an airport where they have planes based, an operator will quote their aircraft but if unavailable or outside of their normal coverage zone, they can call up other operators to check availability and book off-fleet options for their clients. Brokers, on the other hand, solely rely on outside operators to provide the aircraft and often do not have a direct connection to the aircraft their working with.
The first two are simple as they are the basics of any trip but the rest will be key in ensuring the correct aircraft is chosen as one size does not fit all and the cheapest and smallest option is not always the best option. The number of passengers may automatically determine the minimum required size of an aircraft. For example, when flying with nine people, a super mid-size aircraft will likely be required while a group of only two people can fit easily into a turboprop or light jet. Luggage is also a determining factor in the size of the aircraft as certain oversized items like golf clubs, skis, and large suitcases can’t fit in every private jet. Unlike airliners, not all private aircraft have baggage holds and require luggage to be stored onboard the jet.
If excessive luggage and large numbers of passengers aren’t an issue, the size of the aircraft may not be important as most will often request the cheapest option, though some may prefer larger jets. Heavy jets, as they’re known, are preferred especially on long-distance or overnight flights so there is more room to stretch out and sleep.
Though it’s not as easy as going online to buy an airline ticket, the process can be done with a few emails, a DocuSign, and a credit card for the most seasoned private flyers. With the industry is expected to boom in the next few months, according to CEOs from leading private jet firms in the US and Europe, more wealthy flyers are expected to head to the private terminal instead of the commercial first-class lounge.
The private jet world, however, can be tricky as not all aircraft are created equal and the cheapest option isn’t always the best option, especially when it comes to aviation.
