For most, the very idea of the type of person who can charter private jets conjures up images of the ultra-rich. The elite gather for a party in the sky, where they and other jet-setters with glamorous lives sip Champagne and relax as they soar past the earthbound hordes crammed inside economy class. But what if it didn't have to be that way? What if flying private could be accessible to the rest of us?
The truth is that industry shifts, new technologies, and a little strategic planning mean that taking to the skies in a private plane needn't send your travel budget into orbit. Whether you're making a special journey, hate crowds, or want a little Champagne high life, here are the secrets of how to charter private jet travel without a six-figure price tag.
Table of Contents
Booking Tips
Seek Out Empty Leg Flights
Empty legs are one of the great untold travel stories out there. An empty leg flight is simply a flight that an operator is doing as part of a jet's repositioning. Flights typically occur after the plane has dropped off a client or is moving to a new place to pick one up.
Operators hate flying their jets empty, so they often offer these flights at discounted rates of up to 75% off. This means you won't have complete flexibility in terms of timing or destination. Still, if you're open on your schedule, it's a dream to book a private plane.
One thing many people don't realise about chartered jets is that they come with multiple seats. Most private jets have between six and eight seats, and light jets are not uncommonly equipped with eight to ten.
This means that if you split the charter private jet costs, you may be looking at a per-person price that is on par with or less than what you would pay for first-class tickets.
If you're considering a group getaway, destination wedding, or work retreat, chartering a private jet becomes more practical when you spread the cost over time. Plus, you all skip the airport queue and get the party started early.
Try Subscription-Based Services or Jet Cards
If you travel frequently or have flexible travel needs, jet card memberships or subscription-based services can be an attractive entry point into private travel.
Jet card memberships enable travellers to pay a fixed amount per flight hour in advance, locking in a rate for the duration of the membership, and come with various benefits, such as complimentary upgrades and priority access.
Subscription-based services operate similarly, offering a monthly or annual membership in exchange for a specified number of hours. If you're going to book a private plane several times a year, jet cards or memberships can save you serious money over the long term.
Go for Lighter Jets and Off-Peak Routes
It's the little details that make all the difference. Everything, from the length of your trip to the type of aircraft and the day of the week, will affect the price. Suppose you're flying somewhere for a weekend or traveling to another city within the country.
In that case, you can shave serious costs by going with a turboprop or light jet instead of a heavy or long-range plane. This rule also applies to flights midweek or during shoulder seasons.
Be flexible with your options, and prices will multiply. Charter brokers can help you navigate all these decisions and match your needs with the right-sized plane without overspending.
Work with an Experienced Broker Who Knows the Industry
A good charter broker is your secret weapon. They aren't just salespeople; they're insiders in the industry. They know which operators are offering special deals, which ones have empty legs coming up, or even how to reroute flights to get you where you need to go more cheaply. They also handle all the heavy lifting and logistics work, ensuring that everything runs seamlessly for you.
Share your budget and request options. You'll be surprised how many ways there are to book a private plane without spending like a film star.
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This story is published in partnership with Platinum Jets.
