The Privileges and Perks of Flying Private In 2024

The notion of flying on a commercial flight even in business class does not particularly appeal to everyone, especially when flying private remains one of the most luxurious and comfortable ways to travel. There are many reasons why some people choose to fly privately and these may include efficiency, privacy, safety, or to chart the celebration of a very a special occasion,
reports Thomas Hughes.

Commercial airlines are able to fly to approximately 550 airports around the world, whereas private jets are able to utilise in excess of 5,000 airports. Commercial airlines are focused primarily on increasing their profits by cramming more passengers into each aircraft, which can increasingly result in more negative travel experiences over time.

Flights taken by private jet, do not have to adhere to the most profitable path of travel, because there is no dependency on the volume of jet passenger tickets sold. As the number of low cost commercial carriers increases, if your preferred location isn’t popular with the wider base of travellers, then options can be restrictive. With the ever-expanding plethora of choices available for flight services, the allure of private jet travel is leading to several changes affecting both private jet owners and charter clients in the industry. Flying private and flying business class are methods of transport that each require a considerable sum of money for the privilege of boarding, but are significantly different.
 

One of the fundamental differences that becomes immediately apparent when comparing for the first time is prioritisation. When flying commercial the schedule revolves around the airline, but when flying by private jet- the entire flight schedule revolves around you. Chartering a private jet enables you to have the freedom to decide the time and destination of your flight, travelling in an environment that is customised to meet your bespoke requirements.

The seating layout within most private jets resembles a high-end lounge room, where you have the complete liberty to roam from one seat to the next throughout the duration of your flight. While the main focus of private aviation has been on high performance, efficiency and safety, interior jet design has evolved considerably over the years to address the changing requirements of elite passengers. Today’s private jet owners are creating custom-made interiors which function as flying offices with high quality materials that are adaptable for business, pleasure, or both. The chance to shape every jet interior detail based on your own particular preferences can be very exciting; from a plush bedroom to a state-of-the-art entertainment system, the only limit its your imagination.
 

Is your preference classic or contemporary? Would you like hand-stitched leather seats? Mood lighting? Luxury interiors? Designer fragrances? What about your favourite meal from a Michelin star restaurant? Would you like to bring your pets with you in the cabin as you fly private? These varied and creative options are obviously not on the menu with commercial flights. Moreover, your holidaying experience begins as soon as you arrive at the private jet lounge, where you can relax immediately with no risk of losing valuable items, being separated from friends and family, or ever having your flight cancelled. Reliability is also a critical factor here- not being able to attend an important meting just because a cancelled flight is a risk that many people are not willing to take, and there are no limits to productivity as there would be on a commercial flight.
 

TIME-EFFICIENT AND TAILORED

Getting an early night’s sleep to be able to get up at 4.30 am in the morning and frantically rush out of the house to catch your scheduled 8.30am flight bound for New York, is not particularly appealing in comparison to being able to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time, grabbing a quick coffee and croissant, before being wheels up! While flights need to be arranged in advance- as long as a few days of notice are given, your flexibility of travel is unmatched, because your private jet pilot would already have followed through with all the pre-flight arrangements. When flying private, you have complete control, benefitting from plane side valet parking and can step onboard as soon as you arrive. Travellers can even make suggestions on flight routes, should you be in the know about beautiful, exotic landscapes that offer a simply unmissable view from the window seat.

Conversely however, even first and business class passengers must remain within the regulations and time frames established by commercial airlines. The comparatively frenzied experience of flying commercial may be cost-effective in the short term, but will eat into the only asset that is more valuable than money- time. With as much as two whole hours of potential waiting time being a possibility with scheduled commercial flights, time savings and convenience are benefits that many consider to be priceless in our busy world, and being able to set your own schedule instead of being confined to the timetable of a commercial airliner is an issue that warrants serious consideration. When flying commercial, one must think about security lines, crowded airports, long hours of flight time and layovers.
 

Flying private is far more economical for executives for whom time comes at a premium; the privacy and convenience of being able to hold private business meetings, work efficiently and accomplish critical tasks mid-flight while having your every need catered for, are privileges that unfortunately can never be accommodated on a commercial flight. From departure to landing, there actually is no faster way to travel than by private jet, because you will find yourself dealing with far fewer delays at the airport and the overall trip is shorter than a commercial flight, due to the eradication of waiting times and myriad of jet airport locations. There are also not as many restrictions on using mobile phones on a private jet as there are with commercial flights.
 

It will become increasingly possible to fly green while flying in style. The private aviation sector is adopting sustainable practices to mitigate its environmental impact, and one of the most effective strategies for reducing the carbon footprint for private aircraft is the development and adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs), which are specially designed fuels adhering to stringent sustainability criteria that result in lower greenhouse gas emissions when compared to conventional jet fuel.

Moreover, electric planes may be the future of sustainable aviation, promising to completely redefine air travel, with manufacturers developing advanced electric aircraft capable of zero-emission flights. These would also significantly reduce noise pollution and operating costs as a result of lower energy expenditure. The Lilium Jet announced plans for their first manned flight this year and the aircraft possesses an advanced electric propulsion and unique cell technology that outshines competitors with an impressive range of over 135 nm (250Km).
 

EVEN MORE LUXURIOUS

if you have reached a certain level of success in your career where restrictive travel options are no longer a possibility, it is probably time to upgrade to ownership of your own personal jet! Private aviation offers successful but acutely time-poor business executives unprecedented access to the world and helps to expand influence exponentially, while squeezing extra hours of productivity into already long days. Private jet services are significantly customisable to be perfectly tailored to individual comfort and preferences, enabling you to enjoy the experience of travelling only with those whom you feel comfortable. Meeting business deadlines and increased productivity, spending more time with family and significantly reduced levels of stress, are benefits which make chartering your own aircraft an intelligent decision. While it may seem more cost effective to fly commercial, in some instances chartering a private jet can make a whole lot more sense.   EG