When it comes to elite air travel, there’s nothing quite like flying private, and whilst there’s no denying the luxury that comes with First Class commercial travel, for many, there is no contest.
Nevertheless, private flights have attracted some criticism over recent years due to being considered a less environmentally friendly choice than opting for a scheduled flight instead, so why are many of the world’s wealthy still favouring them? Well, the good news is that private air travel has come a long way in terms of offsetting their carbon emissions and thanks to the latest science and technology innovations, advanced materials and designs have made them considerably more eco-friendly than they once were.
Still, the question of whether to splurge on a private charter plane or treat yourself to a First Class commercial flight remains a hot topic. If you’re on the fence about which way to go for your next getaway then keep reading as we break down some of the key differences between the two to help you make the decision more easily.
Convenience and flexibility
For the world’s wealthy, life is often very busy and every minute is precious, which means convenience and flexibility are key considerations when it comes to deciding how to travel.
This is where private air travel excels, with passengers able to charter planes in accordance with their own schedules to ensure that take off and landing times are perfectly aligned with their needs and commitments. Unlike commercial flights, private jets are unrestricted by schedules and flights can often be arranged quite last-minute. Not only that, but the number of airports available to those flying private is far greater than when travelling via commercial airline, allowing you to fly into smaller regional airports that may be closer to your destination rather than being limited only to major hubs.
It’s a level of flexibility that simply can’t be matched by commercial flights, and one of the major reasons many high-net-worth-individuals refuse to travel anything but private.
Comfort and privacy
First Class commercial travel offers a level of opulence that can make both short and long-haul flights more enjoyable, with lie-flat beds, gourmet cuisine and silver service all often included in the ticket price. But even the most exclusive level of commercial air travel is no match for the experience on offer to those chartering a private jet, with lavish environments and personalised services exceeding all expectations.
Although Business and First Class seats on a scheduled flight offer more space and a greater level of comfort than those in Economy class, they still mean travelling in relative proximity to strangers with minimal privacy, while on a private jet, you and your guests have the entire plane all to yourselves. Lavish interiors, customised seating and highly personalised service means that every element of every flight is of the very highest of standards, and offers a level of privacy that commercial flights simply can’t.
Exclusivity and personalised service
On that note, the level of personalised service on offer when flying private is a major selling point in itself. There’s no waiting for other passengers to be served before they get to you – you are always the top priority and you can be certain that your every need will be met from the moment you set foot on board, to the moment you arrive at your final destination.
When travelling commercially, options can be somewhat limited even in First and Business Class, so if you have specific or complex dietary requirements then at times you may find yourself having to make do with what’s available. When you charter a private jet on the other hand, a special menu can be prepared just for you, ensuring that you get to enjoy delicious cuisine and your favourite drinks throughout your journey.
Many wealthy travellers also choose to fly private because doing so is seen as a symbol of status and a showcase of wealth. After all, it’s a privilege few can afford and there’s just something about being able to charter a private plane that makes some feel like they’ve made it.
Baggage and cargo limits
There are often some restrictions on the amount of baggage and additional cargo you can take when flying with a commercial airline. Most flight tickets come with a certain amount of baggage included, and although you can purchase extra allowances, the fees for doing so are often high.
If you’re transporting your pets then chartering a private jet is a far superior option and will ensure that the experience is less stressful for them as well as for you. If you need to take any specialist or sensitive equipment with you along on the journey then being able to keep sight of it on board a private jet or if it is in the hold, knowing there is no chance of it getting mixed up with anyone else’s luggage provides additional peace of mind, ensuring a smoother and more seamless flight without the worries that sometimes come with flying commercial.
The bottom line
For the elite traveller, there’s no contest between commercial and private air travel. Chartering a private plane offers a superior experience in every way, and promises fast, efficient and convenient travel whenever you need it.
