We have all been there, waiting in an hour-long queue just to get a security check done before boarding a plane; travelling by air is certainly not as relaxing as it cracked up to be. By the end of the boarding process and after putting up with all the hassle of commercial flights, you are hardly able to hold on to your last bit of patience, but you might ask, what other option do you have?
Well, if you have a little money to spare, chartering a jet plane can resolve all these hurdles for you. Besides, you can maximise your efficiency by minimising your travel time. Dining on gourmet meals and being wrapped up in lavish comforts high above the ground will also make travelling a breeze for you.
If you are intrigued by the idea of travelling in style, read on to find out what you need to do to join the exclusive club of private aircraft travellers.
The travel duration determines the cost
It might seem like a no-brainer, but the more distance you cover, the more costly it will be, similar to commercial flight. The type of aircraft you choose and the number of passengers on board might also decide the expense. It can cost you up to €1000-€8000 per hour for hiring a private jet. However, if you settle for an empty leg flight, the cost will be significantly less. You can also book a single seat on a private jet. If you compare the price with first-class travelling with your group in a commercial flight, hiring a private jet will seem a much wiser idea.
You need to pick the right aircraft
If you are an aircraft enthusiast, you certainly know how many types of jets are available for flying. The very light jets (VLJ) are the smallest of jet aircraft available out there. If you are planning on a three-hour flight with less than four passengers, VLJ is a good option. Mid-sized cabin jets are suitable for long haul distance; they can offer you up to five hours of uninterrupted flight. If you want to go a little overboard with luxury, you can choose biz liners; they are the epitome of lavish travelling. From ensuite showers to the cocktail lounge, you can indulge in all sorts of creature comforts in these aircraft.
You have to book the flight early
Most of us might assume you can get a private jet whenever you want, and the agency will manage you one right away. While it can be manageable for some, booking a flight on the day of your travel is not wise. Booking well in advance will give you the flexibility to choose a suitable aircraft and customise the service according to your liking. Besides, it will provide enough time for the pilot and crews to be prepared for the trip. To get a wholesome travelling experience, book your private jet flight at least two weeks in advance of your travel.
You need to follow private fliers etiquette
Travelling in a private jet requires you to be familiar with some specific etiquette. For instance, you might want to tip your pilot after the flight, which you wouldn’t even dream of in a commercial flight. It’s because private jets are more service-oriented, and you will personally get to know your pilot before you take off; tipping is a polite display of gratitude for the pilot’s service. One more thing to consider is to avoid being late for your scheduled flight; even if the entire flight is booked only for you, respect the pilot’s and crew’s effort to be there on time.
The bottom line
Chartering a private jet is the happy middle ground between buying a private plane and flying in first class. While commercial flights test your patience with their lacklustre service and whimsical schedule, hiring a private jet is your best option. Besides, being cooped up with hundreds of other passengers in a narrow cabin might not be your ideal scenario for travelling during this pandemic. As per statistics, travelling in a jet, without the line in security check, luggage pass-through, can reduce the risk of Covid-19 by around 30 per cent. Apart from the added safety, let’s not forget about all that you can indulge in to satisfy your desires while flying in a private jet.
Now that you have some idea of what it entails to hire a private jet, are you ready to get on with your first private flight?
